A Guide To Choosing the Right Industrial Trolley Wheels for Heavy Loads Outdoors

Published June 28, 2024

Choosing the right industrial trolley wheels for heavy loads outdoors is a hard-to-make decision. It involves a good understanding of different variables such as load capacity, material of the wheel and environmental conditions. Did you know? According to a survey, 60% of workplace material handling accidents happened because of wrong selection and usage of equipment and castors.

It proves that moving substantial loads outdoors is not an easy job as the stakes are very high. Factors like uneven and rough surfaces, temperature changes and exposure to various chemicals can sometimes introduce many challenges that may lead to accidents and other operational inefficiencies.

Therefore, when you want the castors to work outside, you must leave no room for error in choosing the wrong castor. However, you can make a mistake if you do not know what you are looking for. This is where Muvall, one of the best castor wheel manufacturers, can help! We have years of expertise in this business.

As a result, we have all the knowledge required to match the right castor for the right application. That is why our customers trust us for their castor and wheel needs. Here, in this blog, we will discuss some factors you should consider when choosing castors for outdoor use. So, let us dive right in!

Understanding Castors

Castors are small specialized wheels that are attached to the bottom of heavy objects or equipment to enable mobility. They come in many types and each type of castor is designed for specific purposes. Swivel and rigid are the two main types of castors. While swivel castors can rotate 360 degrees and provide smooth movement in all directions, rigid castors can only move in a straight line.

Hence, swivel castors are highly maneuverable and rigid ones are good for straight and long surfaces. The castor type chosen typically depends on the required load capacity, the kind of floor on which you will use the castors and the specific mobility requirements of the object, material or equipment. 

Related: Castor vs Wheel: How Are They Different From Each Other?

The Role of Castors in Moving Heavy Loads

Heavy duty wheels that are used in outdoor environments facilitate easy and efficient movement of objects within different settings like manufacturing units, warehouses, etc. These castors help support and move substantial loads ranging from 3,000 to 50,000 pounds.

They are available in many styles, materials and functionalities to meet specific application needs. Superior load bearing capacity and durable construction are the two key factors that differentiate heavy duty castors from standard small wheels for trolley.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Castors

Now, let us finally discuss the factors you should consider when choosing heavy-duty industrial trolley wheels for your outdoor applications:

Wheel traction

Excellent wheel grip is an essential factor when selecting castors for substantial loads outside. Such wheels usually feature a vigorous design that offers exceptional shock absorption and an ability to navigate rough and uneven surfaces smoothly. 

Weather exposure and temperature fluctuations 

Weather conditions such as temperature, exposure to elements (ice, salt or water) and humidity can greatly impact the castors’ performance over time. Therefore, you must choose a wheel material or coating that can protect the castor wheels from environmental changes and other factors that can impact its performance.

Swivel radius

The swivel or turning radius is the space a castor requires to pivot or turn. You must choose heavy duty wheels with larger swivel radius because they require less effort to change direction. In other words, heavy duty castor wheels with larger swivel radius offer easy maneuverability. 

Maneuverability

Maneuvering the load effectively is important, especially in the outdoors. In this case, swivel heavy duty wheels are much more convenient as they offer more flexibility and smooth movement compared to fixed castors. You can also choose swivel lock or kingpinless castor designs if you want precise control of the steering. This will prevent swivel head failure rates. 

Evenness of terrain

Considering the evenness of outdoor surfaces is critical. Uneven terrains require specific castor designs to maintain stability and ease of movement. For example, oscillating axle castors can handle surface irregularities, maintain wheel contact and facilitate better weight distribution. In the same way, spring loaded castors can handle shocks and vibrations caused by uneven surfaces while minimizing potential damage to the load. 

Load capacity

You must understand the total load capacity of your castor assembly before choosing castors for extreme weights. It includes the object’s weight and the significance of the trolley or device to which the castors are attached.

One thing to note here is that the load capacity of a castor is not just the sum of its wheel capacities. Instead, factors like the size of the wheel, number of wheels and castor configuration also play a huge role in determining the total load capacity.

Also Read: How Can the Right Heavy Duty Castor Wheels Help Prevent Workplace Injuries?

Conclusion

So, this was all about choosing the right heavy duty castor wheels for outdoor use. Muvall, as one of the leading industrial castors and wheel manufacturers, offers a broad selection of castor wheels for various applications.

Check out our website today for more information about our premium quality castor wheel range, and do not hesitate to contact us for professional advice, suggestions and recommendations on industrial castor wheels. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1- Which is the best material for heavy duty wheels?

Ans. Industrial grade polyurethane is considered the best castor wheel material for heavy duty industrial trolley wheels. That is because industrial grade PU castors offer the perfect balance between heavy duty load bearing and floor protection. Moreover, polyurethane has oscillatory properties that reduce rigidity and allow the wheels to absorb force. 

Q2- What type of castors are ideal for concrete or cement floors?

Ans. Polyurethane (PU) and nylon castors work efficiently on concrete or cement floors while causing minimal damage. It makes these wheels best for such floor types. 

Related: PU Caster Wheel: Why Use It in Industrial Applications?

Q3- Why should I choose Muvall for reliable heavy duty castors?

Ans. Muvall stands out as a trusted castor and wheel manufacturer in India, that only uses the best quality materials to manufacture its heavy duty industrial trolley wheels. We have been in this industry for years and know what it takes to manufacture and offer the right castors for your specific indoor and outdoor applications.

Therefore, if you need to choose a castor and want to ensure you get the right one for your needs, Muvall is the company to contact!