Ball Bearing Casters Types and Styles

Select caster wheels that are easy to operate

If you have equipment you need to move frequently, you know how important it is to have caster wheels that work properly. Ball bearing casters make it easy to navigate heavy pieces of equipment around your shop or office.

If you are considering new mobile equipment of any sort, you should have a general idea of the ball bearing casters types and styles that you may find attached. Or, you may want to replace worn out ball casters with new models. In that case it pays to know what is available.

As you consider the ball bearing casters types and styles you may purchase, you need to know what you intend for the caster bearings to do. Before you buy a caster, here are some things you should know:

1. How much weight the bearing must carry. Divide the total weight of the equipment load by three to figure out the load-bearing capability you need for each ball caster.

2. What the floor and operating conditions are. Some casters work best on concrete, while others work best on softer surfaces.

3. Whether the caster can withstand any extreme temperatures. Extreme hot or cold can quickly ruin inappropriate casters.

 

Pick general duty caster wheels for your equipment

General duty caster wheels generally come in light-to-medium duty, heavy duty and kingpin-less. Some casters come with brakes while others do not. As you consider general duty caster wheels to attach to your mobile equipment, remember to also find casters that will fit your equipment.
Try: Select the right size caster bearings for your equipment from All States Casters. It has a large selection of ball casters from which to choose. There are also have a wide variety of casters for all needs available from MSC Industrial Supply.

Use ball and socket casters

Choose this type of caster if you want good rolling capabilities. Generally made with stainless steel balls encased in sockets, only a very small area of the ball bearing actually contacts the floor's surface. Use ball and socket casters in the traditional manner or turn them over and use them for your ball and socket transfer needs.
Try: Ball and socket casters are available from the Acme Caster Company in a variety of sizes and configurations. Charles P. Lauman also offers a selection of ball and socket casters.

Select pneumatic ball bearing casters

If you wish to protect your floor or need to move carts and other equipment easily and efficiently, consider pneumatic ball bearing casters types and styles. The design of the casters bearing ball allows for extra shock absorption as well.
Try: Choose one of the pneumatic caster wheels from the Service Caster Corporation. These shock absorbing ball bearing casters allow for easier movement on rougher surfaces. Caster City has a large selection of ball bearing caster wheels. You can choose pneumatic bearing casters with or without a locking mechanism.

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