Both wheels and casters have important roles in moving and maneuvering heavy loads, but they are quite different. While a wheel is a simple circular object that relies on axles, bearings, and other components to transport a load, a caster is a self-contained assembly with a frame, wheel, and bearings that can be attached to virtually any object to move a load. Knowing the difference between wheels and casters can help you choose the right components for your application.
Understanding Wheels & Casters
What Are Wheels?
Definition and Basic Functionality
Wheels are simply circular objects that make it easier to move heavy loads. As force is applied, the wheel rolls smoothly, reducing friction and the effort required to move the load. Wheels can support large amounts of weight without compromising their ability to roll.
Design Characteristics
Wheels can be made from metal, plastic, rubber, and more. Metal wheels offer higher load capacity, while plastic and rubber wheels move more easily, reducing the chance of marking or damaging the floor. Wheels can be fixed to move in a straight line or mounted on more complex assemblies to support rotation or turning.
What Are Casters?
Definition and Basic Functionality
Casters are a self-contained assembly that includes a mounting plate, a frame, a short axle, a wheel, wheel bearings, and other components like brakes or swivels, depending on the application. Casters can be fixed to move in a straight line, or they can include swivels to allow the wheel to turn in any direction and rotate. By combining fixed casters with swivel casters on an object or installing a full set of swivel casters, maneuverability can be greatly increased, allowing for much more complex movements of loads and equipment.
Design Characteristics
A caster consists of a mounting plate to secure it to a cart or the load, along with a frame supporting the wheel, axle, and bearings. A swivel mechanism can be integrated between the mounting plate and the wheel frame to allow the wheel assembly to swivel 360 degrees around the vertical axis. In contrast, the wheel rotates around the horizontal axis for linear motion. Swivel casters allow the load to move in any direction horizontally, whereas fixed or rigid casters allow only back-and-forth movement in a straight line.
Key Differences Between Wheels & Casters
Movement & Maneuverability
Wheels: Wheels only allow movement forward and backward in a straight line unless additional components are added to allow the wheels to turn and change the direction of movement.
Casters: Casters can be equipped with swivels that allow the wheel to turn 360 degrees, providing easy movement in any direction, which is perfect for applications that require enhanced maneuverability.
Design & Installation
Wheels: Wheels are installed on an axle attached directly to a frame or supported by pillow bearings. The design is simple and easy to install but offers limited functionality.
Casters: Casters feature a more complex design with multiple components, but the entire assembly can be mounted to carts, furniture, equipment frames, and more to provide easy mobility with great versatility and a wider range of motion.
Typical Uses
Wheels: Wheels are ideal for applications that require only straight-line movements, such as conveyor belts, dollies, traditional vehicles, or similar equipment that follows a fixed path.
Casters: Casters are better for equipment that needs greater maneuverability, such as shopping carts, catering carts, stock carts, laundry carts, office chairs, and hospital beds.
Choose RWM for Quality Wheels & Casters
Wheels are ideal when high carrying capacities are required, but the load does not need to turn or change directions. Casters are perfect for applications that require greater maneuverability, whether the ability to turn on a dime or move a load in any direction at all, laterally, forward and backward, or diagonally.
When you need to find the best wheel or caster for your application, turn to our team at RWM Casters. We feature a full range of industrial wheel and caster options for you to explore, and our skilled team can help you find the right solution for your needs.
Call RWM Casters today to request a quote or find a local distributor.
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