The tremendous variety of wheels that caster manufacturers make available provides a wonderful opportunity to pick a wheel that’s a perfect fit for your unique application. Unfortunately, with so many choices available, you have a not-so-wonderful opportunity to pick the wrong wheel, which can cause problems on the job.
At Douglas Equipment, we are authorized distributors for the Colson Caster Corporation. In the article below, we’ll give examples of challenging application conditions, and talk about which Colson wheels are best for those conditions.
8 Ways to Choose the Wrong Wheel
There are many ways to choose the wrong wheel for your casters. Listed below, we’ve selected eight for discussion. Unfortunately, there are even more! The ones below are simply intended as a starting point for thinking about what can go wrong – so we can avoid those mistakes, and then choose the right wheel instead.
- Wheels that can’t take the load – Colson manufactures a huge variety of caster wheels, with load capacity ratings that range from 60 – 6,000 lbs. and above. It may seem like a simple matter to calculate the intended load, and then pick a wheel that is rated for that load. However, the recommended load per wheel is specified for intermittent operations on smooth floors, at speeds less than 3 miles per hour, and with no adverse environmental conditions or shock loading. It’s easy to see how the rated load capacity may be exceeded if, for example, a cart is towed at faster speeds, over rough floors, tipping occasionally from four wheels onto three. Consider all relevant application factors when calculating the load capacity for wheels.
- Wheels that can’t take the speed – The maximum recommended load for casters and wheels is usually specified for equipment that is operated at walking speed (less than 3 miles per hour). Some wheel materials can be operated at faster speeds, with no harm – but others may suffer significant damage. For example, some polyurethane wheels can generate internal heat from the constant flexing involved while in motion. As speed goes up, heating increases, which can lead to wheel damage if polyurethane wheels are operated at an excessive speed – the polyurethane can become brittle; and the bond between the polyurethane tread and the wheel’s hub can be weakened, causing the tread to peel away from the hub.
- Wheels that can’t take the heat – Many caster wheels are specified for use at temperatures up to 180°F. However, there are applications where the wheels must function at higher temperatures than 180°F. For example, bakery ovens and hospital sterilization facilities can reach several hundred degrees. Failing to specify wheels that can function in these higher temperatures can lead to failure. Most Colson wheels are specified for use up to 180°F. Three wheel models, though, can withstand 525° intermittent service, and 490° continuous service: these are Colson’s Cast Iron, Thermo and ThermoTech wheels. These three wheels can definitely take the heat!
- Wheels that can’t take the cold – A large number of caster wheels are rated for use at temperatures down to -45°F. If the wheels must function at temperatures below this, they must be designed for lower temperatures – otherwise, premature failure will occur. Of the three previous examples, Colson’s Thermo wheel is rated for operations at -70°F; ThermoTech and Cast Iron wheels are rated for -45°F operations, as are most of the other wheels made by Colson. (Note: Endura wheels are rated for -40°F operations.)
- Wheels that can’t stand water, or steam…or both – Some wheels are not recommended for use in wet or moist environments: cast iron or steel wheels. For example, these kinds of casters may rust or corrode if water is present; and phenolic wheels should not be used in wet situations. Many Colson wheels work well in moist environments. However, if steam is involved, such as steam cleaning applications in the food service industry, several Colson wheels should not be used: Polyurethane HI-TECH, Moldon Polyurethane and Endura wheels can be used in wet environments, but are not recommended for use with steam.
- Wheels that can’t stand oil and grease – When environmental factors such as chemicals, grease and oil, or other materials are present, wheels should be chosen that can withstand the degrading effects of these conditions. For example, most Colson wheels are not affected by mild chemicals or animal fats; but if oil and grease are present, then Colson’s Performa Rubber, Moldon Rubber and ThermoTech wheels should not be used.
- Wheels that destroy floors – If floor protection is important, there are some wheel choices that can obviously be ruled out right from the start: cast iron and forged steel wheels will tear up linoleum, wood and tile floors, for example. Other wheels that should not be used aren’t quite as obvious: Colson’s Maxim, Thermo and Phenolic wheels, with their high durometer ratings, are not recommended for floor protection; neither are Colson’s Moldon Nylon wheels.
- Wheels that aren’t maneuverable – Single wheels, when pivoted, tend to drag. This can be a problem in applications that require equipment that is highly maneuverable, such as carts for medical equipment in hospitals or electronics equipment in labs. To solve this problem, twin wheel casters are often used; they work better, because each wheel can follow its own differential path through a turn. As an added bonus, dual wheels reduce the overall height of the caster, which gives improved stability, and can lower the load in applications where overall height must be limited or reduced. Colson Kick Stop casters, with their twin wheel design, turn easily in tight spots and have improved stability.
One Way to Choose the Right Wheel – Call Douglas Equipment!
With so many options available, the easiest way to avoid mistakes, and to choose the perfect wheel for your situation, is to call Douglas Equipment and speak to one of the experts on our team. We can be reached toll free at 800-451-0030, or 305-888-3700 if you’re in the Miami area. We can also be contacted online through our online contact form. We look forward to helping you soon!
