With so many different types of casters and wheels available, from light- and medium-duty casters to more heavy-duty varieties, it’s important to choose the right type for your specific application. Although picking a caster may seem like a small decision, you can avoid expensive maintenance, product failure or replacement costs by choosing the right type the first time. The material handling experts at Casters, Wheels and Industrial Handling, located in Farmingdale, NY, explain several reasons why it makes sense to do your research to find the caster that’s right for you.

An important reason to examine your caster options is that certain type of casters are better suited to specific applications, and you want to make sure you have the right type for your needs. For dollies and furniture uses from 25 to 200 pounds, light-duty casters are typically used. Medium-duty casters are used for carts and dollies between 200 to 1,000 pounds. Automotive applications, tow lines, and industrial uses in excess of 1,000 pounds require heavy-duty casters.

Another reason to investigate casters before you buy is to avoid purchasing the wrong bearing type. Bearings reduce friction as well as make your device easier to move around, so choosing the wrong type can result in bearing failure or reduced mobility. Research will also help you avoid the risk of impact loading. This occurs when a caster hits an obstacle that results in excessive g-forces, causing caster failure. Make sure the casters, wheels and bearings you choose can accommodate a higher load if there is a possibility of impact loading in your application.

To ensure optimal caster performance, explore what material you will need. If the caster will be used in an area with extreme temperatures, such as an oven or freezer, choose a caster made from a material that operates well under these temperature extremes. You should also research the best type of caster to use for the speed of your application. A hand pushed cart requires a different caster, wheel and bearing type than a machine pulled cart that can travel at five miles per hour or more.

The factory trained caster professionals at Casters, Wheels and Industrial Handling will help you choose the right product for your needs. Call them at (631) 650-0500, email them at sales@cwih.com or stop by one of their two New York area showrooms. Visit their website to view their caster and wheel selection and determine the right one for you!