Analysis of Common Professional Terms for Casters

Time：Jan 17,2026

Casters are virtually ubiquitous in a wide range of equipment, carts, and industrial applications. Although casters may seem structurally simple, their selection, installation, and use often involve numerous technical terms—such as installation height, turning radius, and eccentricity. If these concepts are not clearly understood, it can significantly affect the caster’s performance and even compromise safety. This article provides a systematic explanation of common technical terms related to casters, helping you gain a more intuitive understanding of their key parameters.

I. Installation Height

Installation height refers to the vertical distance from the ground to the mounting surface of the equipment after the casters and brackets have been installed. This parameter directly affects the overall height of the equipment, and when selecting the appropriate installation height, it’s essential to take into account both the equipment’s structural design and its intended usage requirements for a proper match. If the installation height is chosen improperly, it could compromise the equipment’s stability or operational comfort.

II. Center Distance for Support Steering

The steering center distance of a caster refers to the horizontal distance between the vertical axis of the wheel’s central rivet and the center of the wheel core. This parameter affects the force distribution during steering and is one of the key structural indicators determining the steering performance of universal casters.

III. Turning Radius

The turning radius refers to the horizontal distance from the vertical line passing through the center rivet of the caster wheel to the outer edge of the tire. A properly designed turning radius ensures that the caster wheel can smoothly achieve 360° rotation and reduces steering resistance. If the turning radius is improperly designed, it can easily lead to stiff steering, accelerate wear on the bracket and bearings, and thereby shorten the service life of the caster wheel.

IV. Eccentricity

The offset distance refers to the distance between the steering axis of the caster bracket and the rotation axis of the wheel. The greater the offset distance, the easier it is for the caster to steer when pushed, resulting in higher flexibility. However, an excessively large offset distance can also have a certain impact on the caster’s load-bearing capacity. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between flexibility and load-bearing capacity.

V. Running Load (Mobile Load)

The rolling load refers to the weight that a caster can withstand while in motion; it is also known as the moving load. This parameter is typically influenced by factors such as the wheel material, the frame structure, and the testing standards. The rolling load primarily tests the caster's ability to resist impacts and vibrations under dynamic conditions.

6. Impact Load

Impact load refers to the maximum instantaneous load that casters experience when equipment is subjected to sudden impacts, bumps, or vibrations. This metric is particularly important in environments where equipment frequently traverses uneven surfaces or areas with height differences.

7. Static Load

Static load refers to the weight that casters can continuously withstand when they are stationary. Generally, the static load should be significantly higher than the running load—typically recommended to be 5 to 6 times the running load—and at least twice the impact load, to ensure safe use.

8. Driving Flexibility

Driving flexibility is an important indicator for evaluating the user experience of casters, and it is influenced by a variety of factors, including the design of the bracket structure, the strength of the bracket material, the diameter of the wheels, the material of the wheel surface, and the type of bearing used. A well-matched combination of structure and materials can significantly enhance the smoothness of caster movement and their maneuverability.

Conclusion

The various technical parameters of casters are not independent; rather, they are interconnected and work together. In the actual selection and application process, only by fully understanding the meanings of these terms can you choose a suitable caster configuration in a more scientific manner, ensuring that your equipment operates more stably and efficiently.

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