Caster Wheel: Durable & Versatile Mobility Solutions in Australia

Heavy Duty Caster Wheels for Every Australian Application

Types of Caster Wheels

Caster wheels serve diverse mobility needs across Australian industries and homes. These mechanical assemblies enable the smooth movement of heavy machinery, furniture, and equipment while protecting floor surfaces from damage. Our wide range includes:

• Polyurethane wheels: Quiet operation and floor protection

• Rubber wheels: Shock absorption

• Heavy-duty castor wheels: Support loads up to 1,000 kg

• Steel castor wheels: Maximum durability for demanding environments

• Nylon wheels: Durable and suitable for warehouse and industrial needs

Load Capacity and Safety

Heavy duty casters are designed to carry heavy loads in industrial applications such as platform trucks and industrial machinery, ensuring reliable performance and safety. Friction between the caster wheel and the floor can affect stability and the effort required to move equipment, and choosing the right material can help optimize friction for safety. We also offer heavy duty castors and steel castor wheels, constructed for maximum durability and suitable for demanding environments where robust load-bearing is essential.

Selecting the wrong caster material can permanently damage floors or hinder movement.

Load Capacity Calculation: Safety Formula

To ensure each caster can safely carry its share—especially on uneven floors—use the following formula:

1. Calculate Total Load: Add the weight of the object and its contents.

2. Divide by (Number of Casters - 1): This accounts for uneven floors.

3. Or, Add 25-33% to Total Weight Before Dividing: For extra safety margin.

• At least two locking casters are needed to keep equipment stationary on uneven surfaces.

Wheel Materials

When selecting wheel materials, consider:

• Metal casters: Built for maximum strength and load capacity, typically used in heavy-duty industrial settings. Stainless steel varieties are available, with different grades of stainless steel used to manufacture medium-duty and durable castors for medical, laboratory, and industrial applications.

• Cast iron: High-profile, durable, and suitable for high capacities.

• Polyurethane: Quiet, floor-protective, and suitable for a range of environments.

• Rubber: Shock-absorbing and gentle on floors.

• Nylon and plastic: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, but can be noisy; ideal for light-to-moderate duty in hygienic environments.

Using the correct type of lubricant for the specific caster wheel material can enhance performance and longevity.

Wheel Diameter and Width

• Larger diameters and widths: Provide higher weight capacity by distributing the load's weight across a larger wheel surface area.

• Larger diameter caster wheels: Bridge gaps and move over rough surfaces more easily.

Features and Applications

From silent 150mm swivel casters with brakes to 8-piece polyurethane wheel sets, each product suits specific Australian workplace conditions. Our trolley wheels and nylon options provide durability for warehouse and industrial needs.

Different caster wheels are designed to suit capacities and are suitable for specific industrial, commercial, or warehouse applications, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

Choosing the Right Caster for Your Heavy-duty Applications

Load Capacity Considerations

Consider load capacity first when selecting caster wheels. Our range supports:

• 80 kg: Office applications

• 100-250 kg: Medium duty castors for medical, laboratory, and cooling room equipment

• Up to 1,000 kg: Heavy-duty industrial use

Wheel Material Selection

Wheel material affects performance:

• Polyurethane: Excellent floor protection and quiet operation

• Rubber: Superior shock absorption

• Stainless steel: Strength and corrosion resistance, ideal for medical, lab, and cool room environments

• Polypropylene: Durable, lightweight, and versatile, suitable for strength and chemical resistance

• Nylon and plastic: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, but can be noisy; suitable for light-to-moderate duty in hygienic environments

Caster Types and Mounting

• Swivel casters: Enable multidirectional movement for tight spaces

• Rigid castors: Provide straight-line stability

• Brake systems: Add control, with options including wheel locks and total lock systems

Many installations combine both types for optimal performance. Our office chair replacement wheels demonstrate specialised design for carpet and hard floor compatibility, while maintaining universal fitting standards. Thread mounting and swivel plate designs ensure secure installation for demanding applications.

Application-Specific Considerations

When choosing a caster wheel, consider:

• Application requirements

• Load capacities

• Environmental conditions

Our extensive range ensures all your mobility and industrial needs are covered. Promptly replacing worn or damaged caster wheels is crucial to maintaining safety and functionality in your equipment.

Quality Caster Wheels Supplier in Australia

Product Range and Testing

FactoryFast stocks comprehensive caster solutions designed for Australian conditions. Our selection undergoes quality testing to ensure reliable performance across:

• Workshops

• Warehouses

• Offices

• Homes

We stock:

• Heavy-duty polyurethane wheels: Resist floor marking

• Specialised office wheels: For all surface types

• Industrial casters with integrated brake systems

Wheel Features and Design

We offer a wide number of wheels castors, including:

• Rubber castor wheels: Non-marking and rebound rubber properties for quiet operation, shock absorption, and protection of sensitive floors

• Precision ball bearings: For smooth and reliable rotation

Key design considerations:

• The contact area between the wheel and the ground is crucial for load capacity and stability

• The distance (offset) between the vertical shaft and wheel center, along with rotating mechanisms, directly affects maneuverability and turning

Friction between the wheel and the floor surface plays a key role in maneuverability and turning; optimizing friction can improve caster performance.

Maintenance and Custom Solutions

Each product balances durability with practical functionality, supporting everything from mobile workbenches to sensitive electronic equipment. Whether you need complete mobility solutions from our dollies and trolleys range or specialised wheels for workshop equipment found in our automotive accessories section, our range serves diverse applications whilst maintaining professional standards.

• Regular cleaning: Prevents dirt and debris buildup

• Lubrication: Swivel mechanism and wheel bearings for smooth movement and reduced wear

Our quality casters meet industry demands with stainless steel options and custom solutions available.

Custom Engineering and National Reach

Richmond offers custom designs tailored to the unique needs of your operation, with an in-house engineering team working closely with businesses to develop caster wheels that meet the highest performance standards. With over 65 years of industry expertise, Richmond is a leading supplier of castors and wheels in Australia and New Zealand, providing a comprehensive range and national reach with local stock and warehousing to support businesses across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are caster wheels used for?

Caster wheels enable mobility for equipment, furniture, and machinery across industrial, commercial, and residential applications.

• Swivel caster wheels: Rotate 360 degrees for maneuverability in tight spaces; commonly found on office chairs, shopping carts, and hospital beds

• Typical setup: Two swivel and two rigid casters for optimal balance between maneuverability and stability

• Applications: Hospital beds, medical equipment, factory trolleys, office furniture

• Features: Many models include brakes for added safety and adjustable designs for flexibility in height and movement

Why does my caster wheel keep falling off?

Caster wheels typically detach due to:

• Worn mounting hardware

• Incorrect installation

• Exceeding the weight capacity

Always ensure connections follow industry standards and that all parts are securely fastened. Choosing components designed to the highest quality can prevent detachment issues.

How to install caster wheels?

Installation depends on the mounting type:

• Stem-mount casters: Insert into sockets and may require thread engagement

• Plate-mount casters: Use a flat top plate with four bolt holes, which bolts directly to equipment for a sturdy connection

• Plate mounts are best for heavy-duty equipment

• Stem mounts are ideal for furniture

Manufacturers provide clear instructions, and proper tools should always be used. Secure attachment ensures reliable use and extends caster lifespan.

How to clean caster wheels?

To maintain caster wheels:

• Remove debris from wheel treads using stiff brushes or compressed air

• For stubborn buildup, use degreasing agents appropriate for the wheel material

• Lubricate swivel bearings periodically with appropriate grease to maintain smooth rolling action

Do caster wheels work on carpet?

Yes, though performance varies by wheel size and carpet type:

• Larger wheels: Roll more easily over carpet pile

• Harder wheel materials: Reduce rolling resistance

• Office chair wheels: Typically feature larger diameters for carpet compatibility

• Nylon wheel options: Provide excellent glide performance

What are the different types of caster wheels?

Main categories include:

• Swivel castors: Rotate 360 degrees for multidirectional movement

• Rigid castors: Fixed direction for straight-line stability

Variations in:

• Wheel materials: Polyurethane, rubber, steel, nylon

• Brake systems: Wheel locks, total lock systems

• Mounting methods: Plate-mount, stem-mount

Specialised types:

• Pneumatic wheels: For outdoor use

• Stainless steel wheels: For hygienic environments

• Cast iron options: Maximum durability for heavier loads

How do swivel casters differ from rigid casters?

• Swivel casters: Rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis, enabling multidirectional movement and tight-space maneuvering

• Rigid castors: Maintain a fixed direction for straight-line stability

Most applications benefit from combining both types for optimal performance.

How much weight can caster wheels support?

Weight capacity varies significantly by design and materials:

• Light-duty casters: Support 50-110kg

• Medium-duty units: Handle 200kg-500kg

• Heavy-duty industrial casters: Can support over 1,000 kg each

Options include:

• PU treads: For floor protection and quiet rolling

Always verify specifications match your requirements and that wheels and accessories are suited for the load.

Are cast wheels good?

• Cast wheels: Offer exceptional durability and load capacity for industrial applications

• Considerations: May damage floors and generate noise

• Alternatives: Polyurethane or rubber wheels for floor protection and quieter operation

Our engineers can recommend the right castor based on your specific industrial needs.