Castor Combinations: How do I choose the right wheel and castor?

When picking the type of castor that’s going to give you the best working capability, we have to look at the area and surroundings they are going to work in. Some of the recommendations that will inspire your castor choice will include:

• Is the floor flat?

• What type of floor condition do I have i.e smooth, concrete, wood, carpet, tarmac specially coated floors?

• Is water or fluids going to be present?

• Is the castor going to be working in high temperatures or humidity?

Whether you need stainless steel castors due to environmental issues, a hard wheel or soft rubber wheel, or even an anti-static wheel for operating theatres or to eliminate the risk of explosions, a simple call to our expert team in the office who will guide you through.

360 castors and wheels can even offer solutions to high temperatures with their range of high-quality wheels that can work up to temperatures of 300 degrees, whilst still giving the carry capacity that your trolley or cart needs.

How many castors do I need?

• Do I need 3 castors, 4 castors, 5 castors? The following table will help you identify the best combinations of castor fixing points.

• How do I work out the size and weight of castor I need to use in a safe and practical manner? It is highly recommended to build in a safety factor. If your trolley needs to carry 500kg then we suggest you divide the total weight by a factor of three, thus giving you a good working safety factor.

Castor Combinations

Two Swivel Castors and Two Fixed Castors

Providing good load capacity and manoeuvrability. This combination ensures accurate steering, even on the long straight runs, making it the most practical combination for industrial use. Any trolley with this combination should be pushed with the fixed castors leading.

Maximum capacity for each wheel = load/3

Four Swivel Castors

As this combination gives good load capacity with exceptional manoeuvrability, it is suitable for winding runs and where sideways action is required. It is not recommended for straight runs or ramps, as it may be hard to guide, especially over bumpy terrain and when heavily loaded. However, equipping two castors with directional locks makes this arrangement very versatile and suitable for long straight runs.

Maximum capacity for each wheel = load/3

One Swivel Castor and Two Fixed Castors

This combination provides an economical solution for lightly loaded trolleys requiring good manoeuvrability. The trolley must be reasonably small in size and any load must be evenly distributed to ensure stability.

Maximum capacity for each wheel = load/2.5

Three Swivel Castors

This provides good load capacity with excellent manoeuvrability. However, equipment with this arrangement will be difficult to guide on straight runs, particularly over uneven ground. This arrangement is ideal for barrel dollies and small portable machines.

Maximum capacity for each wheel = load/2

Four Swivel Castors and Two Fixed Castors

This combination provides an extremely high load capacity, with great manoeuvrability and stability. This is ideal for very long trolleys designed to carry heavy loads – the fixed castors can be replaced by wheels mounted onto a central axle. The unit’s base must be robust and the swivel castors are mounted to allow the trolley to pivot on the central wheels. Therefore, 25mm of packing is required above the two fixed castors (wheels) to give alternating load support, depending on which pair of wheels is in contact with the floor. The entire load rests on two central, fixed castors/wheels.

Please note: the swivel castors are subjected to shock loads if the trolley is tipped or the load is not evenly distributed.

Maximum capacity for each wheel = load/2

Two Swivel Castors and Two Fixed Castors

Ideal for confined spaces, this configuration provides good load capacity with excellent manoeuvrability. The fixed castors can be replaced by wheels which pivot the trolley centrally. In this case, 25mm of the packing is necessary above the two fixed castors (wheels) to give alternating load support. However, if the trolley is tipped or the load is not evenly distributed, the swivel castors are subjected to shock loads. The entire load rests on the two central, fixed castors/wheels.

Maximum capacity for each wheel = load/2

I’m finding my trolley hard to push?

• What can 360 castors and wheels offer me that will help me push my trolley easily and safely?

Well that’s easy – if you give our expert technical team all specifications you have we will work and decide what is the best wheel and bearing option. i.e. if you need that initial push to get the trolley moving in a forward direction, we would offer a roller bearing option. Alternatively, if there were high loads pushing from the side we would suggest ball bearings. For high temperatures, we would make sure your wheels and castors have high-temperature grease. Whatever your need, 360 Castors and Wheels will endeavor to solve these issues as quickly and effectively as possible.