Select The Right KLETON Caster

Kleton

Caster Selection Guide

This guide will make selecting the right caster for your needs wheel easy.

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Caster Type

Rigid Casters

Rigid

A caster that cannot move to change directions; only capable of straight-line movement.

Swivel Casters

Swivel

A caster that can rotate to change directions.

Butterfly Casters

Butterfly (Side) Brake

Locks the wheel from turning but does not prevent the plate from swiveling.

Total Locking Casters

Total Locking Brake

Locks both the wheel and the plate.

Wheel Type

Blue Elastic Casters

Blue Elastic Rubber

Soft rubber plastic core.
Holes instead of slots on the top plate.
Ball Bearings.
*3" has roller bearings.
Capacity: 285 - 400 lbs.

Mold-On Casters

Mold-On Rubber

Soft rubber.
Iron core instead of plastic.
Roller bearings.
Rolls over debris + uneven surfaces.
Capacity: 400 - 600 lbs.

Polyurethane Casters

Polyurethane

Hard plastic wheel with a plastic core.
Ball bearing.
Typically used in commercial industrial applications.
Capacity: 230 - 1000 lbs.

Nylon Casters

Nylon Sandwich

Nylon on rubber.
Holes instead of slots on the top plate.
Provides some shock absorption.
Use on softer surfaces.
Capacity 440 lbs.

Hi-Temp Casters

Hi-Temp Nylon

High heat tolerance.
Has protective coating for heat.
Good for use on all sorts of surfaces from wood to cement.
Ball bearings.
Capacity 800 - 850 lbs.

Polyolefin Casters

Polyolefin

Simple plastic wheel.
Low cost, Ball Bearings.
Lightweight with high impact resistance.
Protects floors and resists heat and chemicals.
Capacity 250 lbs.

Pneumatic Casters

Pneumatic

Softest wheel.
Inflated with a pump.
Similar to a bike tire but thicker cushioned ride and lightweight.
Ball Bearings.
Capacity 350 - 400 lbs.

Flat-Free Casters

Flat-Free

Solid polyurethane wheel never runs flat.
Same feel and weight as the pneumatic caster.
Ball Bearings.
Capacity 275 - 300 lbs.

Key Decision Making Factors

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Required Load Capacity

The calculation for required caster capacity is as follows.

Capacity

Uneven floors and load distribution may place a heavier burden on one or more casters.

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Mobility Needs

The larger the wheel size, the greater the mobility. The type of bearing selected will also improve mobility and reduce rolling resistance.

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Floor Conditions

Check for rough or uneven surfaces, joints, grates, potholes, oil, grease and solvents or a variety of other chemicals and contaminants. In addition, note any carpeted areas or areas where non-marking qualities are critical.

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Environmental Conditions

Check for dust, humidity and temperature extremes.

Hard vs. Soft Wheels

Hard Wheel Casters

Hard Wheels

Noisier. Typically non-marking. Easier to start rolling. Larger capacity.

Soft Wheel Casters

Soft Wheels

Quieter. Difficult to roll with heavy load. May leave marks. Good floor protection.

Key Measurements

Top Plate

Top Plate

Horizontal plate used to attach a caster to equipment. Plates spread the load over a larger area, increasing capacity of the wheel.

Bolt Hole

Bolt Hole Spacing

The distance between bolt holes in top plates. On some top plates, this is static; most of ours are slotted allowing for an easier replacement to existing equipment.

Diameter

Wheel Diameter

The overall diameter of the wheel, affects mobility and swivel radius.

Width

Tread Width

A measurement of one side of the wheel to the other.

Capacity

Capacity

A caster's capacity refers to the tested and approved weight a single caster can hold. For safety reasons, advertised capacity is always lower than tested capacity.