Choosing the Appropriate Caster for Your Needs

How can you choose the right caster for your products? There is one simple formula that can provide you with a general answer. Simply add the load weight to the weight of the truck, and divide that number by the number of casters that will be used. For example, if your weight total is 3200 pounds and you will be using 4 casters, then each caster will bear a weight of 800 pounds. This is a good general number to start with. However, it is also important to take into consideration several other elements related to your casters, including:

What is the average load you carry at your facility?
What is the maximum load you carry at your facility?
In what environment will the casters be used? Are there weather restraints, space limitations, waters, acids, oils, excessive temperatures or moisture levels, or corrosive materials that must be taken into consideration?
What wheel diameter will provide your truck with the necessary mobility?
What type of wheel do you need to protect your floors?
Will the truck be hand-pushed?

It is important to remember that safety is the utmost factor in determining the casters that are right for your business. Strength and durability mean little if you have not considered the manner in which loads are dropped onto trucks. For instance, is care taken with each load, or are your employees dropping each load roughly onto the truck? If so, you will need casters with a higher weight-bearing capacity.