Castor wheels are an invaluable part of many applications, from moving furniture to industrial uses such as steel processing and automotive manufacturing. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. So read on if you need guidance on selecting the perfect castor wheels for your needs.
1. Start by determining the total load capacity required per castor.
Depending on your industry and what you’ll be loading onto the castors, you will need to know what weight and size of the product or material your castor needs to carry. You can do this by taking the total maximum weight of your product or material and dividing it by the number of castors you’re using minus one.
2. Select the appropriate category of castors.
Castors come in three main categories. They include the following;
- Light to medium (up to 160 kg): These wheel castors are typically used in shopping trolleys or carts, workstations, and more.
- General to heavy (up to 600 kg): Industrial castors and wheels fall under this category. These castors are used for industrial carts, warehouse racks and trucks, and more.
- Very heavy (anything above 600kg): Heavy-duty castor and wheels are used for handling heavy materials such as steel, industrial manufacturing, and more.
3. Check your flooring conditions to decide on the wheel material.
Once you have determined the weight capacity needed, you need to consider what type of wheel material is best for your application. The flooring conditions of your workplace will determine which type of wheel is most suitable for the task. Here are the types of wheel material you can choose from;
- Polyurethane
- Grey Rubber
- Nylon
- Split disc
- Super elastic
4. Pick a castor wheel size.
The diameter and width of the wheel will determine how much stability, load capacity, and manoeuvrability it can provide. Typically, the larger the wheel, the smoother its ride and easier it is to move over uneven surfaces. Smaller wheels are preferred for applications where manoeuvrability is important, such as using castors on exercise equipment.
5. Choose the right mounting option.
Choosing the wrong type of mounting option can lead to instability and/or damage to your wheels and castors. The mounting options are either plate mounting or stem mounting. Plate mounting is used for heavier loads, while stem mounting offers more flexibility when attaching the castor to a machine. Stem mount castors are also easier to replace since the stem can be easily unscrewed from its mounting base.
6. Decide on a brake accessory.
If you are looking for more stability, you may want to consider adding a brake. Brakes are great for keeping your equipment from rolling away if it is parked on a hill or incline.
Where Can You Buy Castor Wheels?
Hopefully, after reading this guide, you’ll have a better idea of what castors and wheels to choose. Reef Castor is a leading supplier, and you can either purchase a wheel or castor online or visit our branches in Pretoria West and Durban!