What Are the Different Types of Casters?

Before purchasing casters, you should know what they do. There are four main types: Stem, Plate-mount, Swivel, and Twin-wheel. Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of each type. First, you should know which one fits your needs. Then choose one or a combination of them.

Stem casters

Top plate models are often the most economical and have larger surface area than threaded-stem casters. They also provide excellent mobility and are usually supported by four points. Threaded stem casters are the easiest to replace because they attach with a single bolt or threaded hole. The top plate model is available in either rigid or swivel options. For heavy-duty applications, you may want to consider  plate Albion casters.

Stem casters have different designs and sizes. Some are more rigid than others, while others have a kingpin that fits into the stem. The threaded stem has three dimensions: length, diameter, and threads per inch. Choosing the right one for your particular situation requires measuring the interior diameter of the equipment to be rolled. Threaded stems are slightly smaller than their listed size, so you’ll want to select a branch that is just a bit larger than this.

Plate-mount casters

If you’re looking for casters to fit rolling equipment, there are two primary types: plate-mount and stem-mount. Both types offer the same functionality, but their mounting methods are different. So whether you’re looking for a simple, one-piece option or a more complex one that will hold several objects, plate-mount casters will suit your needs.

On the other hand, Stem mount casters have a swivel action, essential in applications where space is limited. Unfortunately, stem mount casters require a hole in the project and are typically not as sturdy as plate-mount casters. Although these casters are less commonly used in industrial settings, they’re helpful in home renovation projects, hospitality, food processing, and healthcare environments.

Swivel casters

While both can rotate, swivel casters can move in either direction while under load. They are also available as locking, plate, stem, and kingpin-less casters.

The most noticeable difference between swivel casters and other caster types is the offset distance between the wheel and the swivel bearing axis. The wheel can swivel without spinning and maintain directional stability when traveling straight with this offset. Some swivel casters are also equipped with brake systems, which can help lock the rotary motion of the wheel and fork.

Twin-wheel casters

Twin-wheel casters are an excellent choice for furniture in different applications. They are used in nursing homes and hospitals. They offer increased convenience and safety. Twin-wheel casters are made of threaded stems with a low profile and can be installed on many types of furniture.

Twin-wheel casters are available with brakes or no brakes. Twin-wheel casters are excellent for applications where reversing direction or turning are needed. Twin-wheel casters are easy to maneuver and can handle the maximum weight. These casters are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are perfect for any situation where mobility is an essential factor.

Locking casters

There are two main types of casters: locking and swivel. Locking casters are designed to lock the wheel to prevent it from moving, and swivel casters can still move, although with less effort. Swivel casters can be locked but are still prone to swimming in a narrow range of motion. Total lock casters prevent the swivel wheel from moving, but they also prevent the caster housing from swiveling. These two features provide maximum stability to wheeled workstations.

Stem and plate mount casters are used to move heavy objects around. These casters have a mounting plate that screws into the furniture’s bottom surface. A side locking brake on the stem mount caster applies a lock directly to the wheel. A locking dolly caster locks the wheel well and stops motion. The latter is most useful for mobile equipment. In general, these are the most common types of casters.