Types and Applications of Brake Casters
Time：Jan 15,2026
Among various types of equipment that require both mobility and stable parking, brake casters play a crucial role. Not only do they enable movement, but their braking mechanisms also enhance the safety and controllability of the equipment during use. Depending on the design of the braking mechanism and its operating principle, brake casters are typically categorized into three main types: brake wheels, directional brakes, and dual-brake casters. Selecting the appropriate brake type wisely can help ensure more stable and safer operation of the equipment under different working conditions.
1. Brake wheels and casters: Restrict movement and prevent sliding.
The locking wheel is one of the most common types of brake casters. Its primary function is to directly restrict the rotation of the wheel through a braking mechanism. When the user steps on the brake pedal, brake pads come into frictional contact with either the wheel surface or the wheel axle, causing the wheel to stop rolling and thus securing it in place.
This braking mechanism features a relatively simple structure and intuitive operation, making it suitable for scenarios with clear requirements for “stopping motion.” Common applications include shopping carts, office equipment, furniture, and light-to-medium-sized mobile devices. In these application environments, locking the wheels can effectively prevent equipment from sliding when parked due to uneven ground surfaces, external impacts, or accidental human contact, thereby enhancing overall operational safety.
2. Directional casters: Maintain stable travel direction.
Unlike a brake wheel, a directional brake does not restrict the wheel’s rolling motion; rather, it locks the universal caster—which would otherwise be able to rotate 360 degrees—into a fixed, directional orientation. Once the directional brake function is activated, the caster’s steering mechanism is locked in place, allowing the device to move only in a predetermined direction.
This braking method is suitable for applications that place high demands on the direction of travel. For instance, in operations requiring straight-line propulsion, long paths, or precise control over the walking trajectory, directional casters can reduce deviation and enhance handling stability without compromising the equipment’s normal mobility.
3. Dual-brake casters: Simultaneously lock both the wheel and the direction.
A dual-brake caster is a structural design that combines both wheel-locking and directional-locking functions in one unit. When the brake pedal is pressed, the wheel’s rotation and direction of movement are simultaneously locked, achieving complete braking of the caster.
This braking method offers the highest level of stability and is ideal for applications with stringent safety requirements. For instance, when equipment needs to be parked for extended periods, the ground has a slope, or the equipment is positioned near steps or edges, dual-brake casters can effectively prevent accidental movement and significantly reduce safety risks.
IV. How to Choose the Right Brake Casters
In the actual selection process, the appropriate type of brake should be chosen based on factors such as the equipment’s weight, operating environment, and operational requirements. If the primary goal is to prevent the equipment from sliding, wheel brakes are a suitable choice; if it’s necessary to control the direction of movement, directional brakes are more appropriate; and when complete immobilization of the equipment is required, dual-brake casters are undoubtedly the safer option.
Conclusion
Although brake casters may seem structurally simple, they directly affect the stability and safety of equipment during use. Understanding the operating principles and applicable scenarios of different brake types can help you make more informed choices in practical applications, enabling better balance between mobility and stationary positioning of the equipment.
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