Casters are available with or without brakes. In relatively tame indoor applications like smooth, flat floors, mild temperatures, and lightweight loads – you may not need brakes. In slightly more challenging situations like moderate forces applied from the side, simple brakes might be enough.
For example, a bedside tray table in a hospital must roll into position, and then lock in place to resist the light force applied by the patient. In another example, a rolling workbench might need to lock in place, and resist the pressures applied by workers. In either example, almost any caster brake available might satisfy these requirements.
More difficult circumstances demand that you carefully analyze your brake requirements, and make the best choice. One of the most challenging applications for casters and brakes is rough, sloping terrain. The slope increases the force that tends to push the load downhill; the brake you choose must resist this force.
5 Things to Consider when Selecting Brakes for Casters
When you choose casters with brakes, you have many options.
- Weight– How much force will the brake have to hold? Brakes are available with capacities ranging from a few pounds, to hundreds of pounds, and up to thousands of pounds.
- Ease and Convenience – Most brakes are actuated by pressing a foot pedal with your toe. The specific configuration of the foot pedal affects how easy it is to use. Some pedals are mounted on the side; some are in line with the wheel, and accessible either from the leading edge or the trailing edge. Be sure that the configuration you choose will be easy to use in your particular situation!
- Environmental Extremes – Perhaps you’ve specified casters that resist corrosive environments, moisture or temperature extremes (both cold and hot). Be sure that the brakes you choose for your casters meet the same specifications. For example, if you need stainless steel casters, then you may need stainless steel brakes.
- Factory Assembled or Field Installed – Perhaps you’ve discovered you need brakes on casters you already have. Many casters have a kit available to field install brakes.
- Replacement Brake Pads – Some casters have rubber-like brake pads that provide a firm braking grip. What happens if these pads wear out over time? Some manufacturers sell replacement brake pads to solve this problem.
In the next section, we’ll look at a specific caster available at Douglas Equipment, and see how the considerations listed above can be met.
Brake Options for Colson 4 Series Casters
Let’s consider Colson’s 4 Series Casters with 2-inch wide tread, and the many different brake options available.
- 4 Series Top Lock Brake – This is a cost effective brake. It applies braking force to the top of the wheel, and is activated by a side-mounted foot pedal. With a capacity of up to 1,400 lbs. each, it provides reliable braking in many different operating conditions. You can install the Top Lock brake on 4 Series casters you already have or you can order it as an option with new casters.
- 4 Series Tread Lock Brake – The Tread Lock brake is an excellent choice, with capacities up to 1,500 lbs. each. The foot pedal is in-line with the wheel, and is toe activated. Once engaged, the brake applies positive force through its rubber-faced plate. With this “rubber-on-rubber” contact, the braking force is outstanding. As an added bonus, the brake pad is replaceable, which can significantly extend the life of the brake. The Tread Lock brake can be ordered with new casters, or installed in the field with a retrofit kit.
- 4 Series Total Lock Brake – If you want to lock both the swivel and the wheel, in any position, then this is the brake for you. The foot pedal is positioned in line with the wheel; its low angle design provides very easy foot access, providing convenient operation. The Total Lock brake resists corrosion and rust, because it is constructed of highly durable thermoplastic materials. This brake can be ordered as an option with new casters. It has a capacity of up to 1,250 lbs. each.
- 4 Series Side Lock Brake – This brake has several unique features. It has a larger foot pedal than many other brakes: with better foot placement, the brake is easier to operate. The foot pedal can be actuated from either end, which adds to the brake’s ease of operation. Unlike other brakes that press against the wheel’s tread, the Side Lock brake applies its locking force against the hub of the wheel. Each brake can securely hold loads up to 1,400 pounds. You can specify the brake as an option when you order 4 Series casters or, you can order a brake kit for casters you already have, and field install the brake. If your environment requires stainless steel casters, the Side Lock brake is available in stainless steel.
- 4 Series Tech Lock Brake (Swivel and Rigid) – To meet the harsh demands of wet or corrosive environments, the Tech Lock brake is made from extremely durable, lightweight engineered thermoplastics – with an operating temperature range from -30 to +250 degrees. The brake is easy to activate, with toe operation. Each brake will securely hold loads up to 1,250 lbs. The brake pad is compatible with many wheel types, and features an advanced pad design. The Tech Lock brake has only two moving parts, which means it is virtually maintenance free. You can order the brake as an option with new casters, or purchase a kit to field install the brake on existing casters.
We’ve covered a lot of choices. Now let’s talk about how to make some decisions!
Call Douglas Equipment – We Have All Types of Casters with Brakes!
At Douglas Equipment, we have thousands of casters, and many brake options for each. Let the experts in our customer service department help you narrow down your choices, and find the ultimate solution for your brake requirements. We can be reached toll free at 1-800-451-0030, or 305-888-3700 if you’re in South Florida. You can also contact us online through our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!
