From shopping carts to medical beds, castor wheels are practical additions that help many objects move seamlessly. These small yet powerful items play a pivotal role in various industries, gliding through spaces and giving ordinary objects extraordinary grace.
When browsing online, you can buy caster wheels for various applications. They’re available in robust materials and varying weight limits, so they cater to the demands of different spaces, from offices to industrial settings. The materials of these wheels vary to accommodate different environments and use cases, ensuring durability and longevity. From industrial-strength wheels capable of bearing substantial loads to lightweight options for everyday use, the spectrum caters to your diverse requirements.
Things to Consider When Buying
Load-Bearing Capacity
Your wheels are the backbone of whatever they're carrying, whether it's a sleek office chair or a heavy-duty machine. Their load capacity determines how much they can handle without buckling under pressure. It’s recommended to go for wheels that can carry at least 25% more weight than you think they'll have to. When you choose an option with a load capacity that comfortably exceeds your anticipated weight, you give your wheels a safety net. They can handle unforeseen bumps in the road, extra weight from that unexpected shipment, or the occasional overenthusiastic colleague hopping on your office chair during a meeting.
Size
The diameter of your castors plays a crucial role in how well they can handle different terrains. Larger wheels are like off-road tires – they can tackle uneven surfaces, bumps, and obstacles with ease, making your roll feel like a smooth cruise. On the flip side, if you're mostly rolling around on a flat, smooth surface, smaller wheels might be perfect for your business. So, think about what you'll be rolling on – if it's a mixed terrain of carpets, tiles, and everything in between, consider a middle-ground diameter.
Material
Another crucial factor to consider when you’re looking to buy casters is the material they’re composed of. If you’re using them indoors, you want materials that can handle the polished floors or cosy carpets without leaving a mark. Soft rubber or polyurethane are some great options – they're like the slippers of wheels, adding a touch of sophistication to your indoor roll. On the other hand, if you’re using your outdoors, you’ll need a tougher material. Hard rubber or even metal wheels are more suitable since they can tackle gravel, concrete, and whatever else Mother Nature throws their way. If you're wheeling and dealing in a heavy-duty industrial setting, metal or nylon are some other fantastic options.
What are the Different Types of Castors?
Before you buy castors online, you should know that there are two main types available:
- Rigid: Sometimes called fixed wheels, this type of wheels can only move forward and backward;
- Swivel: This type comes with a raceway that enables the wheel to spin. The raceway is essentially the cylindrical section that holds a disk.
In the conventional swivel caster setup, the raceway is held together by a bolt or rivet called a kingpin. The kingpin in this design is under a lot of pressure, particularly from the vibrations that occur when the gear collides with objects or is dumped with large weights. This is why the kingpin is frequently the cause of failure for conventional swivel castors.
Braking Systems
Single and Dual-Side Brakes
Instead of requiring the operator to repeatedly bend over to apply the brake, these brakes use a foot pedal that’s on the side of the wheel. Single-side brakes are ideal for medium-sized heavy-duty castors. These pedals are among the most ergonomic options on the market. They also work incredibly well to hold a load motionless.
When looking through castors for sale, those with dual-side brakes are great for heavy-duty locking. These are among the most economical for businesses with limited resources. To deliver dependable and efficient holding control, the operator pushes the brake on both sides. Like single-side brakes, these are most effective with loads that are not too heavy.
Face Contact Brakes
These brakes are excellent for handling large objects. They offer a greater holding power, which they generate through a threaded rod that presses a plate onto the wheel's running surface. You need to tighten the brake shoe against the wheel tread to operate this kind of brake. Although it has strong braking power, it's not as comfortable to use as the other alternatives. It works well for castors with thicker treads, but it’s not a good option for shock-absorbing wheels.
Brakes Using Pneumatic Poly Cams
One great thing about these brakes is that you can adjust their tread pressure according to your preferences. When you activate them, the polyurethane cam applies direct pressure to the wheel's running surface, providing braking power even under heavy loads. They accommodate bigger pneumatic tires by providing greater and smoother movement. You can engage and release them with ease using your foot. This is particularly effective for large loads that demand a lot of shock absorption but also need strong brakes to remain still.
Wrap Around Brakes
If you use heavy-duty castors that rotate to transfer loads, you probably know how challenging it is to align your wheels in such a way that you can access the brakes. With wrap-around brakes, you can access them from any angle, regardless of the wheel’s orientation. This can minimise frustration while saving time and keeping your workers safe.
