We ask so much of our casters. At times we want them to start rolling with minimal effort on our part, then to keep rolling on and on, never slowing till they arrive at their destination.
At other times we want them to do exactly the opposite! We want them to stay locked in one position, and not roll at all. And then, when the time is right – we expect them to transition from rock-solid stability to free-flowing motion once again.
These two extremes are a lot to ask of any piece of material handling equipment – but the leading caster manufacturers represented by Douglas Equipment manage to pull it off. They offer multiple styles of brakes for all of their caster lines, from the smallest light duty casters to giant industrial behemoths capable of supporting 10,000 lbs. each.
When Choosing Caster Brakes, You Have Options
Most of our caster manufacturers offer their casters with and without brakes. When you pick a caster for your situation, you will typically select a particular model and style that meets your requirements. Your next step will be to choose the type of brake for that caster. The brake is usually pre-assembled with the caster; many are also available as retrofit kits, which you can attach to casters that you are already using.
In the article below, we’ll give a brief description of the different styles of brakes. This should help you understand the choices available, when you look at casters and brakes from Colson, Albion Casters, Hamilton Caster, or any of the other companies whose casters we sell.
There are two main methods for applying brake pressure to prevent casters from moving.
- Pressure Against the Hub – stops the wheel from turning, by applying a force against the side of the hub.
- Pressure Against the Tread – prevents the wheel from turning, by pressing a brake pad directly against the wheel’s tread.
Each of these methods has variations, as we’ll describe below.
Brakes that Press Against the Side of the Wheel
Many methods are used to apply a braking force against the side of the wheel. For example, the caster’s forks can be pushed together; a cam can apply a side force to the wheel; a threaded bolt can be turned to push a pad against the wheel’s hub.
These brakes are usually operated by a foot pedal. They can be applied or disengaged with the press of a toe. Movement can be easily initiated; and the caster can be locked in place just as easily. Variations include:
- Single Side Brake – The foot pedal is located on one side of the caster. Pressing down on one end of the pedal will apply a force against the wheel’s hub. Lifting up on the pedal, or in some models pressing down on the other end of the pedal, will release the force.
- Double Side Brake – In this variation, there is a foot pedal on each side of the caster’s wheel. This allows the brake to be engaged or disengaged from either side of the caster.
- Wrap Around Brake – Instead of the one-foot pedal, or two, this style has a metal bar that completely encircles the wheel. Pressing on one end applies braking pressure to the side of the wheel; pressing on the other end releases the pressure. By wrapping around the wheel, the user can apply or release the brake no matter which way the caster is facing.
- Hand Operated Brake – Rather than foot operation, this style of brake consists of a T-handle that is rotated by hand. As the handle turns, it threads through the fork toward the wheel’s hub, and applies a side force to the hub that stops the wheel from turning.
Side locking brakes are convenient to use, and do a good job of preventing caster motion.
Brakes that Press Against the Tread of the Wheel
These brakes apply pressure directly to the wheel’s tread, or “face” of the wheel – which is why they are often known as “face contact” brakes. By using different combinations of brake pad material, foot pedals, cams or threaded shafts, brakes can be designed to fit a broad range of application situations.
For example, by selecting rubber brake pads for use on rubber or elastomeric wheel tread material, it’s possible to obtain tremendous holding pressure. For extremely high temperatures, steel or stainless steel brake pads can be specified; these will stand up to the heat, where rubber brake pads would not.
When the caster must be used in wet environments or be washed down by harsh chemicals, face contact brakes are available that are made entirely from engineered thermoplastics.
Sometimes it’s necessary to stop the swivel motion of the caster, as well as the rotation of the wheel. Most manufacturers make a version of a total lock brake; these combine a swivel lock mechanism and a face contact brake, and can lock the wheel and swivel in any position.
Floor Locks – Brakes that Push Against the Floor
The final brake variation we will discuss is not part of the caster at all. Floor locks mount near the caster. Foot pedal operation extends the leg of the floor lock, which presses against the floor and elevates the load just enough to take the caster out of play. Pressing the release mechanism will retract the brake, allowing the caster to roll once again.
Which Brake is Right for You? Call Douglas Equipment to Find Out!
All you have to do to find the right caster brake is to pick a caster manufacturer, a model of caster they make, the appropriate size and material – and then choose from the brake options that are available for that caster. If you would like help and expert advice in finding your way through all of these choices, please call the experts at Douglas Equipment. We can be reached toll free at 800-451-0030 (or 305-888-3700 in the Miami area). You can a
