Logistics and transportation firms are primarily concerned with the efficient movement of heavy duty and heavy weighing goods. These firms handle large weights because they are experienced in loading, unloading and transporting from a cargo hub such as a dock or warehouse to a business. They require heavy duty casters to handle the intense workload. Therefore, it’s important that they purchase the correct type of casters and wheels to make sure that there is no disruption during the moving process. At Douglas Equipment, we’re experienced in providing heavy duty solutions for firms providing heavy duty transportation and logistics. We are based in South Florida and provide casters and material handling equipment for the U.S, the Caribbean, and South America. We are well acquainted with shipping ports, cargo bins, and the transportation of heavy objects across long distances. We have been in business since 1955, and have developed quite a bit of expertise when it comes to the large variety of casters and moving equipment we provide. Our company sells a large number of our products to the hospitality, hotel, moving, and hospital industries, but also believe that residential customers should have a chance to receive quality casters and moving products as well. Our casters are of the highest quality and our prices are the most competitive. With our depth of experience and large inventory, you will never need to shop anywhere else.
Wheel Height and Size
One factor that a logistics and transportation company must consider is the height and size of the wheel. When moving heavy loads, it’s important that the caster have the lowest profile possible. This helps lower the center of gravity of whatever heavy object the caster is supporting. When this happens, a mover has much more control over the motion and mobility of what is being transported. Another factor to consider is the wheel size. A wider wheel is far more preferable than a narrow wheel. The wider a wheel is, the greater the control and stability provided by the caster. For example, a pneumatic or semi pneumatic wheel is great for lighter loads because it has a high wheel size and can roll over uneven ground. This wheel would not be good for heavier loads, however, because it would be unable to provide the stability that a heavy load requires. Additionally, a pneumatic wheel is filled with air to cushion the load from shock. A heavier load like the ones typically handled by logistics firms would break this type of wheel. When looking for a caster for this kind of application, you will want to consider the following products:
HA/HB Series Caster
This caster will provide excellent heavy moving support for loads that are roughly 2,000 lbs to 3,000 lbs. One thing that is important to consider is that the capacity of these casters depends, in some degree, on the material the wheel is made from. Two important things you should consider about your work environment is whether or not flooring protection is necessary and if noise is a factor. Some of the most resistant caster wheels will not provide flooring protection and may leave scratches, marks and other types of damage on floors not designed for industrial environments. These casters can also create a fair amount of noise and would not be good in an environment where absolute quiet is necessary.This caster has a heavy forged steel top plate. The legs are also made out of the same material. It has a 1 inch Kingbolt integrated into the top plate and a tapered bearing for the kingpin. This allows great mobility and free swiveling, however, it’s rugged enough not to be as vulnerable as most swivel plate casters. Since wheel width is desirable to keep as much control over the heavy load as possible, the wheels are 2 ½ inches wide. The legs are also welded inside and out.
There are three standard options for the wheel:
• Steel – Steel is highly impact and abuse resistant. It can take a heavy load and transport it with no problem. This and the other wheels should be effective and excellent in warehouse and other industrial environments, but should not be used in some commercial and residential applications where floor protection is necessary.
• Cast Iron – Cast Iron is another material that is shock impact resistant and extremely rugged. It too should only be used in a warehouse or similar setting.
• V-Groove – The V-Groove gets its names from the wheel’s design for track or floor operation on an inverted angle iron track on a production line. The wheels have reinforced sections at maximum stress points. This is a great wheel for heavy duty moving, but purchasing this option means that you are committed to using the iron track in your working environment.
8 Series Caster
This is one of the best casters on the market today. It comes with a capacity that goes as high as 6,000 lbs. It’s extremely shock impact resistant and abuse resistant. The wheels on these casters are designed at a minimum of 2 ½ inches and can be as wide as 3 inches. The fork legs on the caster were robotically welded on the inside and outside. Additionally, the caster is lubricated with multi-temperature grease. This makes this caster particularly useful in working environments with extreme temperatures.In addition to the cast iron, steel, and V Groove options mentioned above, the caster has other wheel materials you may select from.
If floor protection is a concern, the following options can be particularly helpful:
• Performa Rubber – The Performa Rubber wheel rolls easily and is highly durable like a hard tread wheel. It rolls quietly and protects the flooring like a soft tread wheel. It’s resistant to chemicals, water and steam.
• Phenolic Resin – This wheel is made of a resin and macerated fabric. It’s quieter than both steel and aluminum wheels and offers great floor protection. It’s impact resistant and resistant to moisture and a wide range of chemicals.
• Hard Rubber – The hard rubber wheel is better than a soft rubber wheel because it offers the floor protection that the soft rubber does not.
• Moldon Rubber – Moldon rubber is rubber that is bonded to an iron core. This is a good wheel for cargo since it features shock and vibration absorbent properties. This wheel is also very quiet.
• Polyurethane – This is considered one of the strongest and most durable wheels on the market. The wheel can be bonded to either an iron core or a polyolefin core in the 8 Series caster. It offers floor protections and is resistant to oil and grease.
Customer Service for Logistics and Transportation Companies
At Douglas Equipment, we believe in robust customer service and support. We’ll make sure that whatever questions you have will be answered by an expert. We train our service staff to be knowledgeable and courteous, so you will always get the answer you need. We’re dedicated to the idea that all our customers should be repeat customers. Your success is our success. Contact us online or, if you’re local to South Florida, call us at 305-888-3700. National customers can call us at 800-451-0030.
