Wheel caster  are an important part of a piece of equipment that allows it to move from one area to another. These vital pieces of industrial machinery are prone to wear and tear, so it’s important that they’re checked regularly for flaws and maintained properly in order to prevent costly downtime or complete breakdowns.

Wheels & Yokes

A caster is an assembly of a wheel, a fork, and hardware that keeps the caster on the object it’s affixed to. There are a variety of types of casters, including swivel casters and rigid casters.

Rigid casters are used to transport heavy loads that need to be moved in a straight line. These wheels are typically attached to a base plate with stems, but can also be bolted or welded to a structure.

How to Maintain and Extend the Life of Your Caster Wheels

Swivel casters allow the wheel to rotate 360 degrees, making it easier to move the load in any direction. They can also be locked in place by accessories, such as caster locks.

Choosing the Right Caster Wheels

The key to selecting the right caster wheels for your application is understanding what you’re trying to accomplish. Consider a variety of factors, including the type of equipment you’re using, where it will be placed (i.e., indoors or outdoors), the amount of weight that will be rolled on it, and the surface on which the wheel will be rolling.

For example, if you’re looking to move something over high pile carpet, a smaller wheel with a tread that’s more durable might be a better option than a bigger wheel with a softer tread. The wheel’s diameter and tread width are also important considerations.