Casters play a vital role in modern industry, logistics and transportation, medical equipment, and everyday furniture. Light- and medium-duty casters, in particular, are widely used in warehouse carts, laboratory equipment, office furniture, and small machinery due to their moderate load capacity, flexible installation, and wide range of applications. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of light- and medium-duty casters not only impacts the flexibility and load-bearing capacity of equipment but also directly impacts safety and longevity.
As a professional caster supplier, Giessen has long been committed to providing high-quality light- and medium-duty caster solutions to customers worldwide. This article will provide a comprehensive technical explanation of five key aspects: caster types and structures, pre-installation preparation, detailed installation methods, troubleshooting common problems, and maintenance and care, helping users master the principles of installation.
For wholesale purchases, please contact Giessen Caster Supplier at Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit their official website at https://www.giessencasters.com.
Material | Characteristics | Applications |
Polyurethane (PU) | Wear-resistant, quiet, floor-protecting | Medical equipment, office chairs |
Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) | Anti-slip, shock-absorbing, non-marking | Laboratory carts, furniture |
Nylon (PA) | Lightweight, impact-resistant, and affordable | Logistics containers, trolleys |
Steel wheels | High strength and high-temperature resistance | Industrial machinery, drying equipment |
Note: Selecting the appropriate material is the primary task before installation. If the environment is sensitive to the floor, PU or TPR casters are recommended.
A standard medium- to light-duty caster consists of the following components:
Wheel body: Determines load-bearing and rolling performance.
Bracket: Available in fixed and universal types, with universal types offering 360° rotation.
Bearing system: Available with ball bearings, roller bearings, or no bearings, affecting rolling smoothness.
Brake: Commonly a foot brake or dual brake system is used for safety braking.
Before installing light- to medium-duty casters, you typically need the following tools:
Phillips/slotted screwdriver
Open-end or Allen wrench
Electric drill (for drilling holes for installation)
Level (to ensure a flat mounting surface)
Lubricating oil (for bearing adjustment)
Surface Flatness: Ensure the base has no noticeable unevenness to prevent uneven load on the caster.
Load-bearing capacity assessment: Select casters of appropriate specifications based on the weight of the equipment.
Mounting Hole Location: Reserve appropriate screw holes or welding areas.
Usage Environment | Recommended Caster Diameter | Recommended Material | Notes |
Indoor Smooth Floors | 75-100mm | PU/TPR | Non-slip |
Outdoor Rough Floors | 100-125mm | Rubber/Nylon | Wear-resistant, Vibration-resistant |
Medical Environments | 75-125mm | PU/TPR | Easy to Clean, Corrosion-resistant |
Industrial Workshops | 100-150mm | Nylon/Steel Wheel | High Load-bearing Capacity |
Tip: If the equipment has four wheels, it is recommended to use at least two swivel casters with brakes and two fixed casters to improve maneuverability and safety.
Applicable to equipment with bottom mounting holes.
Align the caster flange with the bottom mounting holes of the equipment.
Secure with screws and nuts. Tighten symmetrically and crosswise to prevent misalignment.
Check that the casters rotate freely and that the brakes are functioning properly.
Applicable to metal structures such as furniture and brackets:
Prepare a threaded hole of appropriate diameter on the bottom of the device.
Thread the caster rod into the hole and tighten until it fits snugly.
For heavy loads, it is recommended to install a locknut or washer.
Commonly used on chairs and laboratory carts:
Confirm that the base hole diameter matches the rod diameter.
Insert the caster rod into the base hole.
Tap gently to secure it in place.
Symmetrical Installation: Maintain consistent heights for all four casters to prevent tilting.
Braking Direction: Casters with brakes should be installed in a position that is easily accessible.
Balanced Load: The weight of the object being loaded should be evenly distributed to avoid overloading any single caster.
Rolling Test: Roll the device to check for smooth movement.
Braking Test: Apply and release the brake to confirm sensitivity.
Load Test: Gradually apply weight to the casters to observe any deformation or wobble.
Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
Caster wobbles | Mounting holes mismatch/screws not tightened | Replace matching parts and re-secure |
Unsmooth movement | Uneven floor/Lack of bearing oil | Sand the floor and add lubricant |
Caster noise | Material wear/Loose bearing | Replace the wheel or bearing |
Insufficient load capacity | Incorrect specifications selected | Replace casters with higher load capacity |
Check the tightness of caster screws every three months.
Inspect the wheels for cracks or debonding.
Lubricate the bearings and rotating parts to ensure smooth rolling.
Casters used outdoors should be regularly treated for rust.
Casters worn more than 30% should be replaced promptly.
If the operating environment changes, upgrade to a higher-grade caster.
The key to selecting high-quality light- to medium-duty casters is finding the right caster supplier.
Does the supplier have a comprehensive product testing system?
Does the supplier have the ability to customize the product in bulk and deliver quickly?
Does the supplier provide material testing reports and after-sales service?
A wide range of products: Covering a full range of light- to medium-duty, heavy-duty, and industrial casters.
Quality Assurance: Compliant with international ISO and RoHS environmental standards.
Customization: Customizable mounting methods and sizes can be tailored to customer needs.
Global Service: Fast export, wholesale, and OEM partnerships supported.
For purchasing or wholesale, please contact:
Email: Giessencasters@gmail.com
Official Website: https://www.giessencasters.com
The installation of light- to medium-duty casters is more than just a simple fixturing process; it involves a comprehensive process including model selection, installation method, load distribution, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. Only by mastering the key technical aspects of the system can you ensure the flexibility, durability, and safety of your equipment during operation. Whether you're a factory, laboratory, or furniture manufacturer, choosing a professional caster supplier will significantly improve efficiency and safety. Giessen Casters is committed to providing high-quality products and comprehensive technical support to customers worldwide, helping them achieve more efficient mobility and transportation.
For purchase or wholesale inquiries, please contact Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit our official website at https://www.giessencasters.com.
Application Scenarios of Medium And Light Casters in Daily Life
Caster Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Caster for Your Tool Usage
What Are The Applications of Medium- And Light-duty Casters in Laboratory Equipment?
How Can The Correct Selection of Medical Casters Ensure Patient Safety?
Selection And Application of Industrial Casters in Automated Production Lines
How To Choose Giessen Casters According To Different Ground Types?
How To Choose Suitable Medical Casters for Different Equipment?
content is empty!