Caster & Wheels, What is Light , Medium & Heavy Duty?

Caster and wheels are often categorized by their weight handling ability, these categories are simply "Light Duty, Medium Duty, Heavy Duty and Super Duty. To lessen confusion we will define these caster categories to better help you find what you are looking for. Most people will say, " I am looking for a heavy duty caster to replace the ones on my my office chair ". While it is understandable that you are looking for a more durable option, the term heavy duty in our industry would mean something completely different.

Light Duty Casters :

The light duty category of casters and wheels specifications are as follows.  Wheel size; diameter of the wheel is usually between 2" and 5" with a tread width of 7/8" to 1-1/2". The load capacity of Light duty casters is up to roughly 400lbs per caster. So as you can see the "Light duty" can still be very strong and substantial. Typical applications for Light Duty stem or plate mount casters in swivel or rigid would be: Medical equipment, dollies, office chairs, computer carts, Displays and fixtures, Rubbermaid carts and mop buckets, etc. Any cart that has 4 casters and is under 1200lb would qualify as light duty. Usually Rubber, plastic or Polyurethane wheel material.

Medium Duty Casters : 

To qualify as medium duty the wheel size is usually between 3" and 8" in diameter and 2" wide. We call these our 2" wide series and is by far our best selling, most common casters. These caster will have a capacity of up to 1,250lbs each and are used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. These casters have the most options and the best availability. These casters are found in all industrial and commercial settings, like warehouses, factories etc. Ant industry that requires larger carts and heavier loads. Common wheels, Phenolic, Steel, Rubber, Polyurethane and Nylon

Heavy Duty / Super Duty Casters :

These caster are for industrial uses along with aerospace, foundries and more. The sizes typically range from 4" to 16" in Diameter and 2-1/2" to 4" wide. The weight capacities are up to 20,000lbs each and have options like special tapered bearings and kingpinless casters to Dual wheels. These wheels are usually very large and very heavy so freight shipping may be required. Below are a couple samples of Heavy and Super Duty casters and wheels. Typical Wheel types are Forged Steel, Ductile steel, Cast Iron, Polyurethane on Steel.

Heavy Duty Ductile Wheel Swivel Caster

Super Duty Dual Wheel Caster

 

 

Stem Casters, Common Styles & Applications

There are several different styles of stem casters, from industrial applications to food service carts and dollies to furniture and displays. The problem with these casters and wheels is that there are many options and sizes to choose from and it can at times be confusing. Most stemmed casters are also available in stainless steel.

Pictured are the styles of stems that are most common.







Threaded Stem Casters are the most complex due the size and thread pitch variations available.
These are very common but may need some expertise in determining the correct size.
See measuring a caster on the BuyCasters.com website. These casters are used on displays, furniture, carts and medical equipment, etc. and is usually used in light duty or medium duty applications.

Grip Ring Stems are used on most new office chairs and furniture, seen often on the hooded twin wheel casters for chairs. There are several other applications like Metro Brand Wire shelving, casters for Rubbermaid Mop Buckets and many more. They are designed to fit into a tube or socket and the C-Clip when compressed applies pressure to the tube. Very easy to replace and install.

Expandable Adapter casters are commonly used larger round and sometimes square tubing, these caster stems will expand, within a size range, by tightening the collar on the base of the stem and apply pressure to the walls of the tubing. These can sometimes be difficult to install and a wrench is usually required. Often used in Medium duty industrial and custom applications.

Grip Neck Stems are not used that often anymore, these stemmed casters are mostly seen on older wooden furniture. This stem needs a socket that is hammered into the legs of the furniture and the caster and wheel snaps into the socket.

If you have any questions about your caster and wheel needs please call 1-855-943-3511 or stop by www.buycasters.com

Casters for high temperatute applications

High Temp Phenolic wheel

A common problem for industries that use high temperature applications , (such as industrial, autoclaves, bakeries, paint booths, foundries, etc.), is what caster and wheel to use that won't be affected by the extreme heat.
We can offer a few solutions to the problem. First off a few questions...







What type of heat is it, humid or dry?  

Glass Filled Nylon Swivel Caster

For dry heat we recommend either steel or a high temperature phenolic wheel with a plain bore or roller bearing with high temp grease installed. The Phenolic wheel will offer similar capacities to the steel but won't spark and offer a little better floor protection.
For wet or humid heat applications a high temp glass filled nylon wheel will be perfect. You can use steel wheels but they may rust over time.

Ductile Steel

 How long will the caster be in the heat?
High temperature casters can be in extreme heat but the but the duration of the heat can lessen the overall temperature handling of the caster, wheel and bearings. For extended extremely high temps and periods of time, a steel wheel with a plain bore will be necessary, there may be some engineering involved to allow for expansion around the axle in harsher circumstances.

How hot is it?
All of our products will have heat tolerances listed in the technical specs.

If you have any questions about your application please visit our website or call one of our knowledgeable staff at 1-855-943-3511.