Top Caster Issues and How to Avoid Them for Optimal Performance

s play a vital but often overlooked role in materials handling tasks. They significantly impact the weight capacity of carts and chairs, and when s fail, it can lead to serious safety hazards and decreased productivity. Even s equipped with safety features can still experience damage over time.

Over the years, technology has significantly advanced. However, many companies still face challenges with problems during manual material handling tasks. These problems can hurt ROI due to the ongoing costs of replacing s, as well as lost productivity from machine downtime.

In this blog, the team at Muvall will discuss some frequent problems and how to avoid them. By understanding the common issues s face and how to fix them, problems can be spotted early, which can reduce downtime and repair expenses. So, let us begin!

Common issues and how to avoid them

In most cases, failure is not caused by a design flaw or defect in the itself. Instead, it usually happens because important factors were overlooked during the selection and installation process. Here are the top reasons why s fail:

• Capacity overload

The most common cause of failure in the field is exceeding the recommended weight limit. Every type has a maximum weight capacity for its intended use. When the surface is uneven, the weight may not be evenly distributed across all four s, which results in overloads. 

To prevent this, take into account the heaviest load that will be used in the application. Since uneven floors, bumps and other factors can result in only three of the four wheels carrying the full weight, it is important to apply a safety factor based on the assumption that three s will be supporting the load. 

• Corrosion/Environmental damage

Environmental factors like extreme weather and changing temperatures can lead to failure. Corrosion can happen when s are exposed to harsh outdoor environments or damp indoor areas. This affects how well the s work, weakens the components and increases the risk of failure. s can also get blocked with dirt, mud and debris. 

To prevent this, regularly inspect the axle bolts and brackets for any signs of corrosion, as it can cause the wheels to stop moving. If rust is found, remove the damaged parts and treat them properly. In addition to this, choose s that are designed to resist corrosion, are highly durable and can absorb shocks. 

• Extreme temperatures

Extreme temperatures can significantly impact a ’s ability to move effectively by damaging wheels, brackets and bearings. Therefore, selecting the right wheel material for the specific temperature of the operating environment is crucial when choosing the appropriate .

While many industrial s can handle some temperature changes, extreme heat or cold can lead to cracks or failures. Many wheels are made from polymers and rubbers that can lose their strength and flexibility and melt or break apart when exposed to drastic temperature changes or friction. 

To prevent this, choose s made from temperature-resistant materials. In hot conditions, non-marking rubber can handle high heat, while nylon s are ideal for cold environments, as they would not become brittle in freezing temperatures. 

Related: Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Outdoor Wheels Material

• Excessive speed

High speeds can create several problems for s not designed for such use. In other words, industrial s are designed to handle specific maximum speeds, and exceeding this limit can cause serious issues such as bearing failure, friction damage or wheel hub wear. 

To prevent this, always verify the maximum speed rating of your s to ensure it matches your intended use. Knowing the speed at which the will be used is key to selecting the right one. In addition, control your speed to stay within the recommended limits.

• Wrong bearing type

Bearings in s control movement and reduce friction between the moving components. Using the wrong type of bearing for a particular application can lead to failure. For example, using non-tapered bearings in applications with high side-thrust demands can cause them to wear out quickly. 

To prevent this, consider factors like the material, ease of maintenance and race construction when selecting bearings. 

Also Read: Choosing the Right Wheel Bearing: A Guide to Performance and Durability

• Impact damage

Impact damage is another common issue, especially when equipment is moved over rough ground. When the wheel hits bumps or holes, the connection points with the brackets can become stressed, and sudden weight shifts can weaken parts.

To prevent this, use s designed to handle strong impacts or choose larger wheels with soft rubber tires for a smoother ride. Make sure loads are balanced and securely placed on trolleys, and remind staff to move equipment slowly over uneven surfaces for added safety. 

• Swivel offset

s are designed to swivel, which allows them to move in any direction. Excessive swivel offset in a is usually caused by a design issue. It occurs when the distance between the axle center and the center of the kingpin or main rivet is too large.

This excessive swivel offset can cause the yoke to break under heavy loads. That is why achieving the right balance is important. You can do so by carefully checking the swivel offset to ensure it strikes the right balance between the ’s angle and its load-bearing capacity.

The proper ratio will make it easier to move loads without weakening the ’s structure. Moreover, collaborating with an experienced design and engineering team can help ensure the optimal swivel offset is achieved. 

How can issues with s affect my business?

Problems with s can have a significant impact on your business’s bottom line. When s fail, they can cause worker injuries and lead to costly insurance claims and reduced productivity.

Durable and high-quality s play a key role in ensuring smooth transportation and delivery of materials for industries that rely on precise coordination. Furthermore, upgrading to premium s can help minimize employee strain during material handling. 

Suggested Read: Why is Choosing the Right Castors Important for Businesses?

Conclusion

Taking proactive steps to prevent failures is crucial. You can significantly reduce the risk of issues that could disrupt your operations by selecting s with the appropriate durability and safety features.

While selecting the right wheels might seem like a small detail, making the right choice upfront can save you expensive maintenance and replacement in the future. 

At Muvall, we offer a wide variety of high-quality industrial s & wheels suited for various material handling applications. We can also offer you expert guidance on choosing the perfect s. Contact us today to explore our solutions and learn more!