The Revolution Blog

Five Subtle Signs You Need New Casters

Most of your customers probably only think about replacing a wheel if it falls off the caster. But that’s not the only warning of impending doom. Here’s a cheat sheet with five subtle signs that it might be time to call Hamilton:

  1. 1. Treads eating silver shavings? In settings where metal shavings are part of the floor décor, your wheels might be in trouble. Shavings destroy treads by virtually eating them alive. Choose a wheel type that offers resistance, like Poly-Soft® or Duralast® XC.
  2. 2. Wheels suffering from the elements? Phenolic wheels are what you’d call hydrophobic. They deteriorate in water, oils and chemicals. Use wheels designed for a liquid environment, like Nylast (nylon), Unilast (solid elastomer) or Aqualite (polyolefin).
  3. 3. Carts making you deaf? If a cart is so loud you can’t hear over it, the tread might be worn down, or the wrong wheels were installed. We can build nearly any caster or wheel for quiet operation.
  4. 4. Ball bearings gone rogue? Casters can loosen over time, allowing ball bearings to escape. If you see large gaps where the ball raceways are, it’s time to buy replacements. Without any ball bearings, your caster won’t swivel.
  5. 5. Carts causing back aches? If a shot of grease doesn’t fix that once-easy-to-push cart, you should replace the casters and wheels. Causes might be lack of regular lubrication, flat spots on the wheels, or bearing failure.

These aren’t the only indicators, but they’re a good place to start if a customer has used the same casters for years. Have questions about choosing the right replacements? Give us a call. 1-888-699-7164

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Why You Shouldn’t Skimp on Running Gear

Here’s a scary scenario we see everyday: A customer buys an expensive cart, and, to save cash, he slaps on the cheapest casters and wheels. Uh oh. Help your customers protect their investment and choose high quality, professionally designed running gear from Hamilton that offer the lowest long-term cost. Here’s why:

  • • Running gear makes carts mobile. Does it make sense to skimp on a rig’s vital organs?
  • • Longer life, less downtime, lower maintenance and greater productivity outweigh the initial cost savings.
  • • Inferior products and designs usually result in inefficient, awkward and unsafe carts.
  • • Superior roll ability means fewer workplace injuries like back strains or worse.

And don’t forget: Running gear arrangements are just as important as the wheels and casters. At Hamilton Caster, we offer six different setups suited for just about any environment and load capacity. Here’s how to pick the perfect arrangement:

How to Pick Running Gear Arrangements

  • • Four-wheel caster steer: Two swivel and two rigid casters. Our most popular style. It’s economical, and easily turned or pushed straight, and trails well.
  • • Four-wheel diamond pattern: All rigid casters. Tilt-type that turns on center wheels. Lowest cost and suitable for light loads.
  • • Six-wheel tilt or non-tilt: Four swivel and two rigid casters. Recommended for heavy loads and extra long trucks. Turns in its own length.
  • • Four-wheel non-tilt: All swivel casters. Can be maneuvered in any direction. Ideal for confined areas, but swivel locks recommended for straight-line control.
  • • Four-wheel diamond pattern: Two rigid and two swivel casters. Highly maneuverable. Usually tilt-type, can be non-tilt. Not recommended for ramps.
  • • Wagon (fifth-wheel steer): Features large axle-mounted wheels for heavy loads. Usually power towed.

Have questions about choosing the perfect running gear? Let us help. 1-888-699-7164

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