Castors and wheels  are essential to many types of equipment in any workspace, including office chairs, gurneys used in hospitals or even rolling carts in school buildings. However, knowing how to choose the right type of caster or wheel can be confusing.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing castors and wheels. The size of the wheel, the material it is made from and its bearing type will all impact the maximum load capacity of the wheel, as well as the stability and manoeuvrability of the vehicle on which they are attached.

The type of flooring surface will also play a role in which caster is the most suitable. Soft floors such as carpet and tile can form a depression around the wheels of casters, making it difficult for them to roll forward. Larger casters with a larger surface area can therefore roll over the depression and move along the floor much more easily.

Castors and Wheels: Understanding the Terminology and Applications

Different casters are designed for different weights and application styles. Rigid casters are fixed and allow the wheels to only move forward and backward, while swivel casters can rotate in any direction.

Some casters have a directional lock, which prevents the wheel from rotating in the wrong direction. This is helpful if the object being moved will have to be moved in a straight line, or will be in a position that makes it impossible for the wheels to turn. A total lock, on the other hand, will prevent the caster from turning at all, helping to immobilize the object being moved.