Castor Wheels

Castor wheels, also commonly spelled caster wheels, are essential components that enable the easy movement of objects in various applications. These wheels, often referred to simply as castors or casters, consist of a wheel, housing, and a mounting mechanism, such as a plate or stem. RS offers a wide range of castor wheels in Australia, including heavy-duty castor wheels and swivel caster wheels, to suit diverse needs and load capacities.

Where Can Castor Wheels Be Used?

Castor wheels can be used in a wide range of applications across various industries, facilitating smooth and controlled movement of objects ranging from small trolleys to heavy machinery.

• Industrial Equipment: Heavy-duty castors are crucial for industrial equipment, enabling easy maneuverability of heavy machinery, workbenches, and storage racks.
• Material Handling: Castor wheels are widely used in material handling equipment, such as platform trucks and trolleys, facilitating efficient movement of goods and materials in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.
• Furniture: Castor wheels are commonly used in furniture, such as chairs, tables, and storage units, providing mobility and convenience.
• Medical Equipment: Hospital beds, medical carts, and other healthcare equipment utilise castor wheels for easy maneuverability and patient comfort.
• Aerospace: Aircraft assembly and maintenance rely on castor wheels for moving large components and assemblies.
• Automotive: Castor wheels are used in car plant assembly lines for moving vehicle chassis and components during production.

Types of Castor Wheels

Castor wheels are available in various configurations to suit different movement requirements:

• Swivel Casters: Swivel caster wheels, also known as swivel wheels, allow for multi-directional movement, making them ideal for applications requiring maneuverability in tight spaces.
• Fixed Casters: Fixed castor wheels provide stable and straight-line movement, suitable for applications where directional control is essential.
• Braked Casters: Braked castors feature a locking mechanism that prevents the wheel from rotating, providing stability and preventing unintended movement.

What Are Castor Wheels Made of?

Castor wheels are made from different materials to suit different load capacities, environmental conditions, and application requirements:

• Iron: Iron castor wheels offer high load capacity and durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• Aluminium: Aluminium casters provide a lightweight and corrosion-resistant option for various applications.
• Steel: Steel castor wheels offer high strength and durability, making them suitable for demanding industrial environments.
• Polypropylene: Polypropylene casters are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and non-marking, making them ideal for use on delicate surfaces.
• Nylon: Nylon casters offer excellent wear resistance, low friction, and good chemical resistance.
• Rubber: Rubber castor wheels provide good shock absorption and quiet operation, making them suitable for applications where noise reduction is important.

How to Measure Castor Wheels

Accurate measurement of castor wheels is crucial for ensuring proper fit and functionality.

• Wheel Diameter: Measure the diameter of the wheel at its widest point.
• Mounting Height: Measure the distance from the top of the mounting plate or stem to the floor when the wheel is under load.
• Top Plate Dimensions: Measure the length and width of the top plate or bolt hole pattern.

Maintenance Tips for Prolonging the Life of Castor Wheels

Proper maintenance of castor wheels is essential for ensuring their longevity, smooth operation, and optimal performance. Here’s how you can extend the lifespan of your castor wheels and prevent premature wear and tear:

• Regular Cleaning and Debris Removal: Clean the wheels and surrounding areas regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate and cause friction, hindering smooth movement and potentially damaging the wheel bearings.
• Lubricate Moving Parts Periodically: Apply appropriate lubrication to the wheel bearings, swivel mechanisms, and other moving parts to reduce friction and ensure smooth rotation. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for recommended lubricants and lubrication frequency.
• Inspect for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect the wheels, bearings, and mounting hardware for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, deformation, or loose fittings. Replace any damaged or worn components promptly to prevent further damage and ensure safe operation.
• Ensure Proper Load Distribution: Distribute the load evenly across all castor wheels to prevent overloading and premature wear on individual wheels. Avoid exceeding the maximum load capacity of the castor wheels.
• Check and Tighten Fasteners Regularly: Periodically check and tighten all fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, to ensure the castor wheels remain securely attached to the equipment or furniture. Loose fasteners can cause instability and lead to damage or accidents.
• Avoid Overloading the Wheels: Overloading castor wheels can cause excessive stress and strain, leading to premature wear, deformation, or even breakage. Ensure the load being carried does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the castor wheels.
• Monitor for Signs of Rust or Corrosion: Regularly inspect the castor wheels for signs of rust or corrosion, especially in harsh environments or when using metal wheels. Apply appropriate rust prevention measures, such as protective coatings or lubricants, to prevent corrosion and maintain the integrity of the wheels.
• Store Castor Wheels in a Dry, Clean Environment: When not in use, store castor wheels in a dry, clean environment to prevent damage from moisture, dust, or other contaminants. This helps maintain their performance and longevity.
• Use Castor Wheels on Suitable Surfaces: Use castor wheels on surfaces that are compatible with their design and material. Avoid using wheels on rough or abrasive surfaces that can cause excessive wear or damage.
• Replace Damaged or Worn Wheels Promptly: If a castor wheel is damaged or worn beyond repair, replace it promptly to ensure safe and efficient operation of the equipment or furniture.

Industrial Application of Castor Wheels

Castor wheels are crucial components in various industrial settings, providing mobility and maneuverability for a wide range of equipment and applications.

• Warehouse Equipment: Castor wheels are extensively used in warehouse equipment, such as pallet jacks, platform trucks, and order picking trolleys, facilitating efficient movement of goods and materials within the warehouse.
• Material Handling Carts: Castor wheels enable easy and controlled movement of material handling carts, allowing for efficient transportation of goods and materials in various industrial settings.
• Industrial Trolleys and Carts: Industrial trolleys and carts equipped with castor wheels provide a versatile solution for transporting tools, equipment, and supplies within factories, workshops, and other industrial facilities.
• Assembly Line Conveyors: Castor wheels are integrated into assembly line conveyors, enabling smooth and controlled movement of products along the production line.
• Hospital and Medical Equipment: Hospital beds, medical carts, and other healthcare equipment utilise castor wheels for easy maneuverability and patient comfort.
• Shopping Carts: Castor wheels are essential components in shopping carts, providing smooth and effortless movement for shoppers in retail environments.
• Heavy Machinery and Equipment: Heavy-duty castor wheels are used in various industrial machinery and equipment, enabling easy movement and positioning of heavy loads.
• Food Processing Carts: Castor wheels are used in food processing carts to transport ingredients, finished products, and waste materials within food processing facilities, ensuring hygiene and efficiency.

Order Castors and Wheels Online at RS

RS is your trusted source for castor wheels in Australia. We offer a wide selection of castors and wheels from leading brands like Tente, LAG, and Guitel Hervieu, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your application. Whether you need heavy duty casters for industrial equipment, swivel casters for furniture, or replacement wheels for trolleys, RS has you covered.

We also carry other essential industrial hardware and components, such as adjustable feet for workbench and metal rods, to provide comprehensive solutions for your mobility needs. Order your castor wheels online today. For more details on our ordering process, delivery services, and delivery fees, please refer to our Delivery Page.