Wheel Wiser FAQ

Understanding the load rating is the first step in specifying an industrial caster. Industry best practices involve taking the maximum load to be moved and dividing it by the number of casters minus one. For example, in the case of a four-wheel material handling cart, the calculation of caster capacity required would be: Caster Load = Maximum Load Being Moved ÷ Three Casters (N-1). The second consideration is whether the material load will be manually pushed or moved mechanically with a tow motor or motorized caster. Powered and towed carts are generally driven at higher speeds over greater distances, which requires different wheel materials for optimal lifespan. Thirdly, what environmental concerns exist? Understanding if the caster will be exposed to foreign object debris (FOD) or debris on the factory floor, high temperatures from furnaces or paint lines, or external elements from outdoor applications ensures the correct caster design and specification for optimal ergonomics and caster wheel life. If the casters are for existing or similar applications in your facility, it's important to determine what has caused the need for replacements. This will help decide if maintenance-free casters are the best solution, eliminating the need to grease the caster.

The load per caster is not simply the total load divided by the number of casters, as the load is often unevenly distributed. In most applications, the load is centered over at least three of the casters, meaning each caster should be able to handle one-third of the total load.

The diameter of the caster wheel significantly impacts mobility. Generally, larger wheels roll more easily.