Industrial trolley wheels and casters facilitate the smooth movement of machines, heavy equipment and other objects in various industries. You can conveniently install a set of trolley wheels on the bottom of an object to move the object to a different area. However, just like all things, casters also demand maintenance to ensure longevity and performance.
Simply put, proper maintenance of trolley caster wheels is essential to ensure smooth operation and prolonged lifespan. If you fail to maintain them properly, they may degrade and fail to work as they should. Do not worry! You can keep your heavy duty wheels doing their job perfectly with the help of the following maintenance tips.
All small wheels for trolley have specific load bearing capacities. You should consider this capacity and be mindful of weight distribution as it helps maintain the wheel’s integrity and ensures safe operations.
In other words, you should follow load guidelines and avoid overloading the wheels beyond their load bearing capacity because overloading can result in premature wear.
Another maintenance tip to prolong the life of your heavy duty wheels is to clean them thoroughly. As we already discussed in the blog above, casters pick up dirt from the floor. Even if the floor is clean, you will still need to clean the casters to remove all the dirt and debris that is stuck inside them.
For this, you can consider spraying with canned air because a few of its blasts remove most debris while leaving the industrial trolley wheels clean and protected from unwanted wear and damage.
The floor on which you use the heavy duty wheels has a lot to do with the caster’s performance and longevity. If you clean the floors on a daily basis, casters will smoothly roll across the floor without picking up any dirt and debris.
On the other hand, using casters on a dirty floor will increase the chances of casters becoming dirty and losing their performance. Therefore, whether you are using them in factories, warehouses or other settings, do not forget to clean the floor as it will add to the caster wheel’s lifespan.
If you use swivel casters (casters that swivel in a full 360 degrees and feature a swivel joint to which wheels are attached), you should check the swivel joint to ensure it works as it should be working.
The casters will not be able to perform the swiveling action if they are damaged or degraded. Therefore, you should inspect the joint for signs of premature wear and tear to maintain them properly.
If you find any damaged trolley wheel components while inspecting the small wheels for trolley, consider replacing those components. Invest in the best quality components that are not only compatible with your caster wheel but also satisfy the requirements of your application.
But remember, only do this when the issues in the component cannot be addressed through maintenance.
If you are facing a hard time pushing your equipment, it means you need to adjust the caster’s tension by loosening or tightening the screws that hold the caster in place.
To do this effectively, consider using a screwdriver or socket wrench and do it until you can move the casters with ease.
Besides holding the casters together, fasteners also ensure its smooth functioning. Therefore, you must check them for any damage like bends, cracks and breaks. Moreover, look for signs of corrosion or rust and make sure all parts are securely tightened.
If you find any damaged fastener, consider replacing it immediately as it will prevent the caster from falling apart.
Now that we have reached the end of this blog, you must have realized that casters under your equipment are not too small components that you can ignore. Routine checks, regular maintenance and timely replacement are the key to enhancing the performance and maximizing the lifespan of industrial trolley casters. Not only this, but it is the key to keeping your business operations running efficiently.
By following the tips we discussed in this blog you can not only ensure smooth operation, but you can also reduce downtime. Lastly, if you are looking for a wide selection of durable trolley wheels, check out our website today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. Regular caster maintenance can be a game changer for your business because high-performing small wheels for trolley not only facilitate smooth movement but also enhance overall business productivity and efficiency. Improved performance, longevity, cost-effectiveness and enhanced safety are some more reasons why maintaining caster wheels should be your top priority.
Ans. When your caster wheels start giving you trouble, it simply means that it is time to remove the debris caught in the wheels and lubricate them in a little cleaning session. However, if your caster wheel is rusting, the only solution is to replace the wheel or the entire caster.
Ans. Maintaining casters properly results in an extended lifespan of the caster wheels. This reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
Ans. Even if you maintain your casters properly, everything has a lifecycle. In this case, casters are no exception. You only need to identify the signs that indicate it is time to replace your old caster & wheels with new ones. Below are a few major signs:
Ans. Selecting a new set of industrial trolley wheels is not as easy as buying a new pair of shoes as it is a bit more difficult. Load capacity, application, mounting type, wheel material and locking mechanism are some factors that will help you select the right replacement casters for your business.
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