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Casters
Choosing A Caster
When replacing casters, try to match the new set as closely as possible to the originals. Upgrading a set of casters to a heavier duty type is recommended if casters are prone to excessive wear.
When adding a set of casters, consider the weight and size of the equipment as well as the floor conditions. A heavy piece of equipment should have large wheels to hold the weight and provide easy rolling. Floors that are rough can cause rubber caster wheels to wear quickly. Floors that are exposed to grease, oil or heavy detergents can also cause deterioration. In both cases, a caster with a polyurethane wheel will last longer than a caster that has a rubber wheel. More information on selecting casters is provided below:
Understanding Specifications
Institutional Grade
This is the highest grade of caster available for the foodservice industry.
Load Height
This is the distance a caster raises a piece of equipment off the floor or the overall height of the caster when mounted. It is important when replacing casters because the new casters may cause the equipment to sit higher or lower if the load height is different from the original set.
Load Capacity
This is the total weight a set of four casters can carry while the equipment is in motion.
Load capacity is "gross weight" and the weight of stored product must be considered.
Wheel Types
Solid Black Rubber Wheels
Made of molded, non-marking rubber material. The solid rubber wheel helps absorb shocks and rolls easily, even on rough floors.
Solid Gray Rubber Wheel with Metal Hub
Made of molded, non-marking rubber material with a metal hub covering the sides of the wheel. The solid rubber wheel helps absorb shocks and rolls easily, even on rough floors.
Metal Wheel with Gray Rubber Tire
Strong and durable. The metal wheel and hard rubber tire can hold more weight than solid rubber wheels.
Metal Wheel with Blue Polyurethane Tire
Provides more load capacity and longer life than rubber wheels. The polyurethane material is not only stronger, it is highly resistant to corrosion, grease and oil. These casters are ideal for use on cooking equipment, especially fryers and griddles.
Caster Types
Swivel Stem Casters
The stem of these casters fits inside of a leg. The stem is tightened to expand the rubber sleeve and “lock” the caster into the leg.
Casters for 1” tubing are generally used on free standing shelving and carts
Casters for 1-5/8” tubing are generally used on work tables and equipment stands
How to Measure Tubing and Pipe
1. Tubing has a thinner wall thickness than pipe
2. Tubing is measured from the outside diameter
3. Pipe is measured from the inside diameter
4. To determine pipe size, measure the male (threaded) end of pipe:
If O.D. is 1-3/8” and under, subtract 1/4”.
If O.D. is 1-3/8” and over, subtract 3/8”.
Plate Mount Casters
These casters are usually used on equipment. The mounting holes in the plate are commonly elongated for easier mounting and alignment.
Threaded Stem Casters
These casters are installed on equipment with a threaded hole, or where a caster can be secured with a nut. They are also ideal for replacing stud mount (threaded) legs on a piece of equipment.
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