③Types of Casters & Wheel Guide

July 11, 2022

③Types of Casters & Wheel Guide

Grainger Editorial Staff

Wheel Dimensions

The diameter and width are the two measurements that give the dimensions of the wheel. The diameter is the height of the wheel. (The total height of the caster includes the wheel and the mount.)

In general, wheels with greater diameter and width have lower starting resistance and rolling resistance—it's easier to get them moving and keep them moving. They can withstand heavier loads, and they are generally quieter.

However, wheels with greater diameter also give the cart a higher center of gravity, which can make it less stable, especially with heavier loads stacked higher on the cart.

The chart below summarizes how wheel material and dimensions can generally affect equipment performance.

	Load Capacity	Starting and Rolling Resistance	Noise	Comfort for Person Pushing the Load
Harder Wheel Materials	Higher load capacity	Easier to start and to keep rolling	Noisier	Less comfortable
Softer Wheel Materials	Lower load capacity	More resistant to starting and rolling	Quieter	More comfortable
Larger Wheels	Higher load capacity	Easier to start and to keep rolling	Quieter	More comfortable
Smaller Wheels	Lower load capacity	More resistant to starting and rolling	Noisier	Less comfortable

Caster Wheel Materials: Specific Characteristics

This chart describes the characteristics of many caster wheel materials.

Wheel Material	Characteristics
Cast iron	High-capacity and abrasion-resistant for easy rolling and long service life on concrete. High-temperature options available.
Ductile iron	Superior resistance to breakage, cracking and chipping for long service life in the most severe applications.
Forged steel	Nearly indestructible in normal applications and long service life. Used where floor protection is a secondary consideration, or for use on steel plates.
Glass-filled nylon	Will not chip, absorb water or break down in caustic environments. High-temperature options available.
Monoprene	Rejects debris while offering the same great features as a pneumatic wheel without going flat.
Neoprene	High resistance from oil and chemicals while providing sufficient cushioning to substantially lower or eliminate shock, vibration and noise levels.
Nylon	Withstands solvents, corrosive environments and temperature extremes.
Phenolic	Floor protective and highly resistant to oil, grease, gasoline and mild acids. Recommended for use on smooth concrete. NR for wet applications or use over rough surfaces. High-temperature options available.
Polyolefin	Lightweight, one-piece solid sanitary design suited for use in wet and corrosive applications.
Polypropylene	Resists absorption and withstands most chemicals and solvents.
Polyurethane	Easy-rolling wheels cushion loads, protect floors and offer superior chemical resistance.
Rubber	Long-wearing wheels provide floor protection and quiet operation. Includes pneumatic, semipneumatic and flat-free options.
Stainless steel	Strong and durable design. Ideal for use in wet, corrosive or sanitary environments.
Steel	Provides strength and shock resistance with long service life and economy for use in rough service conditions.
Thermoplastic rubber (TPR)	Chemical- and water-resistant. Absorbs shock and protects floors while providing easy rollability. High-temperature options available.
Vulkollan	Highest quality polyurethane. Extremely durable with excellent abrasion resistance. Easy to roll.

Wheel Material and Floor Compatibility

This chart indicates how different wheel materials perform on different floor materials: excellent, good, fair or not recommended (NR).

	Finished Wood Floor	Finished Concrete Floor	Concrete Floor	Ceramic Tile	Vinyl Asphalt Rubber Tile	Oil, Grease, Solvents	Alkaline – Inorganic	Metal Chips on Floor
Forged Steel	NR	Fair	Good	NR	NR	Good	Fair	Fair
V-Groove Forged Steel	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	Good	Fair	NR
V-Groove Iron	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	Good	Fair	NR
V-Grove Polyurethane	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	Good	Good	NR
Cast Iron	NR	Fair	Good	NR	NR	Good	Good	Fair
High-Temperature Phenolic	NR	Excellent	Excellent	NR	Fair	Fair	Fair	Fair
High-Temperature Nylon	NR	Excellent	Excellent	NR	Fair	Fair	Fair	Fair
Polyolefin	Fair	Excellent	Excellent	Fair	Fair	Excellent	Excellent	Fair
Hard Rubber	Good	Good	Good	Fair	Fair	Good	Good	Fair
Soft Rubber	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Rubber on Aluminum	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Rubber on Cast Iron	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Thermoplastic Rubber	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Pneumatics	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Fair	Fair	NR

Caster Load Rating

The load rating of each caster adds to the overall capacity that can be supported. Each caster represents an incremental increase in load rating capacity. To find the load rating for each caster that is necessary for your application, divide the weight of the load—including the weight of the cart itself—by the number of casters.

For a safety factor, remove one caster and divide the weight of the load to get the load rating for each caster. Consider a higher safety factor for powered towing and for use outdoors or in areas where the wheels may roll over tall obstacles.

The above is the ③Types of Casters & Wheel Guide we have listed for you. You can submit the following form to obtain more industry information we provide for you.

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