When it comes to our climate, the USA is a pretty diverse place. You have the scorching warmth of Florida and California, the deadly dry heat of Texas, up to the bone-chilling cold of Wisconsin, New England and even Alaska.
When it comes to a diverse climate, any caster manufacturer needs to understand that making just a single ‘one size suits all’ type of caster is never going to be enough. A caster that runs with incredible effectiveness in desert climates is hardly likely to perform with maximum efficiency in freezing climates, or in warehouses close to the ocean. If you work in a specific climate, then you’re going to need a specific type of caster. Or will you?
Some companies have worked hard to construct the perfect caster – one which will ‘rock and roll’ in any climate you care to come up with (except, perhaps the moon – we’ll leave that kind of caster manufacturing to NASA)!
Here are the top 3 casters that can be used in any climate.
Most Versatile Types of Casters for a Wide Range of Climates
1. Colson Casters 6 Series Evolution
This caster really is ‘the boss’ when it comes to casters that can be used in any climate. This is one of the toughest casters you’ll find anywhere, and another thing that makes it so attractive is that it’s mostly maintenance free – this caster can really look after itself!
For harsh environments – either hot or cold – this caster is guaranteed never to let you down. The caster has a precision radial bearing that’s a little larger than normal – 3.5” in diameter, in fact. The bearing is sealed on both sides, which means it swivels smoothly. The forks are also designed with durability in mind – it’s an ergonomically friendly caster that can comfortably handle heavy loading. Plus, it’s easy to start and stop any load, no matter the weight. You can almost effortlessly transport any load over any kind of surface, even on raised or uneven surfaces.
We described this caster as maintenance-free and that’s because it is! The ½” hollow axle has a grease zerk fitting and is filled with Colson‘s unique ‘Colson 45’ lubricant. This substance provides lubrication no matter what the environment is like. So your Colson caster is guaranteed to perform at a very high standard for its entire lifetime.
2. Albion’s Nylon Wheels
Choosing the right type of wheel when you’re selecting the right type of caster for hot or cold environments can be an issue. Metal wheels expand when it’s hot and contract when it’s cold. This can lead to rolling problems. Some plastics can become brittle in the cold and soft in the heat, which can drastically reduce their lifespan.
One solution to these issues is to purchase nylon wheels as manufactured by Albion. Founded in 1947, Albion is recognized as one of the truly experienced companies in the USA when it comes to the manufacturing of casters and material handling equipment.
Albion’s nylon wheels have a range of capacities from 600 – 7,000 lbs., and they have a strong resistance to corrosive and caustic environments and extreme temperatures. Wheel diameters range from 3” – 10”, and tread widths from 1 3/8” – 3”. As well as their usual, standard range of highly-effective nylon wheels, Albion also manufactures nylon wheels specifically designed to work in temperature extremes. Customization options are available for specific applications too, and you can select from a variety of treads so that you can receive the perfect caster to suit your needs.
3. Bestway Casters – Hi-Temp Phenolic Wheels
Phenolic resin is a synthetic polymer, or a kind of plastic. It’s used in a number of applications, and is noted for its strength and durability. It is especially suited to be used for caster wheels, which is why Bestway Casters uses this material to make caster wheels that are suitable for use in extreme temperatures.
Bestway’s ‘High Temperature Resistant Wheels’ will give you excellent, reliable service at temperatures as extreme as 475°F, and some specially-constructed wheels can withstand temperatures up to 525° F. They are suitable for cold environments as well. Wheels are available in diameters from 3” – 12” in diameter. They also come in a variety of hub and bore length sizes.
Complete with roller bearings, these wheels are manufactured using a unique Phenolic compound that makes them highly resistant to high temperature extremes, and are a much more appropriate choice than steel, which has a tendency to expand in high heats. Bestway manufactures a range of suitable casters and you have a choice of threads to complete their effectiveness for your specific application. These Phenolic wheels are able to cope with a variety of load capacities from 400 – 1,100 lbs.
Make the Right Choice for Casters in Extreme Temperatures
To be honest, the vast majority of casters are manufactured specifically to work in ‘normal’ environments, and internal environments at that. If you work in extreme climates, then you will find that making the wrong choice when it comes to your casters could create a significant disadvantage for you and your business. Choosing the wrong casters will not roll properly, and you’ll be wasting money by having to replace your ineffective casters on a regular basis.
Fortunately, help is available, thanks to the caster experts at Douglas Equipment. Just explain your situation along with the solution you are seeking, and we’ll help you make the right caster choice. You’ll save money by choosing us as your caster supplier because through our years of experience, we’ve likely encountered the exact problem you’re facing!
To speak to a member of our expert team, simply pick up the phone and dial 1-800-451-0030. If you prefer, contact us by using our online contact form today!
