Here are the most common terms that we use to determine which caster best meets your specifications.
A Swivel Caster has a swivel yoke and wheel assembly that will allow rotation of 360 degrees, which permits movement in any direction.
A Swivel Radius is the horizontal distance from vertical centerline of kingpin to outside edge of wheel tread. Specifies minimum clearance required for mounted caster to swivel 360 degrees.
A Rigid Caster has a rigid yoke and wheel assembly which permits only straight-line movement.
Swivel Lead is the horizontal distance between vertical centerlines through kingpin and wheel center.
Overall Height is the vertical distance between floor and mounting plate. (NOTE: Casters with threaded stems are measured to the top washer and do not include the length of the threaded stem).
Wheel Diameter is the outer nominal diameter of the wheel.
Tread Width is the outer surface of the wheel, in contact with the ground.
Hub Length is the widest part of the hub (including bearing assembly and thread guards).
Bore Diameter is the distance measured through the center of the wheel.
Capacity
The Maximum load a caster or wheel can safely sustain while in use. Capacity of a caster is always based on the component with the lowest capacity. If a wheel is rated at 700 lbs and the caster yoke is rated at 1200 lbs, the capacity of the complete caster is 700 lbs. To determine the capacity needed for an application, divide the expected maximum load by the number of wheels or casters used. When specifying a capacity, always clarify if the desired capacity is per caster or the overall capacity of the application.
1. Static Load Capacity a) The load imposed on a caster or wheel while it is stationary.
2. Dynamic Load Capacity a) The load imposed on a caster or wheel while rolling. Most capacities of casters & wheels listed in catalogs are this type.
Plate Dimension
Plate Dimension is the measured distance from one edge of the top plate to the opposite side and the distance from the other edge of the top plate to the opposite side.
Bolt Hole Bolt Hole spacing is the distance measured from the center of the bolt hole to the opposite center of the other bolt hole.
