The hardest working equipment in your facility is right at your feet. Literally. We’re talking about the casters and wheels on your carts, trucks and dollies.

After countless thousands of miles, even the best casters succumb to the rigors of sustained hard use. Think about the hazards those casters encounter. Door thresholds. Floor cracks. Utility cords. Uneven pavement. Corners. Gratings. The list goes on. After all that banging and thumping, pins, bolts, assemblies and the wheels themselves can fatigue and fail.

You can help to prevent mishaps by routinely inspecting the casters on your carts and dollies. Check that bolts are tight, with no obvious bends or signs of failure, wheels turn smoothly and are free of debris. Lubricate as necessary.

When the time comes to replace casters, ask these questions:

• On what equipment will be caster be used?
• What is the replacement size?
• What is the required load capacity?
• What are the working conditions?

The last question is especially important, because different materials are better suited to certain conditions than others. A garbage hopper used in dirty, grimy and wet conditions requires more rugged casters than the mailroom cart.

The chart below describes fifteen popular caster materials offered by Vestil Manufacturing, leaders in caster technology. Vestil casters are available through BlackHawk at www.bhid.com. Rubber composite materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane provide superior performance. Generally speaking, cast iron, phenolic, glass-filled nylon and rubber comprise the economy grades.

^†Polyurethane elastomer compound.

Wheels for Wagons, Wheel Barrows and Dollies

Solid rubber wheels feature a super-elastic outer tread over a solid rubber core. They are chemical-resistant, puncture-proof, easy to steer and easy on floors. Shock-absorbing rubber wheels have the added benefit of better handling bumps.

Pneumatic wheels (inflated) are gentlest on floors are provide the highest operational comfort. Avoid them where puncture hazards are present.

Polyurethane solid foam wheels handle heavier loads than rubber. Their treaded design resists corrosion and wear and won’t puncture or go flat.

Our trained professionals at BlackHawk Industrial are happy to help you with any of your Vestil product questions.  We welcome you to email us here [email protected] or call us at (855) 610-1001.

Click here for the complete line of Vestil products available at BlackHawk Supply