What is the Difference Between a Fixed and Swivel Castor?

Casters are made up of two parts: a wheel and a mount. Attaching these to your equipment makes it easy to transport them, whether in an office or industrial setting. Caster wheels come in different sizes, load ratings, tread widths, and overall heights – meaning there’s one perfect for your needs. The two main types of casters are fixed and swivel, and you have to know where to Find Quality Swivel Casters if you want the best. 

The difference between a fixed and a swivel caster is how the wheels are mounted. Fixed casters have wheels connected to mounts that don’t move and thus don’t allow the caster to move in multiple directions. They can only move forward and backward. On the other hand, Swivel casters have wheels connected to mounts that can turn in various directions. This allows for smooth maneuvering of your equipment in any direction, making it easier to turn corners or get around obstacles. Swivel casters are typically used in industrial settings, as they’re more suited for maneuvering heavy loads. 

Fixed Castor Wheels

Fixed casters have a non-swiveling housing to which 1 or more wheels are mounted. They’re generally used with swivel casters, so the equipment has directional stability. But sometimes only fixed casters are needed, for example, when special flanged wheels are necessary or for indoor use when machines need to move back & forth along a specified path. Usually, four bolts keep the fixed caster in place.

Applications for fixed casters include:

– Bakery & food processing equipment

– Hospital beds, gurneys, & medical carts

– Industrial shelving

– Office chairs

– Stage & event equipment

– Wheeled furniture, carts, & fixtures. 

Fixed casters come in various sizes & materials, including:

– Rubber tires with steel rims or wheels

– Hard treads such as phenolic resin & cast iron

– Soft treads such as polyurethane & rubber 

Depending on the application, fixed casters can also come with unique features such as locks, brakes, & bearings. It’s essential to choose the right type and size of caster for your equipment to ensure that it functions appropriately & remains safe. If you have any questions, contact a caster expert for advice. 

Advantages

– Cost-effective & economical 

– Sturdy & reliable 

– Easy to install & maintain 

– High load capacities 

– Low rolling resistance. 

Disadvantages:

– Cannot turn in any direction 

– Not suitable for uneven surfaces. 

– Not as maneuverable as swivel casters. 

– Limited range of motion.

– May cause excessive wear & tear on floor surfaces. 

Swivel Castor Wheels

Swivel casters are the most popular caster type, as they allow for easy maneuvering & direction changes. The wheel is mounted in a swiveling housing that can turn on itself, which makes it easier to change directions. Swivel casters are ideal for use in industrial settings where machines need to be moved around, as they provide the maneuverability required. They come in a variety of sizes & materials so that you can find the perfect fit for your application.

Applications for swivel casters include:

Casters are everywhere, such as the wheels of shopping carts and wagons, office chairs, and hospital beds. They can also be used for platform trucks or large tow lines in industrial settings. Swivel casters offer a combination of high load capacity, long service life, and maneuverability that is essential for many applications.

When choosing a swivel caster, there are a few essential factors to consider. First, consider the type of load the caster will be carrying and select one with the appropriate load capacity. Additionally, consider the environment they will be used in and select a wheel material suitable for it (e.g., rubber, plastic, or metal). Finally, decide if you want a locking swivel caster that can lock in place for extra stability. 

Swivel casters offer a great combination of maneuverability and durability, making them the perfect choice for many applications. Whether you need a caster for home, industrial, or medical use, there is sure to be the right one for your needs. Consider the load capacity and environment before making a final decision. 

Advantages of Swivel Casters:

-Easy to maneuver and change directions

-High load capacity 

-Long service life 

-A variety of sizes and materials are available

-Can be used in any environment 

-Locking swivel casters offer extra stability 

Disadvantages of Swivel Casters:

-Can be more expensive than other caster types 

-May require manual locking/unlocking depending on the caster 

-More difficult to control in some industrial settings 

Many different types and sizes are available when choosing the right caster for your application. Fixed casters provide a cost-effective, reliable solution for many applications, while swivel casters provide the maneuverability needed in more complex settings. Consider your needs carefully and choose the best caster type for your application.