Once you've chosen the best heavy equipment for your business, you'll want to consider setting it up on grooved wheel casters. Also known as V groove casters, these casters are heavy-duty wheels that connect to the bottoms of your equipment, making large objects like network servers and shop machinery conveniently mobile.

Because the split wheel keeps the caster centered over a fixed track, choosing casters with grooved wheels instead of solid wheels gives your equipment increased stability as well as mobility. Although grooved casters are all useful, they're not all the same. Before settling on a specific wheel for your business, keep the following facts in mind.

1. Commercial grooved wheel casters and industrial grooved wheel casters accommodate different mobility needs.

2. Casters are pre-rated for supporting a specific maximum amount of weight.

3. Some grooved casters swivel, while others are fixed or rigid.

4. V groove wheel manufacturers make them from a variety of materials, meaning you can choose the compound that best suits your workplace mobility needs.

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Choose grooved wheel casters that can support your equipment

Not all casters can handle the weight of heavy-duty shop equipment or industrial-size machinery. While some are made for regular use around the kitchen, others are made to tackle tough jobs around the factory. Picking the right caster is essential to maintaining the safety of your equipment and employees.

I recommend: Caster City produces wheels that support a variety of weights, including their Model 150 Plate Caster, which can hold up to 15,000 lb. A-Z Factory Supply also has a good selection of grooved wheel casters in a number of materials and strengths.

Decide between swivel and fixed grooved wheel casters

While swivel casters provide the most mobility, they're not always necessary for moving your equipment along. Objects that only move back-and-forth work well with rigid casters, which eliminate the jerky wobbling and sideways slipping characteristic of swivel casters.

I recommend: With forged and stainless steel wheels, grooved casters by Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co. come in swivel and fixed varieties. The Fairbanks Company also makes a heavy-duty V groove caster in both forms.

Look for V groove wheels that blend durability with grip

Depending on your equipment's size and your track's construction, you'll need to consider the compounds comprising your caster wheels. Some wheels provide outstanding grip, but they may not be as durable as ones that are less sticky. Finding a balance between the two ensures you get the best functional value for your money.

I recommend: Amjack Supply sells casters in two different kinds of iron that accommodate a wide range of industrial-size loads. For a custom caster solution, consider working with the engineers at the FallLine Corporation to create the perfect wheel compound for your equipment and facility.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy grooved wheel casters with brakes or thumbscrews if your equipment needs to stay stationary.
• •  Remember that placing your equipment on casters increases its height. Make sure you can operate the equipment at the new height and that it fits in your workspace before deciding on a wheel and making your purchase.
• •  Pay close attention to the depth of the caster's groove when choosing one to buy. It must be large enough to fit over your equipment tracks.