What to Consider When Buying New Castor Wheels for Industrial Products
If your company owns hand trucks, heavy toolboxes, furniture movers, or any type of equipment on castors or wheels, you don't need to replace the entire piece of equipment when one of those castors breaks. These wheels are typically very easy to replace on their own, so that your equipment is up and moving like new again in no time. You might even upgrade the castors to something stronger and more durable when you do replace them, so your pieces are easier to manage. When you're ready to buy new castors, note a few details that you should factor into your decision, so you're sure to get the right castor for your equipment.
Ramp use
If you will be rolling an item up and down a ramp, you want secure castors that won't twist and pull away from you, potentially toppling your equipment off the ramp, and taking you along with it. Opt for rigid castors that don't swivel for these pieces, but if you must have castors that swivel, choose two rigid for the front or back, and then only two other swivel castors. This will mean more handling and better control of the equipment on a ramp, while still being able to turn it as needed.
Weather
If your facility is often exposed to extremely cold temperatures, or the castor will be used in a freezer or cooler, you might avoid a plastic castor, as this material can get brittle in very cold weather. Metal or rubber will be more durable against extremely cold temperatures and will be unlikely to crack or chip.
Floor
For concrete floors, avoid soft rubber castors, as this material may not glide very easily against such a hard surface. Metal castors may cause damage to carpeting, and rubber or plastic castors may get damaged if run over a rough surface, such as a gravel-covered parking lot. If the equipment you're rolling might run through liquids, consider rubber castors with a deep tread design, for added traction. Rubber is also recommended if you're transporting electrical equipment or might run over electrical cords, as the rubber can help to ground any electricity or electrical shocks.
Noise
When moving equipment in hospitals, offices, and other such areas where you might prefer to stay as quiet as possible, opt for soft rubber or coated plastic, and avoid metal castors. Metal can easily squeak and squeal, especially when run over solid surfaces, whereas rubber especially will absorb sound and keep the castors as quiet as possible.
Share