Castor Wheels

Castor wheels, also known as trolley wheels or roller wheels, facilitate the easy movement of objects. They consist of a wheel, housing, and either a mounting plate or a column/tube. Unlike regular wheels, which are fixed to a rigid axle, castor wheels incorporate a swivelling housing that allows the wheel to rotate 360 degrees, providing exceptional manoeuvrability. This design makes it easy to change direction and move objects in tight spaces. Castors can be used in large and small-scale applications, from small carts or trolleys to large, heavy-duty machine bases within commercial production industries.

Types of Castor Wheels

Castor wheels come with specific features to meet different needs regarding load capacity, manoeuvrability, and environmental conditions. Here are the ways castors are classified:

By Mounting Type

This refers to how the castor is attached to the object it needs to move. The three main mounting types used for castor wheels are:

• Plate Mounting: Plate mounting castor wheels have a flat plate with screw holes for easy attachment to the bottom of an object. This is a common and versatile mounting type suitable for various applications.
• Stem Mounting: Stem mounting castor wheels feature a threaded stem or rod that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole or tube. This provides a secure and stable mounting solution, often used for furniture and equipment.
• Bolt-Hole Mounting: Bolt-hole mounting castor wheels have a housing with bolt holes that align with corresponding holes on the object. This mounting method offers high strength and stability for heavy-duty applications.

By Swivel Capability

This categorises castors based on their ability to rotate and change direction. The main types of swivel designs include:

• Swivel Castors: Swivel castors have a housing that allows the wheel to rotate 360 degrees. Heavy-duty swivel casters provide excellent manoeuvrability and enable easy changes in direction.
• Rigid Castors (Fixed Castors): Fixed castor wheels have a fixed housing, meaning the wheel cannot rotate. They provide stability and are often used in conjunction with swivel castors for controlled movement.

By Wheel Configuration

This refers to the number of wheels incorporated into a single castor unit. The most commonly used configurations include:

• Single-Wheel Castors: Single-wheel castors have one wheel per housing and are the most common type. They offer good manoeuvrability and are suitable for various applications.
• Twin-Wheel Castors: Twin-wheel castors have two wheels mounted side-by-side in a single housing. They provide increased stability and load capacity, especially on uneven surfaces.
• Multi-Wheel Castors: Multi-wheel castors have three or more wheels arranged in a specific configuration. They offer excellent stability and load distribution for heavy-duty applications.

By Special Features

Some castors incorporate special features to enhance functionality and performance. These are the most common types of specialised castor wheels:

• Braked Castors: Braked castors, also known as castor wheels with locks, have a built-in braking mechanism that locks the wheel to prevent unwanted movement. This is important for safety and stability, especially on slopes or when stationary.
• Levelling Castors: Levelling castor wheels have an adjustable mechanism that allows for height adjustment to compensate for uneven floors or to stabilise equipment.
• Spring-Loaded Castors: Spring-loaded castor wheels have a spring mechanism that provides shock absorption and cushioning, making them ideal for applications requiring vibration dampening or smooth movement over uneven surfaces.

What Castor Wheels Are Made Of

Castors are available in different sizes and support different load capacities. The wheels are made from different materials, such as:

Rubber Wheels

Heavy-duty rubber roller wheels offer good traction, shock absorption, and quiet operation. They are also suitable for various floor types and provide a smooth ride.

Polyurethane Wheels

Polyurethane wheels are known for their durability, abrasion resistance, and load-bearing capacity, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These castor wheels also offer good chemical resistance.

Nylon Wheels

Heavy-duty nylon swivel casters are lightweight, strong, and resistant to impact and chemicals. They are often used in applications requiring high load capacity and resistance to harsh environments.

Cast Iron Wheels

Cast iron wheels are commonly used in industrial settings and outdoor applications as they are extremely durable and can withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions.

Pneumatic Wheels

Pneumatic castor wheels are filled with air, providing excellent shock absorption and cushioning. They are best for uneven terrain and offer a smooth ride over obstacles.

Stainless Steel Wheels

Stainless steel castor wheels are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for use in wet environments, food processing facilities, and medical applications.

Why and How to Measure Castor Wheels

Accurate measurement of castors is crucial to ensure they fit your application correctly and provide the necessary support and mobility. Before you purchase replacement castor wheels or fit castor wheels for a new project, take the time to measure them accurately.

1. Top Plate Measurement: Begin by measuring the top plate's height and width. Measure the height and width of both the top plate and bolt-hole pattern by measuring from the centre of one hole diagonally to the other hole.
2. Wheel Size Measurement: Next, measure the wheel diameter. Ensuring that the wheel is resting flat on a surface, measure the wheel size over the centre when the wheel is flat. This will determine the overall height of the caster.
3. Wheel Width: Finally, measure the width of the wheel. This is simply done by measuring the distance across the wheel from one side to the other. This dimension affects the castor's load-bearing capacity and its manoeuvrability.

Applications of Heavy-Duty Castor Wheels

Castor wheels can be used in a wide range of applications and in a variety of forms, such as:

Material Handling and Logistics

Heavy-duty castor wheels are essential for the efficient movement of goods and materials in the logistic sector as they are used for:

• Industrial Trolleys and Carts: Heavy-duty wheels are used in industrial trolleys and carts to transport heavy loads in warehouses, factories, and distribution centres. They enable easy movement of goods, improve efficiency in material handling operations, and reduce the risk of injuries associated with manual lifting and carrying.
• Pallet Trucks and Dollies: Pallet trucks and dollies rely on heavy-duty roller wheels to easily move heavy pallets and loads, improving efficiency in warehouses and logistics operations.
• Conveyors and Automated Systems: Castors are integrated into conveyor systems and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to facilitate smooth and efficient movement of materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. They enable seamless transportation of goods along production lines and within warehouses, optimising workflow and productivity.

Manufacturing and Production

In manufacturing and production, castor wheels support a range of processes and machinery, such as:

• Assembly Lines: Heavy-duty castor wheels are used on assembly lines to move workstations, transport components, and facilitate efficient production flow. This allows for flexibility in configuring assembly lines and enables quick adjustments to accommodate different production needs.
• Machines Stands and Bases: Machines and equipment often utilise heavy-duty swivel casters for mobility and positioning, allowing easy adjustments and maintenance.
• Tools Carts and Cabinets: Tool carts and cabinets are equipped with castors for easy manoeuvrability within workshops and factories, providing convenient access to tools and equipment. This improves organisation and efficiency in workspaces, allowing workers to easily transport tools and materials to different work areas.

Aerospace and Automotive

Heavy-duty castor wheels are used in the aerospace and automotive industries for various applications, including:

• Aircraft Manufacturing: Heavy-duty roller wheels support and move aircraft components during assembly, maintenance, and repair operations. They enable precise positioning of large and heavy aircraft parts, such as wings, fuselage sections, and engines, facilitating efficient assembly and maintenance procedures.
• Automotive Assembly: Castors facilitate the movement of car bodies and components along assembly lines, improving efficiency and ergonomics in automotive manufacturing. They allow for smooth and controlled movement of vehicle parts, reducing manual handling and improving worker safety.

Construction and Mining

In this specialised sector, castors are used for:

• Scaffolding and Mobile Platforms: Scaffolding and mobile platforms often utilise heavy-duty castor wheels for easy positioning and movement on construction sites. This allows workers to safely access different areas of a building or structure, improving efficiency and safety during construction and maintenance tasks.
• Concrete Work: Castors are used on concrete mixers, screeds, and other equipment to facilitate movement and manoeuvrability during concrete pouring and finishing operations. This enables efficient transportation of concrete and allows workers to easily move equipment on construction sites.
• Formwork and Shoring: Castor wheels are used in formwork and shoring systems to quickly adjust and reposition heavy forms during construction projects. This facilitates efficient construction of concrete structures and allows for precise alignment and positioning of formwork.

The Leading Supplier, Distributor and Manufacturer of Heavy-Duty Castor Wheels

RS Singapore is a trusted supplier and distributor of heavy-duty castor wheels featuring industry-trusted brands like Tente, LAG, our own RS PRO, and more. We offer competitive prices and reliable castor wheels from top manufacturers, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your mobility needs, whether for industrial equipment, furniture, or specialised applications.

We also carry an extensive range of hardware, like storage cabinets, as well as hand tools like torque wrenches, to fully equip your workshop and tackle any project with confidence.

Order your fixed castor wheels, swivel castor wheels, stainless steel castor wheels, and other accessories online and enjoy next-day delivery or self-collection at your local branch. For more details on our ordering process, delivery services, and delivery fees, please refer to our Ordering Page and Delivery Page.