At Douglas Equipment, we know how important it can be to be able to move your equipment around safely and easily. Even if this only occurs occasionally, such as once or twice a year for cleaning purposes, you want to do this without taking too much time and effort. If you want to make this job easier, we can help. We have been in the caster and material handling equipment business for almost 60 years and have a dedicated service team to help you with any questions you may have when it comes to moving your equipment around and we can even help you do it without breaking a sweat.
There are two methods that can be incorporated to make this job easier: adding casters to the equipment you want to move or using material handling equipment to make it easier to move the equipment in question. Douglas Equipment can help you with either option. Let’s explore a few solutions together!
Adding Casters to Your Equipment
Adding casters to your equipment is a commonly used method of making this task easier and can be most easily incorporated on equipment that is not extremely heavy. This is frequently used on medical equipment, electronics racks and machinists cabinets. By adding casters to your equipment you have easy, immediate movement without having to bring in other material handling equipment to help.
One thing to consider when you are adding casters is if it will be important to add a locking feature so that you can fix the equipment in place once it has been moved. Knowing that the equipment will stay safely put will give you peace of mind and when it comes time to move the item again, brakes can be easily disengaged and the equipment moved safely. Here are a few casters that could be helpful in this situation:
- Rhombus Multi-talent 357h: Apparatus casters can fulfill the need to move equipment in large canteens, hotels and restaurants. The 357h by Rhombus is a heavy apparatus and equipment caster with double ball bearing in the fork head for easy rolling. This easily maneuverable caster includes a total lock for the wheel and fork head and has capacities up to 120 kg.
- R. Wagner 4FN Pneumatic Wheel Casters: These pneumatic wheel casters by E.R. Wagner have a double row swivel construction and large raceways to provide extra long life, quiet operation, superior floor protection and a cushioned ride for delicate loads. Wheels are a soft gray tread on a silver hub, and the casters can be supplied with or without a brake.
- Blickle Series ALBS Pressed Steel Casters: Blickle manufactures these medium duty casters to include brackets made of heavy pressed steel that can be fixed or swiveled. The ball bearing caster provides very low rolling resistance, high dynamic load capacity and the wheel is non-marking and non-staining. The wheels have a die-cast aluminum centre with a tread of high-quality polyurethane-elastomer Blickle Besthane®. Load capacities range from 230 kg to 600 kg per wheel with a diameter of 80 mm to 200 mm.
- Colson Specialty Business Machine Casters: These casters by Colson feature a corrosion-resistant zinc finish, full double ball hardened raceways for better performance and greater durability. These casters feature an operating temperature rating of -45°F to 180°F and an ultra-tough, thermoplastic wheel, resists hard impacts and supports a high dynamic load. Caster capacity ranges from 500 to 1200 pounds.
Using Material Handling Equipment
When your equipment is especially heavy and can’t be pushed by hand, material handling equipment is your best choice. Even with casters installed moving large pieces of equipment could be problematic or unsafe. In these cases, it is easier to use material handling equipment to help with the job. While there are many different types of machines, let’s explore one of the most common – the pallet truck.
- Wesco Semi-Electric Pallet Truck Model SEPT: This steel frame pallet truck incorporates an electric motor that aids in propelling the pallet truck when moving while still relying on a manual hydraulic pump to raise the equipment on the forks. This is a good combination for medium sized equipment that does not require powered assist when lifting. Dimensions are Width 27”, Height 48.5”, Depth 65.75” and a capacity of 2200 pounds. The unit itself weighs 397 pounds with 10” polyurethane steering wheels.
- Wesco Light Duty Powered Walkie Pallet Truck: This 27 X 48 electric pallet truck has a steel construction and includes a large rechargeable electric unit that moves the unit while the operator walks behind manually steering the unit. Capacity for this light duty pallet truck is 3300 pounds, but there is also a heavy duty version available with a capacity of 4400 pounds. Dimensions are Width 26.5”, Height 57.5”, Depth 65.5” and the unit weighs 672 pounds with 10” polyurethane steering wheels. Light and heavy duty options are available in 21” X 48 “ size pallet trucks.
Help When You Need It
Douglas Equipment is one of the few places you can go to supply your company with both casters and material handling equipment. Our team of knowledgeable service staff is trained to help you find the right equipment and casters for your unique situation. If you have questions or would like guidance during the selection process, contact us today.
