Equipment

Types of Casters & Wheel Guide

4/7/21
Grainger Editorial Staff

A caster is an assembly that includes a wheel and a mount. Casters support and make it easy to maneuver carts, racks, dollies and other equipment. Casters come in different materials, wheel diameters, tread widths, load ratings and overall heights to give your equipment mobility in many kinds of work environment.

To help determine which type of caster best fits your needs, think about these questions:

How heavy are the loads that these casters will need to support?
Is the working environment wet or oily?
Is exposure to chemicals or corrosives a concern?
What temperature range will the casters be exposed to?
What floor or surface type do you need to maneuver across?
Are aesthetics or noise reduction a concern?
Are brakes needed?
Will the casters be used for powered towing?
Do you need certifications in CA Prop 65, NSF for food service use or other standards?

Maneuverability: Rigid Casters, Swivel Casters, Kingpinless Swivel Casters

When considering maneuverability, there are two basic kinds of caster: rigid casters and swivel casters.

A rigid caster, also known as a fixed caster, is only able to roll forward and backward.
A swivel caster has a raceway that allows the wheel to turn. The raceway is the cylindrical portion of a swivel caster containing the ball bearing track or tracks.

The traditional swivel caster design relies on a kingpin, which is a bolt or rivet that holds the raceway together. In this design, the kingpin is subject to high levels of stress, especially from the shocks that result when the equipment runs into obstacles or when heavy weights are dropped onto it. Because of this, the kingpin is a frequent failure point for traditional swivel casters.

A kingpinless caster is a special type of swivel caster with a raceway that is not held together by a bolt or rivet. Stress is distributed more evenly, which means that kingpinless casters typically last longer than traditional swivel casters. They are recommended for powered towing applications because they can better withstand the stress caused by turning at speed. They are also better at handling shock forces such as rough terrain, obstacles and drops. However, kingpinless casters typically have a higher initial cost than traditional swivel casters.

Rigid and swivel casters can be used in different configurations for different applications:

The most common caster configuration uses two parallel swivel casters and two parallel fixed casters. This gives the cart good turning and straight-line travel capabilities.
Carts with only swivel casters are easy to move in any direction, which is useful for maneuvering lighter loads in tight locations, but they are hard to control. Swivel locks on two of the casters can make straight-line travel easier in this configuration.
Four rigid casters in a diamond pattern can be a cost-effective arrangement. In this configuration, the central pair of casters on the left and right sides is typically slightly taller than the pair on the front and back sides. This makes the cart relatively easy to turn and pivot when the load is arranged over the central fixed casters.

Caster Wheel Materials and Dimensions: General Characteristics

Wheel materials and dimensions are important to consider when selecting casters. What a wheel is made from, and how large or small it is, influences how easily it moves (which in turn influences the ergonomics of the cart) , how durable it is, how much noise it makes and more.

Carts with wheels made from harder materials will generally be easier to get moving than those with wheels made from softer materials. That's because wheels made from harder materials have lower starting resistance, especially as the weight of the load increases. Starting resistance is the force the must be overcome to put the wheels in motion when they're at rest. Wheels made from harder materials also have lower rolling resistance, which means it takes less force to keep them moving at a constant speed.

Wheels made from softer materials are generally quieter and more comfortable to use because they transmit less vibration. They can also help preserve soft floor materials, such as hardwood or tile, which might be damaged by a harder wheel.

Comparing Wheel Hardness: Shore A, Shore D, Brinell

In general, rubber casters are softer than plastic casters, which are softer than metal casters. The hardness of specific casters is rated using three scales:

The Shore A scale is used for softer rubbers.
The Shore D scale is generally used for harder rubbers and plastics.
The Brinell scale is used for metals, which are given a Brinell hardness number (BHN).

Within each scale, higher numbers indicate harder materials.

Wheel Dimensions

The diameter and width are the two measurements that give the dimensions of the wheel. The diameter is the height of the wheel. (The total height of the caster includes the wheel and the mount.)

In general, wheels with greater diameter and width have lower starting resistance and rolling resistance—it's easier to get them moving and keep them moving. They can withstand heavier loads, and they are generally quieter.

However, wheels with greater diameter also give the cart a higher center of gravity, which can make it less stable, especially with heavier loads stacked higher on the cart.

The chart below summarizes how wheel material and dimensions can generally affect equipment performance.

	Load Capacity	Starting and Rolling Resistance	Noise	Comfort for Person Pushing the Load
Harder Wheel Materials	Higher load capacity	Easier to start and to keep rolling	Noisier	Less comfortable
Softer Wheel Materials	Lower load capacity	More resistant to starting and rolling	Quieter	More comfortable
Larger Wheels	Higher load capacity	Easier to start and to keep rolling	Quieter	More comfortable
Smaller Wheels	Lower load capacity	More resistant to starting and rolling	Noisier	Less comfortable

Caster Wheel Materials: Specific Characteristics

This chart describes the characteristics of many caster wheel materials.

Wheel Material	Characteristics
Cast iron	High-capacity and abrasion-resistant for easy rolling and long service life on concrete. High-temperature options available.
Ductile iron	Superior resistance to breakage, cracking and chipping for long service life in the most severe applications.
Forged steel	Nearly indestructible in normal applications and long service life. Used where floor protection is a secondary consideration, or for use on steel plates.
Glass-filled nylon	Will not chip, absorb water or break down in caustic environments. High-temperature options available.
Monoprene	Rejects debris while offering the same great features as a pneumatic wheel without going flat.
Neoprene	High resistance from oil and chemicals while providing sufficient cushioning to substantially lower or eliminate shock, vibration and noise levels.
Nylon	Withstands solvents, corrosive environments and temperature extremes.
Phenolic	Floor protective and highly resistant to oil, grease, gasoline and mild acids. Recommended for use on smooth concrete. NR for wet applications or use over rough surfaces. High-temperature options available.
Polyolefin	Lightweight, one-piece solid sanitary design suited for use in wet and corrosive applications.
Polypropylene	Resists absorption and withstands most chemicals and solvents.
Polyurethane	Easy-rolling wheels cushion loads, protect floors and offer superior chemical resistance.
Rubber	Long-wearing wheels provide floor protection and quiet operation. Includes pneumatic, semipneumatic and flat-free options.
Stainless steel	Strong and durable design. Ideal for use in wet, corrosive or sanitary environments.
Steel	Provides strength and shock resistance with long service life and economy for use in rough service conditions.
Thermoplastic rubber (TPR)	Chemical- and water-resistant. Absorbs shock and protects floors while providing easy rollability. High-temperature options available.
Vulkollan	Highest quality polyurethane. Extremely durable with excellent abrasion resistance. Easy to roll.

Wheel Material and Floor Compatibility

This chart indicates how different wheel materials perform on different floor materials: excellent, good, fair or not recommended (NR).

	Finished Wood Floor	Finished Concrete Floor	Concrete Floor	Ceramic Tile	Vinyl Asphalt Rubber Tile	Oil, Grease, Solvents	Alkaline – Inorganic	Metal Chips on Floor
Forged Steel	NR	Fair	Good	NR	NR	Good	Fair	Fair
V-Groove Forged Steel	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	Good	Fair	NR
V-Groove Iron	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	Good	Fair	NR
V-Grove Polyurethane	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	Good	Good	NR
Cast Iron	NR	Fair	Good	NR	NR	Good	Good	Fair
High-Temperature Phenolic	NR	Excellent	Excellent	NR	Fair	Fair	Fair	Fair
High-Temperature Nylon	NR	Excellent	Excellent	NR	Fair	Fair	Fair	Fair
Polyolefin	Fair	Excellent	Excellent	Fair	Fair	Excellent	Excellent	Fair
Hard Rubber	Good	Good	Good	Fair	Fair	Good	Good	Fair
Soft Rubber	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Rubber on Aluminum	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Rubber on Cast Iron	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Thermoplastic Rubber	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Pneumatics	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Fair	Fair	NR

Caster Load Rating

The load rating of each caster adds to the overall capacity that can be supported. Each caster represents an incremental increase in load rating capacity. To find the load rating for each caster that is necessary for your application, divide the weight of the load—including the weight of the cart itself—by the number of casters.

For a safety factor, remove one caster and divide the weight of the load to get the load rating for each caster. Consider a higher safety factor for powered towing and for use outdoors or in areas where the wheels may roll over tall obstacles.

How to Measure Caster Wheels and Casters

Measuring casters and wheels on existing equipment can help you find appropriate replacements. When measuring, collect the following information for all casters:

Overall height
Wheel diameter
Wheel width
Swivel radius (the horizontal distance between the center of the raceway or kingpin and the furthest edge of the wheel)

Unique dimensions will also need to be collected for each mounting type (plate, stem, bolt hole).

Caster Mount Type

There are three basic types of caster mount:

Plate: Attaches using bolts through designated bolt holes in the top plate.
Stem: Uses a stem as the attaching device.
Bolt hole: Stemless caster where a standard bolt is inserted into the hole and bolted to the equipment.

Caster Plate Types and Bolt Hole Spacing

There are four basic caster plate configurations. This table shows how to measure the plate size, inside bolt hole spacing and outside bolt hole spacing for each configuration.

Caster Stem Dimensions

For the dimensions of a caster stem, measure the stem length, the stem diameter, the hole location and the hole diameter.

Caster Stem Types

Common types of caster stem are shown below.

Friction Ring

Threaded

Grip Neck

Two Friction Ring

Round

Square

Octagon

Expanding Adapter

Threaded Ladder

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between caster brakes and caster locks?

A: Caster brakes and locks help control the mobility of the wheel in different ways:

A caster brake prevents the wheel from turning, helping to keep the equipment in place. Caster brakes are not designed to stop moving equipment and are not intended to be used on ramps or inclines.
A directional lock, also called a swivel lock, prevents the caster wheel from swiveling while still allowing it to roll, which is helpful for straight-line travel.
A total lock prevents the caster wheel from swiveling and rolling, helping to immobilize the equipment.

Q: What's the difference between pneumatic, semi-pneumatic and flat-free casters?

A: Pneumatic, semi-pneumatic and flat-free casters provide different levels of cushioning against shocks and vibration, and they also differ in their susceptibility to damage and their maintenance requirements:

A pneumatic caster wheel has a rubber tire filled with pressurized air, making it more cushioned and quieter, but also susceptible to punctures and flats. Typically pneumatic wheels are used for low-speed, human-powered applications.
A semi-pneumatic caster wheel has a rubber tire with thick walls around a non-pressurized pocket of air, providing cushioning without the possibility of going flat.
A flat-free caster wheel has a solid rubber or polyurethane wheel that still provides some cushioning.

Q: Are forged wheels stronger than cast wheels?

A: To make cast iron wheels, the metal is heated until molten and poured into a mold to give it shape. To make forged steel wheels, the metal is heated until it is flexible but not molten, then shaped under intense pressure, cooled and machined into their final shape. Although cast metal wheels are very strong and durable, forged wheels are typically even stronger and more durable.

Q: What's the difference between starting resistance and rolling resistance?

A: When a cart is at rest and you want to get it moving, you are working against its starting resistance. When a cart is in motion and you want to keep it going, you are working against its rolling resistance. It's usually better for starting resistance and rolling resistance to be low because that means it take less effort to move the wheeled equipment around. In general, wheels that are larger and harder have lower starting and rolling resistance.

Q: What is a caster's swivel radius?

A: The swivel radius is a measurement indicating much space a caster needs for the wheel to fully swivel. To measure the swivel radius, start at the center of the kingpin or swiveling raceway, and measure the horizontal distance (in other words, parallel to the floor) between that point and the wheel's farthest edge.

The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.