CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
In modern industrial, logistics, medical, and household applications, casters have become indispensable moving components. Whether for heavy machinery, tool carts, storage containers, hospital beds, or office furniture, the right caster directly impacts the equipment's mobility, safety, and durability. For procurement professionals, equipment manufacturers, and bulk wholesale buyers, selecting the right caster for each specific application scenario is a critical and professional issue.
As a professional caster supplier, Giessen Casters has developed a comprehensive set of selection criteria based on years of experience. This guide will detail key caster purchasing considerations from the perspectives of structural design, material selection, load capacity, operating environment, and industry application, helping you make the best choice for your specific application scenario.
A caster is a rotating support device mounted on the bottom of a piece of equipment or tool, primarily designed to enable horizontal movement. A complete caster typically consists of the following components:
Wheel: Contacts the ground directly and bears the primary load.
Bracket/Fork: Connects the wheel to the equipment, providing rotation and support.
Swivel Bearing: Enables 360° rotation of the caster.
Brake (optional): Secures the equipment and prevents accidental sliding.
Casters can be categorized in various ways based on different standards:
By load capacity: Light-duty casters (≤150kg), medium-duty casters (150–500kg), heavy-duty casters (over 500kg).
By structure: Fixed casters, swivel casters, and casters with brakes.
By wheel material: Polyurethane (PU), rubber, nylon, cast iron, stainless steel, etc.
When selecting casters, you should generally focus on the following indicators:
Load Capacity
Rolling Resistance
Wear Resistance and Service Life
Impact Resistance and Safety
Environmental Resistance (Corrosion Resistance, High Temperature Resistance, Chemical Resistance, etc.)
Casters made of different materials have significant differences in performance and application scenarios.
| Material Type | Characteristics | Applicable Scenarios | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Polyurethane (PU) | Wear-resistant, oil-resistant, low-noise | Industrial workshops, logistics warehouses | Floor protection, quiet | Performance degrades at high temperatures |
| Rubber wheels | Good elasticity, shock absorption | Medical equipment, lightweight carts | Quiet | Not chemically resistant |
| Nylon wheels | High strength, wear resistance | Heavy-duty shelves, cold storage | Low-temperature resistance, high strength | Noisy |
| Cast iron wheels | Extremely strong load-bearing capacity | Heavy machinery, factory production lines | High-temperature and impact resistance | May damage floors |
| Stainless steel wheels | Corrosion-resistant | Food, pharmaceutical, chemical industries | Rust-resistant and chemical-resistant | Higher cost |
Smooth floors: Polyurethane wheels are recommended, as they provide low movement resistance and floor protection.
Rough floors: Rubber wheels are recommended, as they effectively absorb vibration.
Low-temperature cold storage: Nylon wheels are recommended, as they offer excellent low-temperature resistance.
High-temperature environments: Cast iron wheels or high-temperature-resistant resin wheels are recommended.
Load-bearing capacity is a key factor in caster selection.
Generally, the total weight of the equipment should be evenly distributed among the installed casters. However, considering uneven load distribution, uneven surfaces, and impact loads in actual use, it is recommended to add a safety factor when selecting a caster.
| Caster Type | Rated Load per Caster (kg) | Typical Applications |
| Light-duty casters | 50–150 kg | Furniture, office equipment |
| Medium-duty casters | 150–500 kg | Industrial carts, storage containers |
| Heavy-duty casters | 500–2000 kg | Heavy machinery, logistics pallet trucks |
| Specialty casters | ≥2000 kg | Aviation, shipbuilding, and mining equipment |
For example, if a piece of equipment has a total weight of 600 kg and is equipped with four casters, each caster should theoretically carry 150 kg. However, considering a safety factor of 1.3–1.5, casters with a load capacity of 200kg or more should be selected.
Tool Carts/Equipment Trolleys: Medium-duty polyurethane casters are recommended, as they provide floor protection and can carry moderate loads.
Assembly Line Equipment: Heavy-duty nylon or cast iron casters are recommended to ensure long-term operational stability.
Warehouse Turnover Carts: For those requiring flexible steering and braking, a swivel caster with brake combination is recommended.
For heavy-duty pallet handling: High-strength cast iron or nylon wheels are recommended.
Bed Casters: For quiet and smooth operation, rubber or polyurethane casters with reliable brakes are recommended.
Medical Carts: For corrosion resistance and disinfectant resistance, a stainless steel + polyurethane caster combination is recommended.
Low-Temperature Cold Storage: Use low-temperature-resistant nylon wheels.
High-Temperature Workshops: Choose cast iron or high-temperature-resistant composite wheels.
Chemical Industry: Stainless steel brackets with corrosion-resistant polyurethane wheels are recommended.
Quality Certifications: ISO, RoHS, etc.
Supplier Capabilities: Production Scale, Delivery Cycles
After-Sales and Customization Services: OEM/ODM Support
A high-quality caster supplier should meet the following requirements:
Provide a complete product line (light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty, and specialty casters).
Ability to customize according to customer needs.
Extensive export experience ensures compliance with international standards.
Years of experience in caster R&D and production, serving customers worldwide.
Products cover a full range from light to heavy duty.
Operate for OEM/ODM customization to meet diverse application scenarios.
Reliable quality control and fast delivery capabilities.
Choosing the right caster isn't simply a matter of price; it requires a comprehensive assessment based on load capacity, operating environment, floor conditions, and industry requirements. For wholesale buyers, finding a trustworthy caster supplier is crucial.
For purchases or wholesale requests, please contact:
Email: Giessencasters@gmail.com
Official Website: https://www.giessencasters.com
Contact Giessen caster suppliers for professional product solutions and quotes.
