Why Hospital Trolleys Get Noisy and How Medical Casters Solve the Problem

Hospital hallways are meant to be calm, safe, and quiet. But anyone who has worked a night shift in a hospital knows the reality: squeaking medicine carts, vibrating trolleys, and rattling equipment rolling across hard flooring. Noise pollution has become a real issue in modern healthcare settings—not only affecting patient comfort, but also influencing staff performance and long-term equipment durability.

Most hospitals assume the noise comes from the cart structure itself. In reality, over 70% of rolling noise originates from the casters—the wheels, bearings, and brackets underneath every medical trolley. When the casters wear out, are poorly designed, or use low-quality materials, noise becomes unavoidable.

This article explores why hospital trolleys get noisy, how medical-grade casters engineered by Giessen effectively solve the issue, and what your facility should consider when selecting low-noise, high-precision wheels.

Why Hospital Trolleys Become Noisy Over Time

Noise problems in hospitals rarely appear overnight—they gradually increase as equipment ages. Here are the key reasons behind noisy medical carts and trolleys:

Wheel Material Hardens or Wears Down

Most hospital floors are epoxy, PVC, tile, or vinyl—surfaces that amplify rolling sounds. When casters are made of cheaper plastics or hard materials, friction increases, producing:

• Clicking sounds

• Grinding noises

• High-frequency rolling noise

• Wheel vibration

Good casters use softer and more elastic materials.

Bearing Wear and Poor Lubrication

The bearing is the heart of a medical caster. Once lubrication dries or the bearing corrodes:

• Trolleys wobble

• Rolling resistance increases

• Staff feel more dra

• Noise levels rise significantly

Giessen casters use precision deep-groove bearings to avoid this problem.

Uneven Load Distribution

Hospital trolleys often carry:

• Medication

• Electronic equipment

• Oxygen tanks

• Linen

• Patients' belongings

Uneven loads cause:

• Wheel deformation

• Bracket twisting

• Steering instability

• Rattling noise during motion

Poor Wheel and Floor Compatibility

If the wheel material does not match the floor type, noise and damage escalate.

For example:

Giessen offers floor-friendly elastomer wheels optimized for hospital surfaces.

Low-Quality Casters Used During Procurement

Hospitals often focus on the trolley itself during procurement, forgetting that casters are structural components that determine:

• Noise

• Lifespan

• Stability

• Safety

Low-quality casters reduce the equipment lifespan by up to 40%.

How Noise Impacts Hospital Performance

Noise is more than a mild annoyance—it impacts:

Patient Recovery

Studies show that noise above 50 dB can:

• Increase stress

• Interrupt sleep

• Slow down post-operative recovery

• Increase the risk of delirium in elderly patients

A squeaky trolley at night directly affects patient well-being.

Staff Efficiency and Fatigue

Nurses and caregivers perform hundreds of trolley movements per shift. The more noise and resistance the wheels create, the more physical effort staff expend.

Consequences include:

• Wrist and shoulder strain

• Fatigue

• Lower shift productivity

• Higher maintenance demand

Hospital Equipment Maintenance Costs

Noisy casters indicate structural deterioration, which can lead to:

• Floor scratching

• Cart structural damage

• Wheel failure under load

• Expensive emergency replacements

A hospital with 200+ trolleys may waste thousands annually due to poor casters.

How Medical Casters Solve Noise Problems

High-quality medical casters—like those manufactured by Giessen—address noise at its engineering core. Below are the factors that make medical casters quieter and more durable.

Soft, Elastic Wheel Materials

Giessen uses materials such as:

• TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)

• PU (Polyurethane)

• Elastic rubber compounds

These materials:

• Absorb vibration

• Reduce rolling noise

• Protect delicate hospital floors

• Improve stability even under heavy load

Precision Bearings for Quiet, Smooth Motion

Giessen casters feature:

• High-grade ball bearings

• High-precision swivel bearings

• Anti-dust protection

• Long-life lubrication

Results include:

• Whisper-quiet rolling

• Less vibration

• Easier maneuvering with heavy loads

• Longer wheel lifespan

Reinforced Brackets to Prevent Rattling

Giessen uses:

• Thickened steel brackets

• Anti-corrosion finishes

• High-strength riveting

This prevents:

• Metal rattling

• Steering wobble

• Bracket distortion

Total Lock and Directional Lock Systems

These brake systems allow safe and quiet operation:

• Total lock: locks both swivel and wheel rotation

• Directional lock: stabilizes motion in straight lines

Giessen's brake pedals are designed for silent engagement.

Floor-Protective Design

Giessen casters feature:

• Non-marking treads

• Vibration-absorbing cores

• Rounded tread profiles

These prevent floor scuffing—the biggest source of echoing noise in hallways.

Real Hospital Scenarios Where Giessen Casters Make a Difference

Night Shift Medication Rounds

Old casters: loud clacking noise
Giessen casters: quiet, smooth motion

Nurses report up to 40% less physical strain and much quieter rounds.

Emergency Room Fast Maneuvering

ER trolleys must accelerate and turn quickly.

Giessen casters with precision bearings improve agility and prevent skid noise.

Heavy Equipment Transport

For oxygen tanks, monitors, and imaging equipment:

• Noise drops significantly

• Steering stability improves under full load

Giessen Medical Casters: Key Specifications

Below is an example parameter table based on common Giessen medical casters (summarized from the product categories visible on the website):

Table: Giessen Medical Caster Technical Specifications

If you want, I can create a beautiful infographic-style table for future posts.

A Practical Guide: How to Choose Low-Noise Medical Casters

Hospitals should evaluate casters based on the following:

For Medication Carts

• Soft TPR

• Precision bearings

• Total lock brakes

For Linen Carts

• Higher diameter wheels (100–125 mm)

• High elasticity

For Patient Transport Trolleys

• PU wheels

• Extra shock absorption

For Emergency Carts

• High maneuverability

• Noise-free swivel bearings

Giessen provides custom caster solutions for all hospital applications.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Hospital Trolleys Quiet

Even high-quality casters need periodic care:

• Clean wheels weekly to remove debris

• Check bearings every 3 months

• Lubricate swivels annually

• Replace wheels showing cracks or uneven wear

• Tighten caster bolts regularly

Hospitals following these steps report 70% lower noise levels long-term.

Why Hospitals Around the World Choose Giessen

Giessen stands out because:

✔ Specialized in Heavy-Duty and Medical Casters

Their engineering focuses on reliability and low noise.

✔ Custom Solutions for Hospitals

Giessen can customize:

• Wheel diameter

• Tread material

• Braking system

• Bracket design

✔ International Quality Standards

Casters meet global healthcare expectations.

✔ Strong After-Sales Support & Long Lifespan

Fewer replacements → Lower long-term cost.

Conclusion: A Quiet Hospital Starts With Better Casters

Noisy hospital trolleys are not just a nuisance—they affect patient recovery, staff efficiency, and overall hospital performance. The root cause is often overlooked: low-quality or worn casters.

Giessen provides medical-grade casters engineered for silence, stability, durability, and comfort. By upgrading to Giessen's low-noise caster solutions, hospitals can:

• Reduce nighttime noise

• Improve the patient experience

• Protect flooring

• Increase trolley lifespan

• Reduce staff fatigue

A small change at the bottom of your trolley can make a big difference in the entire hospital.

Discover more at www.giessencasters.com.