Industrial and warehouse settings are quite different from those of offices or hospitality businesses as they’re based on heavy-duty applications and performances even for something as simple as transporting materials or navigating tight spaces. Any equipment chosen for such environments has to be able to stand up to the weight, pressure, and wear and tear on a daily basis, so you need to put a lot of thought in the purchases. This includes smaller details like the storage and material handling equipment’s wheels.
How to Choose Castor Wheels?
When shopping for premium castor wheels and choosing from a vast range of options, there are some essential aspects you should consider to make the most of the experience and find something fit for the job. These aspects are:
1. The Basics of Wheel Type
In basic terms, the two types of wheels you can see mounted on the bottom of industrial and warehouse equipment are: rigid, and swivel. The rigid, as you might guess, are fixed and this makes them fit for back and forth movements only. As such, they’re perfect for straight-line movements.
The swivel castor wheels can rotate 360°, which makes them fit to move equipment in any direction needed. These are perfect for uses and environments where the priority goes to manoeuvrability, like narrow aisle warehouse areas.
2. Material Types
Additionally, we can separate them in different types based on material, and whether or not they’re pneumatic. To start with the material, you can choose from:
Nylon and Phenolic Wheels
If you’re looking for something lightweight, smooth, yet durable look no further than the nylon castor wheel type which can hold medium to heavy loads, and won’t undergo any changes in the form even under heavier loads. If you’re in need of a more chemical resistant alternative, though, then you should consider phenolic wheels.
Polyurethane Wheels
As a material, polyurethane is known for its abrasion resistance and toughness, so it’s a great choice for regular use with heavy loads. You’d like it for the versatility, as it can be used in various settings, and it doesn’t leave any marks on the floors.
Rubber Wheels
If you require the type of wheel that’s as resistant as the polyurethane choice but makes for a quieter and smooth operation, then opt for the rubber wheel design.
Pneumatic Wheels
In case you require the kind of wheels that can handle uneven surfaces as much as outdoor conditions, then it’s the pneumatic rubber wheel type you should be after because of the design filled with air that makes for great cushioning. These wheels may not be the most durable or suitable for heavy loads, but if you need sturdier cushioning then opt for the semi-pneumatic alternative as the more resilient option.
Cast Iron Wheels
When working with heavy machinery, and in a heavy-duty industrial environment, you need the reliability of cast iron and steel wheels that can handle even the most extreme loads. Although they don’t make for the most silent operation, they can withstand everything you put their way or put them through, including harsh environments like those for specific industrial applications.
3. Load Capacity
To make the most of the purchase and count on its use for what it’s intended for, you can’t avoid checking for and considering this very aspect. When shopping online, it’s easy to look through the provided info by the retailer and manufacturer to get an idea. It’s also good to base your purchase on the type of equipment you mostly work with and would mostly use the wheels for transporting and handling.
4. Features
A little more security doesn’t hurt when you’re working in an industrial setting, which is why choosing to buy castor wheel with special features like brakes can be most helpful when you want to have more control over the equipment you’re operating. A lock is another key advantage here, but you have to choose between the total that immobilises the wheels, or the directional that stops the swivel and makes guiding the equipment easier in one direction.
5. Floor Type
The floor you’d be using the wheels on is just as important as the other aspects we’ve covered, as not all wheels are made equal. As you know, pneumatic and semi-pneumatic are perfect for uneven and outdoor surfaces, whereas for hard floors like those made of concrete rubber or polyurethane are options you can swear by for a smooth ride. Cast iron and steel wheels are suitable for soft surfaces such as carpets and grass as there’s no threat of getting them stuck.
6. Environment
The settings and environment you’d expose the wheels to can play their own role in the choice you end up with. Wet and humid conditions call for something durable like stainless steel, or even polyurethane, while high temperatures are the job for cast iron and rubber. Lastly, consider if there are chemicals involved, as then you’d also need wheels that are resistant to this condition, like polyurethane.
