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.