While the vast majority of casters are probably used on rather standard flooring and surfaces, like concrete or basic tile, there are a large number of caster implementations that are on rough surfaces or those that require special attention from the caster wheel itself. These casters need to be extra durable, with special materials that can compensate for the diverse nature of the surface on which they are used, so that they remain as useful and durable as casters used in more standard environments.
The best way to find casters for special surface usage is simply to determine the materials that they’re made of, especially as it concerns the caster’s wheel and any special materials or coatings that might be applied to the wheel during manufacturing. Before buying any caster for special needs, be sure to make a few key considerations.
Wheel Materials: How to Ensure a Caster is Fully Adaptable to Special Surfaces
If a caster isn’t destined for a piece of equipment that will be primarily rolled on concrete or other solid surfaces, it’s time to reconsider the materials used in the caster’s wheels. Generally, there are a few simple rules to follow for carpeted or uneven surfaces, largely in order to make sure that the caster keeps rolling optimally during its lifespan.
For carpeted surfaces, a caster should be chosen that comes with a solid, hard wheel. That means leaving behind things like rubber and polyurethane in favor of harder metal materials. This will help the caster navigate the higher “pile” that comes with a carpeted surface, and it will prevent the caster from getting stuck on the individual threads that make up most carpeted environments.
For uneven surfaces throughout a facility that might be a bit more uneven than the standard concrete or tile flooring option, the rules are a bit different. In this case, the best wheel to choose is one that is made from a softer material, typically rubber or polyurethane. These materials are able to more easily adapt to the floor, compensating for an uneven surface and reducing the amount of noise when in motion. They’ll also reduce the shock experienced by the equipment on uneven surfaces, preserving its functions and longevity in the process.
Choose Heavy Duty Materials for Specialty Surfaces
Uneven surfaces and carpeted environments demand the best materials from caster products. That’s because they’ll be subject to a much tougher life, full of things like shock absorption, cushioning from the carpet, and different types of movement when the equipment is in motion. Therefore, casters should be chosen only if they’re made from the toughest, highest-quality stainless steel or aluminum in most cases.
Douglas Equipment Can Help Meet Specialty Needs
With decades of experience serving customers who are shopping for new caster, Douglas Equipment has the right take on which casters are best for each kind of environment. Our professional teal has been helping customers meet their unique needs for long enough to know the best wheel coatings, and the best caster materials, for each environment. Be sure to contact us today so that we can help you decide which caster is right for the job.
