18 January 2016

Tips On Choosing Light And Medium Duty Industrial Casters And Wheels

By Frank Wallace


There are diverse categories of casters available for selection. The material that makes them and the type of job they are used for influences their performance. Before embarking on the purchasing process, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of your job needs. The major properties to consider when choosing caster is whether brakes are available or not, wheel type, loading capacity, and swivel or fixed type. Buying light and medium duty industrial casters and wheels is an important decision that requires keen eye for details.

Disastrous results are what you get when you choose casters that have wrong wheels. In case, most of the hallway is carpeted, a soft one should be used. Moderate -rough surfaces such as concrete and cement require hard types. Extremely rough surfaces such as sand and gravel require rolls that are installed with bigger footprints. The best example is the pneumatic wheel that has high speed, and stability.

The bigger footprints prevent sinking, and making ruts. The floor is damaged when wrong types of wheels are used. It will require much effort for it to roll since it has trouble in rolling on the rough surfaces. To save on energy and time using the right type for its specific job is advisable.

Casters, which originate from Colson, are referred to as enforcers. The raw materials used for their manufacturing are abundant in large quantities. They have ability to resist extreme temperatures. Example of materials used for designing includes Performa rubber, cast iron, and phenolic resin. The wheel size can have a diameter of six, eight or twelve. When the finishing is done by zinc plating, the casters become attractive and durable. Shock and elongation associated with kingpinless are prevented by fitting kingpinless swivel design.

The extreme temperatures are favorable for rust accumulation and wearing. However, specific grease that has properties to neutralize the high temperature effects is designed. The type of brakes selected influence the effectiveness of the wheel, and caster in general. The brakes are of different kinds and configuration. Directional lock categories make sure the swivel is retained in its place, the wheel brake eliminates rotation while the stop brakes perform overall functions. Other brakes include the side lock and top lock that prevents tread wear complication, which usually affects the braking system.

The Shepherd Z series is a caster appropriate for institutional use. They possess a twin ball bearing channel design, and a labyrinth channel to prevent dirt and moisture from getting in. The model combines both total and directional lock. The stainless steel type has a long lifespan. Medical equipment, utility carts, and foodservice facility require sleek design, stable, and quality glass. The wheel bearing requires to be precisely sealed.

Fixed and swivel caster causes much confusion during the buying process. Knowing advantages and disadvantages of both can influence the decision that is made. Swivels have easy maneuverability, and can move sideways. Therefore, they can damage the wall easily when they slip. On the other hand, the fixed ones can comfortably move in a hallway.

Cost is a mandatory consideration during the selection process. Buying what you want and managing to save a significant amount of the total cost is recommendable. Bargaining power is important during the purchasing process since most dealers keep their prices open.




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