Manufactured Lean in the USA
Caster Size

Caster Size:

An industry term for classifying casters, based on the nominal diameter of the wheel. For example, a "6 inch caster" is any caster having a 6 inch diameter wheel. Measuring the wheel diameter includes tread (if applicable) from top to bottom.

Caster Size

Face (Tread Width):

Is the width of the wheel tread cross-section, measured at the base of the tread rather than at the point of floor contact.

Caster Size

Hub Length:

Is the measurement through the middle of the wheel (or hub) measuring from end point to end point (or bearing to bearing). The hub length is not the same as the face or tread width, but is typically a bit longer. It should be measured at the hub (near the center of the wheel) and not the tread or face.

Caster Size

Bore Size:

The bore size is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel, into which a bearing is typically installed. The bore may be continuous through the entire hub, or “counterbored” in which case the hole on either side of the hub is larger than the hole in the center of the hub. The bore size is not the same as the bearing size, which is defined as the opening size in the center of the bearing.

Terminology2
Terminology2

Product Configurator

Use our "Configurator Search Results" to narrow your search.

The two sample caster numbers below illustrate Hamilton’s significant, easy-to understand numbering system. The numbering system for wheels alone, ordered separately, is even simpler.

Wheel only part numbers begin with a "W" Succeeding numbers and letter define the size, tread type, bearing, and options (if included.) For example, a W-620-DB-1/2 is a wheel 6" diameter X 2" face width, Duralast® type, with a 1/2" precision ball bearing. (If we choose to also keep the MORT, change part number to W-1235-R-1-1/4-BS (needs a dash so doesn’t look like "11-1/4")

Most Hamilton Wheels are made available with a choice of bearing sizes or types to provide broad interchangeability and to meet the wide variety of needs in the marketplace. Hence it is usually necessary when ordering wheels separately from casters to suffix the desired bearing size. But you will rarely need to measure the bearing size of a wheel used in a Hamilton caster, because the replacement wheel number is given to you in most of our caster charts

numbering system numbering system chart

If you need further assistance, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Easily View & Download Hamilton's 2D & 3D CAD Models...

Hamilton Caster provides CAD Models of all its standard casters and wheels free of charge. The library is maintained in-house by Hamilton's engineering department. The adjacent video shows how to access the files. There are (3) ways.

1) Use the Finders by hovering over Casters or Wheels and select your desired attributes. Click on the desired caster or wheel that best meets your selection criteria. You will then be given the option to view or download the CAD model. 

2) Browse our caster index or wheel index. and drill down through the product selections until you land on a specific product series. Then scroll down to the selection table and click on the specific caster or wheel part number. You will then be given the option to view or download the CAD model. 

3) Email your request to [email protected]  and we normally can provide a same-day response with the model. If emailing after 4:30pm eastern, the models will be sent the following business day before 10am.

Can't find the model you were looking for? Send an e-mail to [email protected] and we will do our best to reply back with the particular model you require.

If you need further assistance, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Orders under 75 lbs. will ship FEDEX or UPS, unless other arrangements are requested. Orders over 75 lbs. will ship LTL, freight collect. We can make other arrangements if needed.

Call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

What is our PRONTO® Quick Ship System?

Same-Day Shipping. Get Up and Running Faster.

Time is money, right? That's why we ship more than half of our standard casters and wheels the day you order them at no extra charge (for orders placed by noon EST). Your assembly line, warehouse or heavy-duty application depends on it.

Will my order ship in 24-48 hours?

It's easy. Casters and wheels marked with a red star (or black on our product selection tables) ship in same day or next day. All we ask is you order before noon EST, or we'll ship it the next day. All for no extra charge. Note: Large quantity orders may require additional lead time and may not qualify for PRONTO® shipping. Please contact the factory for lead time.

= Same Day Shipping
What about mixed, XL or custom orders?

We pioneered the industry's first quick-ship program in 1967 with one goal in mind: get it to you FAST. As such, we can only promise the service on items marked PRONTO. But we'll move heaven and earth to deliver extra-large volume, or mixed PRONTO/non-PRONTO orders as fast as possible.

Custom orders typically ship in 2-4 weeks, but can vary depending on the scope of work. Learn more about Hamilton's custom solutions

Return Policy

Written authorization must be obtained within 90 days from the date of invoice for all material to be returned to the factory. Material must be received at Hamilton Caster within 90 days of the RMA being issued. All returns must be freight pre-paid, and are subject to a restocking charge, unless Hamilton Caster is at fault.

Special orders & custom products are not subject to return.

Call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

What you need:

  • Reason for return
  • PO #
  • Part Number
  • Quantity you wish to return
Precision Sealed Ball Bearings

Precision Ball Bearing:
Characteristics:

  • Can typically handle higher speeds. See:TerraTech™
  • Handle radial (vertical) forces well.
  • Best for manual applications due to lower startup forces.
Tapered Roller Bearings

Tapered Roller Bearing:
Characteristics:

  • Best for power towed applications.
  • Better for axial/thrust (side or horizontal) loading.
  • High capacity, well suited for higher speed applications.
Straight Roller Bearings

Straight Roller Bearing:
Characteristics:

  • Radial load only- not meant for power towed applications
  • Good for manual loads
  • Economical
Delrin/Sleeve Bearings

Delrin/sleeve bearing:
Characteristics:

  • No grease/lubricants
  • Simplest bearing, no moving internal parts.
  • Performs well in corrosive environments.
  • Most economical

If you need further assistance, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Running Gear Arrangements

4-Wheel Caster Steer

4-Wheel caster steer

(2 swivel, 2 rigid) Most popular; easily turned or pushed straight, trails well.

4-Wheel Diamond Pattern

4-Wheel Diamond Pattern

(All rigid) Tilt-type, turns on center wheels, Lowest cost. suitable for light loads

6-Wheel Tilt or Non-Tilt

6-Wheel Tilt or Non-Tilt

(4 swivel, 2 rigid) Recommended for heavy loads and extra long trucks. turns in own length

4-Wheel Non-Tilt

4-Wheel Non-Tilt

Can be maneuvered in any direction. Ideal for confined areas, but needs swivel lock for straight-line steering.

4-Wheel Diamond Pattern

4-Wheel Diamond Pattern

(2 swivel, 2 rigid) Highly maneuverable. Usually tilt-type, can be non-tilt. Not recommended for ramps.

Wagon (Fifth Wheel Steer)

Fifth Wheel Steer

Features large axle mounted wheels for heavy loads. Usually powered towed

If you need further assistance, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

The obvious answer is to place them on the four corners of the cart, but we don’t recommend that because it can make the cart harder to maneuver, and it may create a dangerous trip hazard.

We recommend placing the swivel casters at the steering/pushing end, and far enough forward from the end to avoid conflicting with the feet of anyone pushing the cart. Consider the entire swivel envelope of the casters when positioning them. Keeping swivel casters at the side edges will maximize lateral stability.

Rigid casters should also be mounted at the outside edges, but approximately ¼ of the way back from the front of the cart. This compromises some of the stability but greatly enhances the maneuverability.

We created a handy graphic that covers the most typical cart applications for (3) standard platform sizes. But, if you want to save yourself the effort, pick out one of our carts at the new CartsAndTrailers.com, and we’ll do the mounting for you.

caster placement

If you need further assistance on caster placement, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Resilient tread (polyurethane and rubber) wheel hardness can be measured on two "Shores"; Shore A and Shore D. Shore A scale is generally used for the softer material while Shore D is used for harder ones.

Hamilton Caster primarily uses 3 main polyurethane hardnesses; 82-85A, 90-95A, and the extra hard 70D.

Wheel hardness

The harder the wheel tread material, generally the higher the load carrying capacity of the wheel. Harder wheel tread materials typically are easier to roll, while certain softer wheel materials are more resistant to floor debris.

Durability, Rollability, Floor Protection, etc... Can be found on the part detail for each wheel under "Wheel Characteristics" as shown below.

Example S-WH-5DB

Wheel hardness

If you need further assistance on wheel hardness, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

For common four-caster carts the math is pretty simple. Take the weight the load to be carried and add that to the weight of the cart. Then divide that total load by 3, and this will give you the minimum rated load capacity per caster. Why divide by 3?  On uneven surfaces it can be common for only three wheels to be in contact with the floor or ground.  Making sure the load can be supported by 3 casters is critical to the safety of the operator and the integrity of the cart and casters. 

If you need further assistance on selecting the best caster or wheel for your application, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Here at Hamilton Caster we pride ourselves on solving customer specific needs. So much that we write about our favorites in our blog like this one.

Our team can develop a solution to fit your specific needs. Please reach out to us. For online help click the "Contact us" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

First, we recommend using the largest diameter possible wheel for your application. Not only do larger wheels roll over debris and rouch surfaces more easily, but the larger wheels are also easier to push. Second, consider polyurethane treads or moldon rubber wheels for some resilience (bounce) and less noise.

If you need further assistance on selecting the best wheel for your application, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Hamilton offers several series of high heat casters, and numerous wheel options. Capacities of up to 9000#, although the highest temperatures limit load capacity.

Click here to learn more about our High Heat products

If you need further assistance on high heat wheels, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Swivel offset is the horizontal distance between the vertical centerline of a swivel caster (kingpin) and the vertical centerline of the wheel. Larger offsets make casters easier to turn under load, but also reduce the load capacity of a caster. Engineers have optimized caster performance by designing offsets that provide good load-carrying capability while maintaining sufficient turning characteristics.

If you need further assistance on swivel offset, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Wheels used in towing applications (such as those on carts or trailers being pulled by a tugger or lift truck) benefit from tapered wheel bearings as they run at higher speeds than walking speed and encounter turns under load. These bearings are best for such side load conditions (turns) as well as the higher industrial speeds.

If you need further assistance on tapered bearings, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Caster flutter (oscillation) can be frustrating and difficult to diagnose and cure. It occurs more commonly when loads are being towed, but can happen even when moved manually (occasional grocery cart?) The physics behind flutter are somewhat challenging. Cures include one or a combination of the following 1) increasing swivel offset (lead), 2) reducing travel speed, and/or 3) installing swivel dampening devices.

If you need further assistance to address caster flutter issuess, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]

Consult the manufacturer for the answer to this question. It depends on the type of wheels installed on the trailer, as well as the design of the trailer and load being carried.

If you feel the need for speed. Check out Hamilton's Caster "Speed" products might be what you are looking for.

If you need further assistance, please reach out to us. For online help click the "Chat with Sales" in lower right hand corner. Or, call 513-863-3300 (Toll-Free 800-733-7655) or email [email protected]