There are many benefits to using rigid caster wheels in your operation, but there are also some factors to consider. You should consider cost, durability, and installation. The following article will provide information to help you make an informed decision. Ultimately, the right choice will improve your business’ productivity and stability.
Stability
A rigid caster wheel consists of a wheel mounted to a fixed fork. The fork’s orientation determines the direction the caster will move when mounted to a vehicle. This makes rigid casters more stable than their swivel counterparts. They are also more robust than traditional casters.
A rigid caster’s main drawback is caster flutter, similar to the flutter experienced by supermarket shopping carts. This phenomenon occurs when the cart is traveling at certain speeds. It occurs due to the weight carried by the caster and the distance between the wheel axle and steering axis. Caster flutter is often reduced by increasing the trailing distance.
Another difference between fixed and swivel caster wheels is the construction material. Rigid casters are generally made of heavy-duty steel and have minimum welds. They are also durable and abrasion-resistant. Some high-capacity models are even designed for high-temperature environments.
Durability
Rigid caster wheels have several benefits. The most obvious is that they can help you move objects more easily. They are also safer than other types of wheels. Casters can help you avoid injuries such as overexertion and falls when used properly. You can also reduce the risk of injury by choosing a product with wheels rated for high durability.
These wheels can be made from various materials. For example, some are high-capacity polyurethane, which absorbs shock and protects floors from damage. Similarly, forged steel wheels have a greater load capacity and impact strength, while nylon and glass-based wheels have a higher rolling capacity. Some even feature oil and grease resistance.
In addition to these advantages, rigid caster wheels are available in various sizes and materials. They range in diameter from four to eight inches. A kingpin-less top-plate caster can handle more than 1,500 pounds of weight.
Cost
There are many types of rigid caster wheels available on the market. Some are made from steel, while others are made from soft rubber. The choice depends on the type of application, rolling surfaces needed, and overall height requirements. The materials used to make caster wheels vary in cost and durability. High-capacity, abrasion-resistant casters are suitable for materials like concrete. They are also durable and easy to roll. Rigid caster wheels are available in swivel and rigid styles; some are even made with brakes. These wheels are rated for up to 1200 pounds.
Unlike swivel casters, rigid casters do not have a swivel raceway. While rigid casters are most commonly used on one side of a cart, they can also provide steering capabilities when used with swivel casters. A rigid caster wheel consists of an axle and a formed or welded fork. Rigid caster wheels can be available in a plate or stem mount styles, but larger minimums are required.
Installation
In contrast to swivel casters, rigid casters only roll in straight lines, meaning the user has more control over their movement. They are also more affordable and easy to install. This makes them a great choice for medium to heavy-duty uses. In addition, rigid casters don’t require precise steering, which means they are great for moving things from point A to point B.
Proper installation is crucial for smooth movement. A proper mounting combination can make moving equipment much easier. There are many mounting methods for different casters, and their effect on mobility can vary. Caster wheels provide several common configurations for installation. For example, a combination of three swivel caster wheels is ideal for small or medium-sized equipment with a low center of gravity. In comparison, a combination of two fixed wheels is great for short-distance handling of medium-sized equipment.
Fortunately, many health and safety organizations regulate caster force and noise levels. For example, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommends a limit of 50 lbs for horizontal force. In addition, Liberty Mutual developed a table that gives the percentage of the male and female population who can push a given horizontal force. This allows you to set your caster wheels and caster rig to a safe level.