Caster Selection Guide

Questions for Specifying or Replacing Casters:

What is the average load?
What is the maximum load?
What wheel diameter will give the necessary mobility?
In what type of environment will the casters or wheels operate (water, oils, acids, corrosive materials, or excessive temperatures)?
Will the unit be hand-pushed or powered?
How many swivel and how many rigid casters are needed?
How are the casters to be mounted (Top Plate, Stem, Hollow Kingpin, etc.)?

Weight-Per-Caster

Divide combined weight of load and truck by number of casters to get weight-per-caster.
Load + weight of truck / number of casters = lbs. per caster
Example: 2,000 lbs. / 4 casters = 500 lbs. per caster

Note: Faultless load ratings include a substantial safety factor.
If a load is dropped onto a truck without regard for breakage, then specify the next higher load rating. Generally, select casters with extra load capacity rather than "just enough to get the job done."