I. Overview of Caster Load-Bearing Capacity

The "load-bearing capacity" of casters isn’t a single, straightforward number—it’s a comprehensive performance indicator determined by a combination of factors. Design structure, material selection, size specifications, bearing type, and even the operating environment all significantly influence how well a caster can handle real-world loads. As a result, casters from different brands and models often exhibit noticeable differences in their load-bearing capabilities.

II. Design and Structure: The Evolution from Light Loads to Ultra-Heavy Loads

1. Lightweight casters

Commonly found in office chairs, household trolleys, lightweight shelving units, and other applications, these products feature a simple structure, lightweight materials, and a load capacity typically ranging from 50 to 100 kilograms—emphasizing flexibility and ease of mobility.

2. Industrial-grade heavy-duty casters

Suitable for heavy-duty applications such as factories, warehousing, logistics, and machinery handling. These casters feature reinforced brackets and robust wheel designs, offering load capacities ranging from hundreds of kilograms to several tons (e.g., 2 tons, 5 tons, or even higher), ensuring stable performance even under extreme loads.

III. Material Selection: Balancing Performance and Environment

1. Metal material

Such materials as high-strength hot-rolled steel and ductile cast iron possess excellent rigidity and compressive strength, making them ideal for high-load and high-impact environments. However, their major drawback is their heavy weight, which places higher demands on the ground surface.

2. Engineering Plastics and Nylon

Polyurethane (PU), nylon (PA), and other materials perform well in medium-load applications. They are lightweight, produce low noise, and offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for environments where floor protection is essential. Some high-performance, modified nylons even match the strength and wear resistance of metal.

3. Rubber/Polyurethane Coated Wheels

The metal wheel core is encased in a layer of rubber or PU, combining the load-bearing strength of metal with the shock-absorbing, quiet, and floor-protecting properties of elastic materials. It is widely used in places such as hospitals, supermarkets, and factories.

IV. Influence of Dimensions: The Dual Role of Diameter and Width

The larger the diameter: the stronger the obstacle-crossing ability, the lower the stress on the axle, making it ideal for heavy loads and uneven terrain.

The wider the width: the larger the grounding area, leading to more uniform pressure distribution and improved load-bearing performance—particularly ideal for soft carpets or delicate flooring surfaces.

5. Bearing Type: Determines Driving Efficiency and Lifespan

1. Sleeve Bearing (Sliding Bearing)

Simple in structure and low in cost, it’s well-suited for light-load, low-frequency motion scenarios. However, under heavy loads, friction is high, leading to a shorter lifespan.

2. Rolling bearings (balls/rollers)

Low friction and high transmission efficiency make it ideal for medium- to heavy-duty casters. It effectively distributes the load, enhancing smoothness of movement and extending service life—making it the preferred choice for industrial casters.

6. Environmental Factors: Variables That Cannot Be Ignored

The actual performance of casters is significantly influenced by the usage environment:

Ground conditions: A smooth surface allows for maximum load-bearing capacity, while rough, sloped, or soft terrain places higher demands on the caster system.

Mobile frequency and speed: High-frequency or high-speed movement increases dynamic loads, so casters with excellent dynamic performance should be selected.

Special environments—such as high temperature, low temperature, humidity, chemical corrosion, or cleanroom conditions—require the selection of appropriate materials and sealed bearings to ensure stable performance.

7. Global Group: A Professional Provider of Caster Solutions

Global Group offers a comprehensive range of caster products, catering to diverse application scenarios—from light-duty to ultra-heavy-duty loads. We not only provide a variety of material and specification options but also have a dedicated team of technical experts ready to tailor customized selection solutions for our customers.

In practical applications, choosing the right casters involves far more than just considering the "maximum load capacity" metric. Factors such as the equipment's total weight, center of gravity distribution, usage frequency, floor conditions, and pushing method all need to be carefully evaluated as a whole. Global Group is committed to meeting customers' specific needs by providing safe, efficient, and durable caster products—helping equipment operate smoothly, boosting operational efficiency, and reducing maintenance costs.

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Conclusion:

Though small, casters play a crucial role in enabling the smooth movement of equipment. Choosing the right caster is like giving your equipment "steady legs." Global Group is committed to providing professional expertise and superior quality, ensuring solid support for every one of your moves.

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