Before choosing casters, you must know what type of wheel you need. Swivel and rigid wheels are not the same things. They have different features and functions. To choose the right caster, you should consider the kingpin less and total lock swivel radii.
Compare The Differences Between Rigid and Swivel Wheel Casters
When purchasing casters, it’s essential to understand the differences between rigid and swiveling wheel types. In general, rigid wheel casters are more stable and have less drag than their swiveling counterparts. Rigid casters are also cheaper and easier to manufacture. They’re also less likely to break down and easily replaced if damaged. They’re also a good option if you need to move objects from point A to point B in a smooth manner. A wheel mounted in a set of forks that doesn’t turn is a rigid or fixed caster. Rigid casters can move objects forward and backward in a straight line but cannot be steered. While this reduces the cargo’s maneuverability, rigid casters are more durable and capable of supporting heavier loads than swivel casters. To ensure a smooth track when using all rigid casters, it’s crucial to ensure that they line up properly. Tilt-mount four rigid casters in a diamond pattern with the center wheel being slightly larger than the front and back so that the truck can rotate on the center wheels for an affordable configuration for trucks and carts carrying light loads; however, this arrangement cannot shift laterally. Pallets can be moved with the help of rigid casters and a mounted push stick.
The caster type is the most significant difference between the swivel and rigid wheel casters. A rigid wheel caster can only move materials and equipment in one direction. That’s why they’re a good choice for workspaces where space is limited. On the other hand, a swivel caster can move in any direction and can support heavier loads.
Typically, rigid wheel casters are the cheaper option, but swivel casters are the most maneuverable. Swivel casters have many moving parts and can be difficult to lock into place. A swivel caster with brakes is easier to control.
Swivel wheel casters have different features. A swivel caster has a swivel bearing in the center, while a rigid one has no bearing in the center. As a result, swivel wheel casters can turn 360 degrees within their frames. They can also handle more weight than a rigid wheel caster.
Find Out If You Need Kingpins to Swivel The Caster
Kingpinless swivel wheel-based casters are less complicated than traditional swivel casters. Instead of a kingpin that binds the two sections together, this caster uses a top plate, an outer race, and ball bearings. There are no moving parts to malfunction because the kingpin is not a factor in this type of caster.
Kingpinless casters are easier to adjust and are often better protected against failure. They are also more robust, meaning they can handle heavier loads. In addition, kingpin-less casters have a more comprehensive top plate to prevent the caster from tipping over.
Kingpinless swivel wheel-borne casters are a common choice in industrial environments. This is because they have low maintenance requirements and last up to two-to-three times longer than conventional swivel casters.
Traditional swivel casters are prone to failure due to shock loading and rough terrain. Dropping heavy loads puts enormous stress on the kingpin. This force is transmitted through the caster, where the wheel and legs resist the impact. Over time, the heavyweight will deform, and the ball bearings can become trapped between the plate and the race.
Find Out If You Need a Total Lock Swivel Caster
If you want to increase wheeled workstations’ stability, consider investing in total lock swivel casters. These casters feature a brake that activates when the wheel swivels. This prevents the wheel from rotating or swimming around within a narrow range.
Total locking stainless casters are made of stamped steel and are typically made of three-quarter-inch wide wheels. They feature a 3/8-inch-diameter axle and a single 1/2″-diameter rivet. A total locking swivel caster also features two ball bearings and a solid cover to protect the bearing from dirt and debris.