If you’re in the market for a new pair of shock-absorbing casters, there are several things you need to know before making a purchase. In this article, you’ll learn what factors to consider when buying a new pair of dual wheel casters, including the weight capacity of the caster wheels and whether or not they feature independent suspension.
Choosing the Right Spring-Loaded Caster
The first thing to consider is the springs used in the shock-absorbing caster. If they’re too big or too small, the caster will not absorb the shock well and will increase the device’s vibration. Similarly, if the springs are too weak, the device may feel the shock for longer.
When selecting a spring-loaded caster, look for spring with a pre-load of at least 250 pounds. This pre-load is the force required to deflect the spring. The higher the pre-load, the more deflection the spring will feel, and the lower the noise.
Shock-absorbing casters are an excellent solution for many materials handling applications. This caster is designed to reduce vibrations and last longer than a traditional spring-loaded caster. As a result, they are ideal for use in the manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and computer industries, as well as any other environment that requires heavy, shock-sensitive loads. They also perform well on uneven floors.
Choosing the Suitable Weight Capacity
When choosing a caster, consider how much you plan to move daily. The greater the weight capacity, the easier it will be to move your items. Larger wheels are more robust and can support a heavier load. Therefore, choose a caster with a higher weight capacity than you think is necessary. Also, choosing a wheel with more weight-bearing capacity provides a buffer in case the load is too heavy.
The next factor to consider is your environment. For example, if you use your caster in a warehouse or outdoor area, make sure you choose casters for these environments. This way, you won’t have to worry about damaging the floors or cargo.
The Darcor caster selector is an easy-to-use feature that allows you to choose the suitable capacity for your needs. You can enter the weight of your equipment and the wheel diameter to select the appropriate caster size. The system will display the results.
Choosing the Suitable Material for the Caster Wheel
When choosing casters, it is essential to consider the material the wheels are made of. Some types are resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures, while others are not. For instance, steel caster wheels are a good choice for harsh environments. The wheels should also be easy to roll. Another thing to consider is ergonomics. The suitable material for dual-wheel shock-absorbing cabs depends on their intended use.
Dual wheel shock absorbing casters are available with a single or double-axle design. When dual wheels are mounted independently, the impact of obstruction is minimal, while with a single axle, the effect is shared between the wheels. Therefore, it is essential to determine how much force each wheel should be able to handle before choosing the material.
The caster treads are another critical component. While most standard twin wheel casters have nylon treads, some use urethane treads. Nylon wheels are ideal for soft surfaces, while urethane wheels are suitable for hard floors. When choosing a caster tread material, ensure it matches the mounting style.
Choosing a Caster with Independent Suspension
Dual wheel shock absorbing casters with independent suspension features two separate wheel assemblies. The first wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to the first end of the floating front axle, while the second wheel assembly is connected to the second end. These wheel assemblies may be made of plastic, rubber, or metal.
Dual wheel shock absorbing casters have a higher weight capacity than conventional models. However, their shock-absorbing qualities are reduced as the load increases. A caster with a lower load capacity may have a higher shock-absorbing ability, which is helpful in applications where one wheel is likely to be subjected to constant stress.
Choosing a dual-wheel shock-absorbing suspension with independent suspension is a matter of balancing camber and caster angles. The caster angle is the angle between the front tire and the road. When the tire meets a bump, it lifts upward, while the opposite happens if it is leaning in. The camber angle affects steering and handling.