Ergonomic considerations are always top of mind. As the U.S. workforce ages and workmen's compensation costs climb, selecting a caster with high rollability is a smart choice to reduce stress on joints, prevent back injuries, and better accommodate staff. Wheel size is the single biggest factor in rollability. Larger wheels are easier to push or pull under load. Test data is available to determine what size and tread type is best for any given load and ergonomic parameters.
Be sure to add the weight of the cart, trailer, or AGV in addition to the weight of the load. Also consider the possibility of overload, shock loading, abuse or poor floor conditions into your calculation. Then it may seem obvious to divide the maximum load weight by four casters, but this can lead to heavy miscalculations. Why? Because most loads don't maintain an even weight across the length and width of the vehicle. An off-center load could overload even the most durable casters.
Shock loading occurs when a load is dropped onto the trailer. Or when a rig rolls over a bump, like a concrete joint, door jam, dock plate or leveler. In some cases, shock loading can force a wheel to bear more than three times the weight of the load.
Where is it rolling? Environmental conditions must be considered when choosing a caster or wheel. For example, if excessive noise is an issue, Hamilton offers quiet-rolling wheels with high load capacities. Extremely hot or cold applications may require special caster and wheel materials, and bearing lubricants, to withstand the conditions.
Abuse takes a toll on casters. We like to believe that everyone uses them as intended, but we also understand that's not always the reality. Sometimes workers move too quickly, take short cuts, or even take out frustrations on them. Keep this in mind when selecting equipment.
Poor floor conditions can cause a caster or wheel to fail, but don't underestimate the effect wheels can have on floors, too. Very hard wheels, such as cast iron or forged steel, roll easily and carry higher capacities than resilient tread wheels. But, they can damage concrete floors and lead to costly repairs.
Ergonomic considerations are always top of mind. As the U.S. workforce ages and workmen's compensation costs climb, selecting a wheel with high rollability is a smart choice to reduce stress on joints, prevent back injuries, and better accommodate staff. Wheel size is the single biggest factor in rollability. Larger wheels are easier to push or pull under load. Test data is available to determine what size and tread type is best for any given load and ergonomic parameters.
Be sure to add the weight of the cart, trailer, or AGV in addition to the weight of the load. Also consider the possibility of overload, shock loading, abuse or poor floor conditions into your calculation. Then it may seem obvious to divide the maximum load weight by four wheels, but this can lead to heavy miscalculations. Why? Because most loads don't maintain an even weight across the length and width of the vehicle. An off-center load could overload even the most durable wheels.
Where is it rolling? Environmental conditions must be considered when choosing a wheel. For example, if excessive noise is an issue, Hamilton offers quiet-rolling wheels with high load capacities. Extremely hot or cold applications may require special wheel materials, and bearing lubricants, to withstand the conditions.
Abuse takes a toll on wheels. We like to believe that everyone uses them as intended, but we also understand that's not always the reality. Sometimes workers move too quickly, take short cuts, or even take out frustrations on them. Keep this in mind when selecting equipment.
Poor floor conditions can cause a wheel to fail, but don't underestimate the effect wheels can have on floors, too. Very hard wheels, such as cast iron or forged steel, roll easily and carry higher capacities than resilient tread wheels. But, they can damage concrete floors and lead to costly repairs.
Capacity Range: 475 - 9000 lbs.Carries higher capacities than rubber, outwears rubber and offers floor protection and quiet operation. Liquid cast in 3/8" or 1" thicknesses on cast iron, aluminimun, or forged steel.
Capacity Range: 250 - 23,000 lbs.Offers the highest capacity & tensile strength. Easiest rolling sans floor protection and popular for high heat applications. Forged Steel, Cast Iron, & Stainless Steel.
Capacity Range: 200 - 10,000 lbs.Easy rolling, high capacity, economical, chemical resistant and floor protective in intermittent operation. Choose from nylon, phenolic or polyolefin materials.
Load Capacity Range: 300 - 4200 lbs The category for best cushioning, these wheels work well on rough and uneven surfaces, turn quietly, and protect floors. Well suited for outdoor & ground support applications.
Capacity Range: 380 - 16,000 lbs. Industry's most comprehensive offering of V-Groove & Flanged wheels . Loads are taken off the floor permitting higher capacities, easier rolling, floor protection, and controlled flow.
Capacity Range: 2500 - 14,400 lbs. Solid tires are chemically bonded to replaceable steel rims which are "pressed on" to heavy duty cnc-machined metal centers. Choose from heavy duty polyurethane or high capacity rubber tires.
Capacity Range: 260 - 9000 lbs.Built tough to withstand the rigors of extreme temps, they’re ideal for rolling anywhere you want to beat the heat—especially in autoclaves, product finish systems, or bakeries.
Capacity Range: 800 - 7000 lbs.Designed for automated guided vehicles (AGV) or other continuous duty applications. Features (2) premium polyurethanes, forged steel wheel cores, & larger precision bearings with press-fit bushings.
Capacity Range: 200 - 3000 lbs. Solid cushion rubber tires molded onto iron, aluminum, or plastic centers provide, rugged, long wearing wheels that are widely used on industrial equipment.
Floor locks prevent castered equipment from rolling away from a desired position. Also find replacement caster & wheel hardware such as axles, bearings, & spanner bushings.