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KNOWING BASIC CASTER TERMS WILL
CASTER TERMINOLOGY
CASTER TERMINOLOGY HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE CASTER MOUNTING APPLICATION
FOR YOUR APPLICATION

KNOWING BASIC CASTER TERMS WILL HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR APPLICATION CASTER MOUNTING APPLICATIONS

Dynamic Load a d Durometer 1 2 3
KG The load applied to SOFT HARD A measure of the hardness of a wheel. It
a wheel or caster is measured on a numeric scale with
while in motion. numbers ranging from lower (i.e. softer)
to higher (i.e. harder). Wheels are
measured in two scales, “A” shore for soft
wheels and “D” shore for harder wheels.

Impact Load
A temporary load applied to a wheel Static Load
KG
or caster when the load is dropped on KG The load applied Swivel plate bolts or welds to cross support Swivel plate bolts to wood and inverted channel Swivel plate bolts or welds to angle iron frame
the equipment or it strikes an to a caster while of truck floor. iron cross support truck floor. and corner brace.
obstruction or experiences vibration. it is stationary.

4 5 6

Wheel Bearings Offset
The part that allows the The perpendicular distance between the vertical
wheel to rotate. The higher centerlines of the kingpin and the axle of a swivel
the quality of the wheel caster. Larger offsets afford easier swiveling, shorter
bearing, the easier offsets allow greater load strength.
the wheel will roll.
Wheel Diameter Swivel plate bolts or welds to angle iron frame Swivel plate bolts or welds to U-beams used Stem caster adapts to round and square tubes
Tread Width The length of a straight line passing across the axle hole and inverted cross supports. as cross supports. when plates are not feasible.
The distance from on the face of a wheel connecting two points on the
outer edge to outer tread. As wheel diameter increases, the load capacity
edge of the tread. A and ability to roll over obstacles increases.
wider tread normally 7 LOAD 8 LOAD 9 LOAD
allows greater weight Mount Height STEERING STEERING STEERING
capacity. The vertical distance between the top
edge of the caster plate of the unit and
the bottom of the wheel.
Steering
The ease in which a caster turns to a desired direction. Tread shape, wheel
material and caster swivel bearings all affect steering. The offset of the swivel
plays a role in the ease or difficulty in steering. Too much offset can reduce load
capacity and increase wobble, and too small an offset will increase steering effort. Four swivel casters respond instantly to Two rigid casters at sides, two swivel Two rigid, one swivel caster make a
directional change, making parking easy in casters at ends make a highly maneuverable maneuverable triangle dolly for light loads.
limited space. Recommended for short truck that turns in its own length.
distances, crowded conditions.
Swivel Radius
The horizontal distance from the
outside edge of the wheel tread to the Rollability LOAD LOAD LOAD
vertical center line of the kingpin. The The ease in which a caster’s starting and 10 STEERING 11 STEERING 12 STEERING
dimension identifies the minimum continued mobility is measured or wheel can
distance necessary for the caster to be rolled. This can be influenced by type of
swivel 360’ when mounted. tread, swivel and wheel bearings, and wheel
size. The larger the wheel, the easier it will roll.
A hard, narrow crowned tread rolls easier than
a flat, soft tread on a smooth floor, but may be
harder on flooring. Soft treads protect floors
and pass over floor obstructions more easily. Two V-grooved casters on angle-iron track Two swivel and rigid casters provide easy Two center rigid casters at sides, four
and two plain rigid casters rolling on metal steering over long distances. swivel casters at corners give maximum
plate make an ideal production line carrier. load capacity while offering superior
maneuverability.

800 354 8622 • www.phcasters.com // 15
14 // www.phcasters.com • 800 354 8622