There are a wide variety of rigid casters to choose from. All of these can leave you feeling overwhelmed. The goal is to find a wheel that works for your application. Here are some of the rigid types and when they would be good for a business.
Heavy-Duty
Often, these will have a king-pinless top plate that allows them to handle loads of up to 1,500 pounds per wheel. You can find heavy-duty casters with up to eight-inch wheels made from various materials, such as rubber, polyurethane, cast iron, and phenolic. Each of these options works best with different floor types and working conditions so that you can pick the best option for your shop. For instance, many manufacturers will need to think about how their wheel materials perform in extremely hot or cold conditions.
The rigid models will have a thick top plate, so you don’t have to worry about bending. Additionally, many come equipped with locking wheels, so you won’t have any machinery rolling away. Heavy-duty casters are often used for automotive production, food processing, and material dollies.
Medium-Duty
These casters are often known for being made from stainless steel, which is a favorite for rolling over sensitive floors. Additionally, the top plate on these is still made from high-quality steel, so you don’t need to worry about them bending. If your equipment has legs, this is the strength that will have stem installation options. They are also equipped with a locking mechanism, so you don’t need to worry about your equipment moving. Typically, this strength can handle up to 1,200 pounds per wheel. Medium-duty casters are often used in hospital, pharmaceutical, and food preparation facilities because they can be manufactured from stainless steel which is easy to keep clean and is resistant to caustic elements such as chemicals, cleaning agents, and steam.
Low Profile
While the low profile option can only handle up to 900 pounds per wheel, it is great for shops to move equipment without worrying about it tipping over. This is because the low profile provides a lower center of gravity that offers increased stability. While these wheels are only available in smaller sizes, you can often pick between rubber, phenolic, and steel. These characteristics make this option perfect for moving fragile materials or expensive electronics.
Your goal should be to find a caster that works for your application and can withstand your environment. This ensures that you find something that lasts. Be sure to consider these types and their various characteristics when looking for these casters.