FAQ

Empowering you to find the right solutions to your caster related business needs is our goal. Below are some common questions we receive to help provide you with more information. Remember, our highly knowledgeable and helpful staff is standing by for you, so please call today for any and all of your caster needs.

Casters

I do not know the make or model of caster I have; can you still assist to get the proper replacement?
Definitely! We pride ourselves on helping our customers find the right solution for their specific need. Simply call us and we will help you determine the right caster for your application.

What is the best wheel to use on rough surfaces?
First rule of thumb is: the larger diameter wheels the more easily it will travel over rough floors or outdoor surfaces. However, if larger diameter wheels aren’t feasible for your set up, using a more resilient material such as soft rubber or polyurethane should be considered as options that will provide flex and absorption.

What type of caster wheel is needed to protect your flooring?
Protecting floor conditions is a very important factor in determining the proper caster. Make sure the wheel you select is large enough to pass over cracks in the floor, tracks, moldings and other obstructions. Hardwood floors need a much different wheel type than cement in order to prevent damage. For example, for added protection on linoleum, tile, and carpet consider using polyurethane or rubber wheels.

What type of caster should I use if I have both carpet and hard surfaces?
Generally, you would use a hard wheel on carpet and a soft wheel on hard floor surfaces. Wheels made of Polyurethane or Rubber work best on hardwood floors. If you roll over both carpet and hardwood, consider polyurethane, which is compatible with both.

Does whether a cart is pushed or pulled affect the choice of casters?
Yes. Choosing the caster that is best for the application is also determined by how the unit is moved. Ergonomic casters are designed to provide an ease of rolling for manually pushed units. Different bearings are options for powered units to provide length in life of the casters. Speed also comes into play when selecting casters.

How fast can a caster or wheel be towed?
Towing speed can have a great effect on which caster or wheel product is right for you. Towing applications can be prone to heat buildup and pre-mature wheel failure. You’ll notice some of our wheels and casters have been noted for towing applications and may have received ratings for different speeds such as 3, 6 or 10mph. These make excellent choices when towing.

Does the environment in which the casters will be used make a difference?
Yes. Environmental factors such as; water, oil, acids, corrosive materials, or temperature greatly affect the proper choice of caster. There are a variety of wheel options that are designed for uses under a variety of conditions. For example, casters used in the food industry (meat packing plants, dairy plants, etc.) are exposed to continuous steam cleaning, heat and moisture. It is important that stainless steel caster wheels are in place. These wheels withstand the demands of this industry and provide anti-rust protection.

What difference do wheel materials make?
Wheel materials have certain characteristics, which will provide the best results where unusual conditions exist. For example, where acids, oils, chemicals and other harmful conditions to rubber are present, polyurethane, polyolefin, phenolic or steel wheels are recommended. When in doubt, let us know about your conditions and concerns and we will help you find the right wheel or caster for your business.

What is the highest temperature that various wheel materials are able to endure?
Forged Steel: 800 degrees Fahrenheit
Cast Iron: 800 degrees Fahrenheit
Phenolic: 300 degrees Fahrenheit
High Temp Phenolic: 475 degrees Fahrenheit
Polyurethane: 130 degrees Fahrenheit
Mold on Rubber: 180 degrees Fahrenheit
Nytech-MD: 200 degrees Fahrenheit

How important is the total load that the casters will need to carry?
It is very important to understand the load capacity when determining the right casters for your application. When selecting the proper caster remember that the heavier the load, the larger the wheel required for the caster. The weight of the load also influences the mobility of the wheel. Roller or ball bearings are recommended for loads over 400 lbs.

How do I determine the total load being carried?
Simply take the weight of the load being carried and add the weight of the cart together. Take that total and divide it by three, that will give you the minimum rated load capacity each caster should have. This is also applicable for carts where a four-caster configuration is desired. (Division by three instead of four is due to the fact that three points make a plane, as well as that uneven floor surfaces frequently require three casters to carry the entire load.)

Why do my casters flutter and shake?
Flutter or shimmy is a result of only three casters carrying the load. Caster flutter can be a problem that disrupts the flow of business. The speed at which the caster flutters depends on the amount of weight being put on the caster and the trailing distance. One way to eliminate flutter at moderate speeds is by increasing the trailing distance, which is the distance between the steering joint and the wheel axle. This can be sufficient for some industrial facilities and warehouses. For higher speed caster flutter, adding washers to the swivel joint is often the best way to increase friction and eliminate flutter.

What difference does a bearing make for my application?
Choosing what bearings to use is an important decision. Whether you want a wheel that is to be towed, one that is easy to roll, or one that might not ever have to roll should be taken into consideration. Roller bearings carry heavier loads. Ball bearings roll easier but carry lesser loads. Whenever possible, use the largest ball bearing wheel for best results.

Do your capacity specifications assume 4 casters will be used, or are the loads indicated per caster?
Our weight capacity specifications are the maximum recommended weight per caster.

How do I determine whether I need swivel or rigid casters or a combination of both?
Determining the number of swivel and rigid casters is necessary to ensure the proper mobility of the unit. More swivel casters provide ease when moving the unit into tight spaces. A unit using all swivel casters will be difficult to push long distances.

What is the “swivel lead” of a caster?
Swivel lead is the distance from the vertical centerline of the swivel section to the vertical centerline of the wheel.

What is the “swivel radius” of a caster?
Swivel radius is the radius of the space measured from the vertical centerline of the swivel section that is required to allow a caster to swivel 360 degrees.

How should casters be mounted?
There are a variety of mounting alternatives for various casters such as: Plate, Stem, Hollow Kingpin, etc. When selecting the caster, be sure to have the appropriate measurements of the mounting device.

How can I measure a mount bolt hole?
An easy way to measure the depth of a mount hole is with a pencil. Remove an old caster, insert the pencil into the hole in the chair, and mark the depth with your thumb; remove and measure.

How long should I expect brakes and locks to last?
There is no set amount of time that is why it is always important to check brakes and locks for proper operation. Apply brakes one at a time and attempt to move the equipment to make sure that each brake is not slipping or loose. If brakes slip due to worn or damaged wheels, replace the wheels immediately, and retest the brakes. If the brake mechanism itself is not operating properly, repair or replace it. Always retest brakes immediately after repair or replacement, before returning the equipment to use.

How often should I lubricate my casters?
Develop a consistent lubrication schedule. Under standard working conditions, grease fittings need to be lubricated every six months. However, if used in a corrosive or wet application it may be necessary to lubricate the fitting more often.

Ordering and Fulfillment

Is there a minimum order?
No. Your order is important to us no matter how large or small.

Do you offer price breaks?
We automatically upgrade all orders to a 3-day delivery absolutely free, so not only get you the product when you need it but pass those savings on to you.

What is your lead time?
Most items ship immediately. In cases where additional time is necessary, we will provide an expected delivery date and expedite shipping at our cost.

How do I pay for my order? What payment methods are accepted?
We accept checks, credit cards, and cash. Payment terms will be as agreed to when the account was set up.

How do I set up an account with you?
Accounts can be set up on line using our credit application or we can handle the setup by phone, fax or email.

How do you handle shipments?
We ship using a variety of methods to best satisfy your requirements.

Does your price include shipping?
No. Shipping is additional.

How do I know when my order has been shipped?
You will receive an email notification containing all shipping information, including tracking number.

Can I order online using a shopping cart?
We have an online store offering a portion of our over 500,000 parts. This site provides a sampling for easy reference. Phone ordering is encouraged so our sales representatives and customer service specialists can help you find the ideal caster for your application.

Do you answer calls or do you have a call center?
Your call is important to us. So much so, you won’t get an auto attendant or a switchboard, but an actual person who will personally help you, so please call 866-547-8090 for any and all of your caster needs.

If I receive my order and find that the casters do not work for me, can I return them?
If any product does not satisfy your needs, it may be returned within 30 days of order receipt for a product refund. Simply contact your sales representative or customer service specialist and we’ll help you get the right product. If a defect is ever found, the product may be returned for a replacement or refund.