Is it better to install the omni-wheel in the front or the rear?

Time：Jun 23,2025

Is it better to install swivel casters in the front or the rear?

Today, let's discuss a common small problem in caster installation: Is it better to install swivel casters in the front or the rear? To answer this question, we need to first understand what swivel casters are.

Introduction to Swivel Casters

Swivel casters, also known as free-spinning casters, are characterized by their ability to rotate 360 degrees. Because of this feature, they are widely used in items that require flexible movement, such as suitcases, handcarts, and furniture.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Swivel Caster Installation Location

Swivel Casters Installed in the Front

Advantages:

High Flexibility: Swivel casters can rotate freely, and installing them in the front allows for more flexible turning, especially suitable for use in narrow spaces or scenarios requiring frequent turns.

Easy Operation: When pushing or pulling an item, the front swivel casters can better guide the direction, making operation easier.

Disadvantages:

Slightly Reduced Stability: Due to the nature of swivel casters, the front wheels may wobble during rapid movement or on uneven ground.

Swivel Casters Installed in the Rear

Advantages:

Good Stability: Fixed wheels in the front provide better straight-line stability, suitable for long-distance linear movement.

Strong Load-Bearing Capacity: Rear wheels usually bear more weight, and installing swivel casters in the rear can better distribute weight, enhancing overall load-bearing capacity.

Disadvantages:

Less Flexible Turning: Requires more space to turn, less flexible than designs with swivel casters in the front.

Analysis of Practical Application Scenarios

Suitcases: Most suitcases use a design with two swivel casters in the front and two fixed wheels in the rear. This design is very practical in environments that require frequent turning, such as airports, while the fixed rear wheels ensure stability during long-distance towing.

Handcarts/Shopping Carts: Usually, the front wheels are swivel casters, and the rear wheels are fixed wheels. This design is very practical in environments such as supermarkets that require frequent turning and flexible movement.

Furniture: For some furniture that needs to be moved frequently, such as office chairs and coffee tables, all four wheels are usually swivel casters to provide maximum flexibility.

Summary

The choice of swivel caster installation location mainly depends on the usage scenario and specific needs. If high flexibility and frequent turning are required, it is recommended to install the swivel casters in the front; if long-distance linear movement and higher stability are required, it is recommended to install the swivel casters in the rear or choose a four-directional wheel design. I hope this article helps you better understand the choice of swivel caster installation location. If you have any other questions, please feel free to discuss them.