How to choose trolley castors: load capacity and tread

To choose a trolley castor, look at the load capacity first: each wheel must carry the load with a margin, because on uneven floors not all of them bear weight together. In the collection the capacities per wheel range from 15 kg to 450 kg, the diameters from 30 to 200 mm. Then choose the tread according to the floor: rubber or polyurethane for delicate floors, nylon or steel for heavy loads on a smooth surface, pneumatic for rough ground.

The types

• Swivel castor: turns on its own axis and allows steering. It is the one fitted on one side of the trolley, usually with a brake.
• Fixed castor: only goes straight. It is fitted on the other side to give the trolley direction.
• Braked castor: the brake locks it when the trolley must stay still. For example the art. 155BIS castor with brake and the art. 172BISB castor with brake.
• Fork wheel with threaded stem: like the chromate zinc-plated fork wheels Vigor, for small supports and equipment.
• Solid wheel: rubber or solid material, with no inner tube. It does not puncture and needs no maintenance.
• Pneumatic wheel: cushions the load on rough ground, like the pneumatic wheel Svelt and the reinforced version.
• Stair-climbing trolley wheel: the Svelt Uplift, for trolleys that climb steps.
• Drawbar wheel: among the types in the collection, for the drawbar of trolleys and equipment.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

Load capacity. This is the maximum load per wheel. In the data you will find values such as 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 100, 120, 150 kg up to 250, 300, 450 kg. Do not divide the load among all the fitted wheels without a margin: on an uneven floor fewer of them do the work.

Diameter. The values go from 30-40 mm up to 200 mm. A large wheel gets over obstacles better and rolls with less effort; a small wheel takes up less space and suits low trolleys.

Material. Nylon, polyurethane and rubber for the tread; steel, cast iron, aluminium and zamak for the bodies and rims. Rubber and polyurethane are quieter; nylon, cast iron and steel are harder and withstand heavy loads better.

Fixing. A top plate with holes to be fixed with screws and nuts, or a threaded stem. Check that the hole spacing and the diameter of the holes match your support.

Finish. Chrome-plated, zinc-plated or painted: the finish protects against corrosion.

Warranty. On some items a 2-year warranty is stated.

Common mistakes

• Calculating the load capacity without a margin. On uneven floors fewer wheels work than are fitted: choose a higher load capacity.
• Fitting all swivel castors. The trolley becomes unstable when going straight. Usually swivel castors with brakes are combined on one side and fixed ones on the other.
• The wrong tread for the floor. A hard material on a delicate floor marks it, a soft one under a heavy load gets crushed.
• Fixing the plate with fewer screws than intended. Use all the holes, otherwise the load is concentrated on a few points.
• Not checking for wear. Tightness, tread and bearings should be checked periodically.

Frequently asked questions

How do I work out the load capacity I need?

Add up the weight of the trolley and the load, divide it by the wheels that actually bear it (often three out of four) and add a margin.

Solid or pneumatic wheels?

Solid for smooth floors and zero maintenance. Pneumatic for rough ground, where the rubber cushions the load.

Do all the wheels need brakes?

Usually it is enough to have them on the swivel castors, to lock the trolley and the steering. For very heavy loads ask for advice.

Can the wheels be replaced one at a time?

Yes, but it is better to change them in pairs or all together so that they have the same diameter and the same material.

For all the sizes go to the castors and wheels for trolleys collection and ask the AMES technicians for a quote or advice.