Douglas Equipment and the Colson Caster Corporation – two companies whose combined business experience totals more than 190 years! Colson got their start in 1885, manufacturing carriages and tricycles, and started focusing on casters around the turn of that century. Douglas Equipment began operations in 1955, distributing casters and material handling equipment.

Douglas Equipment has been an authorized distributor of Colson casters for decades. Over the years, our customer service representatives have become experts at helping our clients choose the best casters for their application. With Colson now offering more than 200,000 different standard caster models, chances are that for most clients, we can identify a standard Colson caster that will suit their needs.

Even with so many standard models available, our clients often have unique situations, and need something more than a standard caster. Many of these clients come to us with the expectation that they will have to work with the caster manufacturer, to develop a custom caster solution.

Indeed, it’s often the case that a custom designed caster is the best answer to a client’s needs, and we have extensive experience working with our manufacturers’ engineering departments. After talking with our clients to understand their situation, we then communicate with the engineering staff, to produce custom-designed casters.

Before we do, though, we first point out to our clients that Colson makes several varieties of specialty casters, to handle unique and demanding applications. Many of these specialty casters initially began as custom designs, which proved to be so popular that Colson added them to their standard catalog. Our clients are usually very happy when we can show them casters that will work well in their application – but are also standard parts.

Then we’ll describe four of Colson’s specialty casters, each designed for particularly demanding applications.

Casters for Heavy Business Equipment

When searching for casters to be used on heavy business equipment like vending machines, computer racks, or server cabinets, part of the challenge is finding casters designed to support heavy loads, but with small wheel diameters – because often one of the goals is to restrict load height.

Fortunately, within their line of specialty casters, Colson makes Business Machine Casters. These casters can support loads of 500, 700 or 1200 lbs. They have 3” thermoplastic wheels that are extremely tough, and can support high dynamic loads, while also resisting hard impacts.

Business Machine casters have a corrosion resistant zinc finish, and double ball raceways that are hardened. They can operate from temperatures of -45°F to 180°F. Also available are rigid, brake and other finish options.

Casters for Hand Trucks

For our customers who are designing convertible hand trucks for material handling equipment, or who simply want to replace the casters on convertible hand trucks that they already have, we often recommend Colson’s Convertible Hand Truck Casters.

These casters can support up to 250 lbs. each, and feature an attractive and durable zinc-plated finish. They are compatible with many brands of convertible hand trucks, including Wesco and Magliner.

The 5” TPR wheels have a tread width of 1 5/16”; the tread is rounded, for maneuverability. The wheels ride on centered precision ball bearings. A polyolefin thread guard is available, as is a top lock brake. (Note: the brake is not field installable. It must be ordered at the time of purchase.)

Maintenance-Free Casters for Harsh Towing Applications

For customers who are looking for casters that are maintenance-free, and used in demanding towing applications, such as are found in the automotive, tire manufacturing and aviation industries, Colson manufactures Evolution Casters.

Evolution casters were designed specifically for dynamic towing applications. The precision swivel raceway is maintenance-free. The precision radial bearing, at 3 ½” in diameter, is quite large. It is sealed on both sides, which gives an exceptionally smooth swivel.

The standard wheels have roller bearings, and a hollow axle ½” in diameter with a grease zerk fitting. Many other bearing options are available.

Tread choices for the wheels are extensive, and are available in many different materials, including Colson’s Performa, Conquest and Triumph models; several different polyurethane options, as well as phenolic and polyolefin; moldon rubber, moldon nylon, and many more.

The Evolution casters’ steel legs are formed for increased strength, and welded on both the outside and inside of the fork base. Fork legs are 5/16” thick and 2 ½” wide.

All of these features combine to make a caster that is very ergonomic. Evolution casters handle shock loads well. They start and stop easily and move over thresholds with little effort. They work reliably and function exceptionally well on uneven surfaces.

Casters for Medical Equipment, High Heat or Harsh Chemicals

Colson manufactures their Stainless Steel Precision Casters for use in medical applications, situations where the wash down of equipment is required, and for autoclave operations. All component parts are made from stainless steel, so that they can handle corrosive, punishing conditions.

The precision bearings and metal housings are permanently sealed, and maintenance-free. The swivel mechanism has zero end play. For maximum durability, the top plate is made of 5/32” stainless steel.

The durable stainless steel precision swivel raceway rolls and swivels with maximum ease, which makes these casters ergonomically friendly. The casters have 5” wheels, available in four different materials. Load capacity is as high as 300 lbs. for each caster.

Find Great Specialty Casters – Contact Douglas Equipment!

Sometimes searching for casters can seem like “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!” What do we mean?

• The Ugly – ordering custom casters, when standard specialty casters are available.
• The Bad – buying standard casters with substandard features – when specialty casters would be perfect.
• The Good – contacting Douglas Equipment, and learning about the Colson Specialty Caster that’s perfect for your application!

For help with avoiding the bad and the ugly, and finding the good – please contact Douglas Equipment’s customer service department at 800-451-0030 (or 305-888-3700 in the Miami area). Or find us online, by emailing us via our contact form on our website.