How to Choose Casters: a 7-Question Checklist
A caster looks like a small part, but it decides how easily a cart can be pushed, how well the floor is protected and how safely equipment stays in place. Answer the seven questions below and the right caster is largely decided.
1. How much load will it carry?
Divide the total weight of the cart and load by one less than the number of casters; that is the capacity needed per caster. Details: our caster load capacity guide.
2. What is the floor like?
Soft treads (thermoplastic, polyurethane) on sensitive floors such as parquet, tiles and epoxy; tough wheels (polyamide, cast iron) on concrete and rough floors; rubber or spring-loaded casters outdoors and on uneven ground.
3. Is there water, chemicals or heat?
Stainless steel casters in washdown and wet areas, polyamide (nylon) casters where there is oil or chemicals, high temperature casters in ovens and hot processes.
4. How often and how far will it move?
Plain bearing casters are fine on furniture and equipment that is moved occasionally. On carts pushed all day, ball bearing casters with larger wheels are easier on the operator and last longer.
5. How will the caster be mounted?
Top plate, threaded stem, bolt hole, plug-in stem or socket. When replacing an existing caster, keep the same fitting size and overall height. Mounting types are covered in swivel vs rigid casters.
6. Must the equipment stay still?
Carts that are worked on, stand on ramps or are loaded need brakes on at least two casters.
7. How will it be steered?
On long, straight runs, 2 swivel + 2 rigid casters keep the cart on line. Where it must move in any direction in tight spaces, use four swivel casters.
Where to start, based on your answers
- Home and office furniture → Furniture casters (selection guide)
- Shopping, service, shelf and hospital carts → Industrial casters (types and materials)
- Factories, machinery and heavy loads → Heavy duty casters and Extra heavy duty casters (heavy load guide)
- Only the wheel needs replacing → Wheels
Yamaç has been in the industrial and furniture caster business since 1954. If you can't answer one of the seven questions, that's fine: tell us what you are moving and where, and we will choose the right caster together. Request a quote → · Contact