Casters play a crucial role in the functionality of kitchen equipment, providing the ability to move heavy items with ease. From rigid to swivel, and from plate to stem, each type of caster serves a specific purpose based on your needs. Understanding the differences between these types will help you make an informed decision that best suits your application. Let's explore the different types of casters and their unique features to help you choose the right option for your equipment.
A caster is made up of two parts: a wheel and a mounting bracket. Casters are mounted to carts, racks, trucks, dollies, and heavy equipment to make them movable.
The greater the wheel diameter and width are, the greater the load capacity becomes. This makes it easier to roll your equipment and also reduces the noise level produced by the wheels. Here are the three measurements to check for to ensure you purchase properly sized casters.
Overall height: The distance from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the top plate or caster stem.
Wheel diameter: The distance between the opposite sides of the wheel. Casters are typically labeled by their wheel diameter.
Wheel width: Also known as the tread width, this represents the width of the outer surface of the wheel.
Choosing the right casters for your commercial equipment is key to ensuring smooth mobility and functionality. Here are the main types of casters commonly used in commercial settings:
Plate mount casters are a common choice for many commercial applications. They feature a flat plate that can be easily attached to the bottom of equipment or furniture. Plate mount casters provide stability and support, making them ideal for heavier loads.
Stem mount casters have a stem that can be inserted into a socket or hole in the equipment. This type of caster offers a secure attachment and is often used for lighter-duty applications. Stem mount casters are easy to install and provide good maneuverability.
Rigid casters are designed to only move in a straight line, offering stability and support. These casters are ideal for applications where equipment needs to move in a fixed direction. Rigid casters are commonly used on carts, dollies, and other equipment that require precise movement.
Swivel casters feature a swivel mechanism that allows the caster to rotate 360 degrees, providing excellent maneuverability. These casters are ideal for equipment that needs to change direction frequently. Swivel casters are commonly used on carts, chairs, and other mobile equipment.
Roller casters are designed with small rollers instead of wheels, allowing for smooth movement on various surfaces. These casters are ideal for moving equipment out of the way to easily clean the floor beneath. Roller casters are commonly used on prep tables, serving carts, and display racks.
Caster bases are designed with a mounting assembly that provides a secure attachment point for casters. They come in various designs to ensure proper installation and support for your equipment or furniture. These casters are commonly used in heavy equipment where durability and stability are crucial.
Before making your final caster selection, there are a few caster features you can choose from to create the best user experience in your business:
The wheel material is an important decision when choosing your caster since different materials are best suited for different environments and temperatures.
If you are purchasing casters as an add-on accessory to your piece of equipment, here are some factors you will need to consider.
What floor type will the wheels be going over? Softer floor types, such as hardwood, will require softer wheel materials while harder floor types, such as concrete, can handle harder wheel materials.
What is the work environment like? If your workspace is wet and/or oily, or if exposure to chemicals is a concern, it is important to choose wheel materials that will be able to handle these conditions.
What is the level of maneuverability you need? If you only need to go up and down a hallway, rigid casters are most likely all you need. However, if you need to maneuver a cart or piece of equipment in a tight space, a swivel caster is likely the better option for you.
What is the load capacity that the casters will need to support? The larger the load capacity is, typically the harder wheel material and larger wheel diameter you will need.
Is noise level a concern? Typically, the greater the wheel size is, the quieter the casters will be. Some caster materials have more shock- and vibration-resistance for lower noise levels, which may be a concern in retail or healthcare environments.
Do the casters need to have brakes? If you need to secure the unit after moving it, then you should look into purchasing braking or locking casters. Often only having two out of the four casters with brakes is sufficient for your unit.
Do you need NSF-rated casters? Ideal for foodservice areas and food manufacturing facilities, NSF-rated casters are built to stay sanitary in environments where the casters will be frequently exposed to washdowns, oils, or chemicals.
Prior to purchasing casters for your unit, it is important to check if your unit can support casters as an add-on accessory, and if so, what casters are compatible with the unit. Check the manufacturer's literature and reference the You May Also Need or Replacement Parts and Accessories section on the product's page to find your unit's compatible casters.
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