Frequently Asked Question's
Have a couple questions regarding wheels and casters? Read below for more information!
Q: What's the difference between air pneumatic and solid pneumatic?
A: Air Pneumatic is just that, an air filled tire. A solid pneumatic is the same size and configuration as an air filled tire, except that a solid pneumatic is either solid rubber or rubber with micro air pockets. If the tire/wheel has a valve stem like your car tire, it is an air pneumatic tire. If no valve stem, then it is a solid pneumatic.
Q: In caster speak, what does "Horn" or "Rig" mean?
A: "Horn" or "Rig" are two terms that mean the same thing. It is part of the caster that holds the wheel. They are often referred to as a "Swivel Horn" or "Rigid Horn".
Q: Should I use swivel casters or rigid casters?
A: If your application is using 4 casters, there are two answers to that question.
Use 2 swivel and 2 rigid if you want the ability to steer the cart, such as rolling down a hallway. This gives you greater control.
Use 4 swivel casters if you are working in small spaces and need the ability to turn the cart in a 360-degree circle.
Q: I need 4 casters to support a total weight of 1000 lbs. What size and weight capacity should I need?
A: A lot will depend on the floor surface, but generally speaking you will need a minimum of 250 lb capacity caster. However, whenever safety is a concern (such as the load tipping or falling because of a failed caster), then we need to calculate the caster load capacity based on using only 3 casters even though you will be using 4 casters. This is a good rule of thumb to incorporate safety into your project. In this example, 1000 lbs divided by 3 = 333 lb capacity casters should be used even though you actually would be using 4 casters to support the weight.
Q: I have no height limitations, should I buy small casters instead of large casters for economic reasons?
A: Not necessarily. Keep in mind, the larger the wheel diameter, the easier it will be to roll.
Q: Should I use a caster with a soft tread or a hard tread?
A: Soft tread (such as neoprene or rubber) is quieter and more forgiving when going over a rough floor such as aggregate concrete, however a soft tread such as this will tend to be more difficult to roll if there is a lot of weight involved. A hard treaded wheel, such as phenolic, or steel or polyurethane will be much easier to roll especially when a lot of weight is involved.
Q: My old casters have flat spots on the wheels. What causes that?
A: In most cases, the bearings in the wheel may have failed and therefore providing enough resistance to actually stop the wheel from rolling, so the wheel slides on the floor causing a flat spot. Also, severe overloading a caster with too much weight can also cause this.
Q: The tread on my old wheel is peeling off. What is causing that?
A: If the tread is peeling away from the wheel, the caster is more than likely over loaded with too much weight which causes the tread to separate (become de-vulcanized) from the wheel.
