With a seemingly endless combination of wheels and frames available, selecting the right castor for your application can be challenging. Below are four variables to consider when choosing a castor.
LOAD CAPACITY
Heavier loads will require increased capacity castors with wheels made from higher density materials. Bearing selection is also an important consideration: Roller bearings can carry heavier loads than ball bearings. To calculate the minimum load capacity required, divide the weight of the load by the number of castors on which the weight is distributed.
Richmond wheels and castors range from load capacities of 40kg to 10,000kg.
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Stainless steel frames and bearings are available for use in harsh conditions. Richmond developed a range of high and low temperature wheels for applications like commercial freezers or industrial ovens. Richmond High/Low Temperature Wheels can perform in temperatures from -30°C to 300°C.
FLOOR TYPE
Wheels will perform differently depending on the floor surface. A solid nylon wheel performs better on a carpeted surface due to the decreased rolling resistance of the nylon wheel. On a harder surface such as concrete or tiles, a rubber wheel will perform better. An uneven surface may lead to irregular weight distribution, increasing the load on the castors. It also could be important to select a wheel type that won’t mark the surface the castor is to be used on.
Richmond can recommend a wheel type to suit any floor surface.
EASE OF ROLLING
The major factors that contribute to rolling resistance are load, wheel diameter, wheel hardness and floor surface. Rolling resistance can be decreased by selecting the largest suitable wheel diameter and the hardest suitable wheel material for your application.
If you’re still unsure about your requirements, feel free to contact Richmond Rolling Solutions or your local CSS Member Store.
