How to Choose Professional Caster Wheel for Warehousing Logistics

In warehousing and logistics, casters (Swivel Caster) are core components for efficient cargo turnover and flexible equipment movement. Their selection directly impacts operational efficiency, safety, and overall costs. Selection requires a systematic evaluation based on four key dimensions: load requirements, operating environment, mobility characteristics, and safety protection, combined with specific application scenarios (such as racking, carts, transport robots, and turnover boxes).

1:Core Parameters: Clarify the "Hard Specifications" First

Preparing a selection requires precise determination of basic parameters to avoid caster damage or safety incidents caused by overloading or mismatching.

Load Capacity

1. Calculate total weight: cargo weight + equipment weight (e.g., cart, rack frame);
2. Distribute the load: Apply the principle of three casters (avoid overloading when the ground is uneven or one wheel is suspended). Load per caster = total weight÷3 (e.g., for a total weight of 900kg, select casters with a load capacity of ≥ 300kg).
3. Allow a 20%-30% safety margin (load increases can occur during frequent starting, stopping, and turning).

Installation Specifications

1. Mounting Method:

- Baseplate (bolt-on, strong load-bearing, suitable for heavy equipment such as racks and machinery);

- Rod-type (insert-through sleeve, fast assembly and disassembly, suitable for lightweight carts and turnover boxes);

- Screw-type/Hollow Rivet-type (threaded connection, suitable for small equipment);

2. Confirm the mounting plate dimensions and bolt hole spacing (e.g., 114x102mm baseplate, M12 bolt holes);

Mobility Characteristics

1. Steering Method:

- Swivel casters (with rotating brackets, 360-degree steering, suitable for applications requiring flexible directional changes, such as carts in narrow aisles and sorting stations);

- Fixed casters (fixed direction, linear motion only, suitable for long-distance straight transport, often used in combination with Swivel casters, such as a "2 fixed casters + 2 swivel caster" combination for carts);

2. Braking Type: Select based on safety requirements.

2:Match caster material and structure to the "usage scenario."

Warehouse and logistics environments vary widely (floor material, temperature and humidity, corrosiveness, cleanliness, etc.), requiring targeted selection of Caster Wheel material and bracket structure.

Wheel material: Determines wear resistance, load-bearing capacity, and compatibility with the floor

Bracket structure: affects stability and impact resistance

Bracket material: Ordinary cold-rolled steel (surface galvanized/electrophoresis): suitable for normal temperature, non-corrosive ordinary storage environment, moderate cost.

304Stainless steel: acid and alkali resistant, moisture resistant, suitable for food cold chain (low temperature and high humidity), pharmaceutical storage (clean + corrosion resistant), chemical raw material warehouse.

High-strength alloy steel: welded bracket, strong impact resistance, suitable for frequent handling and ground bumps (such as turnover vehicles next to logistics sorting lines).

Bracket thickness: The heavier the load, the thicker the bracket steel plate needs to be (medium 2-4mm, heavy ≥5mm) to avoid deformation or breakage of the bracket.

Rotating bearing: Ball bearing: suitable for light load and low frequency movement (such as manual carts). Roller bearing: larger load and wear resistance, suitable for heavy load and high frequency movement (such as automatic handling robot AGV). Annular ball bearing: dustproof, prevent foreign matter from entering, extend life, suitable for warehouses with more dust (such as building materials storage).

3:Safety Protection: Avoiding Risks Such as "Slipping" and "Tipover"

In warehousing scenarios, caster safety design is key to preventing cargo tipping and personal injury, with a focus on the braking system and anti-rollover structure.

Braking Type: Select "Wheel Lock" or "Steering Lock" as needed

Other Safety Features

Anti-Wrap Cover: A plastic or metal cover is installed on the bottom of the bracket to prevent foreign objects such as cords and packaging tape from becoming entangled in the bearings (suitable for e-commerce warehouses and package sorting).

Dual-Wheel Structure: Two wheels are installed on a single bracket to increase the ground contact area and improve stability under heavy loads (such as heavy-duty casters/AGV casters).

Rounded Edges: The bracket edges are free of sharp burrs, preventing operator collisions and injuries.

4:"Selection Options" for Different Warehousing Scenarios

Based on the actual application scenario, you can quickly find the optimal caster solution:

5:Avoiding Pitfalls When Selecting a Caster: 3 Key Considerations

Don't blindly pursue "high load capacity": Casters with excessively high load capacities (such as nylon and cast iron) are typically heavier, noisier, and may scratch floors (such as epoxy floors). Polyurethane is more suitable for medium-to-light load scenarios.

Focus on "rotational flexibility": Inadequate lubrication and inferior bearings on Swivel caster swivel brackets can cause steering jamming, especially affecting efficiency when operating in narrow aisles. It's recommended to choose casters with sealed bearings.

Consider "maintenance costs": Low-quality casters (such as those made from recycled materials or with thin steel brackets) may need replacement every 1-3 months, while high-quality brand casters (such as Colson and Carsun) can last up to 1-3 years, resulting in lower overall costs and reduced downtime for replacement.

By following these steps, you can accurately select casters (Swivel casters) suitable for warehousing and logistics scenarios based on the four factors of "load capacity - environment - safety - application," achieving the goals of "efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness."