Industrial Caster Types: Which Wheel Material for Which Job?
Industrial casters are used on almost every hand-pushed trolley, from shopping carts and shelf trolleys to workbenches and hospital stretchers. They typically carry 50–300 kg (110–660 lb) per caster. The main difference between types is the wheel material, which decides floor protection, noise and push force.
| Product range | Wheel | Diameter | Capacity per caster | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid rubber casters | Solid rubber tyre on steel rim | 80–200 mm (3–8 in) | 50–200 kg (110–440 lb) | Gardens, building sites, outdoors, rough floors |
| Hard plastic casters | Polypropylene (PP) | 80–150 mm (3–6 in) | 50–210 kg (110–460 lb) | Economical transport, workshops, warehouses |
| Red polyurethane casters | Polyurethane tread on polyamide centre | 80–200 mm (3–8 in) | 100–300 kg (220–660 lb) | Factories and warehouses, carts in daily use |
| Grey thermoplastic casters | Thermoplastic tread on PP centre | 100–125 mm (4–5 in) | 80–110 kg (175–240 lb) | Hospitals, laboratories, shops; non-marking |
| Stainless steel casters | Stainless steel housing | 80–150 mm (3–6 in) | 100–210 kg (220–460 lb) | Food, kitchens, washdown and wet areas |
| Shopping trolley casters | Thermoplastic tread on PP centre | 100–125 mm (4–5 in) | 100–125 kg (220–275 lb) | Shopping and supermarket trolleys |
Choosing by floor
- Concrete, epoxy, smooth factory floors: Red polyurethane casters. Easy to push, wear resistant, non-marking.
- Asphalt, pavements, rough or outdoor surfaces: Solid rubber casters. They absorb shocks and run quietly.
- Tiles, vinyl, sensitive indoor floors: Grey thermoplastic or other soft tread casters.
- Economical choice on dry, smooth floors: Hard plastic (PP) casters.
Plain bearing or ball bearing?
The bearing the wheel turns on matters too. Plain bearing wheels are economical and adequate for light carts that move occasionally. Ball bearing wheels need less push force and last longer under heavier loads and all-day use.
Use in production areas
On workbenches, small machines and material carts that are moved often, brakes on at least two of the swivel casters stop them sliding while in use. Above 300 kg (660 lb) per caster you need to move up to heavy duty casters.
Every range in this article is available in swivel, swivel with brake and rigid versions. Looking for an equivalent of the caster you have? Send us its code or a photo. All industrial casters · Request a quote →