Casters are not something you can just go to the store and grab off the shelf without knowing what you are buying. There are many different types of casters. This means that you need to be an educated shopper before you start buying these items. Buying the wrong casters will result in a rather big headache for you. This is why you would be better off learning some of the basics about these items. This will allow you to know the exact type of casters that you require. Here are a few of the most crucial considerations you need to make prior to spending money on casters.
1. How much weight will you be depending on your new casters to carry on a daily basis?
Pallet jack wheels are usually required to support a great deal of weight. However, there are other varieties of casters that are much weaker and only designed to support things like a mail cart in an office. Therefore, you need to be very careful about the weight limit of any casters that you buy. You could have a very serious accident on your hands if you use casters that are not strong enough to carry the weight of your cargo. Every caster will say the weight it is designed to carry on its package. This is something you should definitely check out before making your purchase.
2. What is the average temperature going to be where the casters will be used?
Do you plan on using your casters in a factory that is extremely hot? If so, you need to find out what the temperature limitations are on the casters you are going to buy. Some casters can melt if you try to use them in places where it is too hot. Needless to say, a melted caster will not be of much use to you. Ask the company that made the casters how hot they are able to get before they begin to melt.
3. Do you need to buy casters with brakes?
There are many casters that include brakes that can be activated to prevent them from rolling down an incline. These can be very useful if you will be using your casters on ramps or surfaces that are not totally flat. Not all casters have brakes attached to them. So you might need to place a special order.