The casters are the most crucial components of trolleys and other mobile machinery and equipment. Designed to be mounted to the base of a larger object and used to move it, casters are non-powered wheels. For example, shopping carts, office chairs, hospital beds, and material handling equipment have caster wheels. Swivel casters can help reduce the risk of workplace injuries, as they allow for smoother cargo rolling. They also help to move the payload in a straight line. Read on to find out about their benefits and drawbacks. If you’re looking to purchase a new caster for your truck, consider the advantages and disadvantages of swivel casters before deciding.
They Reduce The Risk of Workplace Injuries
Swivel casters reduce the risk of workplace injuries by reducing the effort required to move heavy carts. This reduces the risk of over-exertion, a leading cause of work-related injuries. In warehouses, they can be used to move heavy objects. Swivel casters reduce the risk of workplace injuries due to their safety features. Compared to traditional casters, which require the operator to bend and twist, Swivel casters significantly reduce the risk of overexertion. Injuries caused by repetitive motion cost U.S. businesses $4 billion a year.
Heavy-duty casters enable workers to move and turn large objects without straining their backs. They can also be mounted to adjustable lifts, eliminating workers’ need to bend to lift or carry the workpiece. This reduces the risk of workplace injuries and allows for increased productivity.
In the aerospace industry, workers engage in physically demanding activities. As a result, when they are restricted in their movement, they are more likely to sustain workplace injuries. Swivel casters provide a more comfortable, ergonomic way to move heavy equipment, which reduces the risk of overexertion. In addition, these heavy duty swivel caster lessen the force needed to set off equipment and make it easier to maneuver.
They Move Cargo in a Straight Line
Swivel casters are a simple way to maneuver heavy cargo. Their wheels can swivel in any direction, allowing them to move cargo in a straight line. A four-wheel caster is a less expensive option with two swivel casters on each side and can be used for linear line travel. These casters can also be retrofitted with brakes to make turning a breeze.
Rigid casters also called fixed or stationary casters, are different. They feature a wheel mounted in a fork. As a result, they are more stringent than swivel casters and can handle more weight. However, swivel casters are more maneuverable than rigid casters.
Swivel casters are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Some swivel casters have a locking mechanism that allows you to lock the wheels. They also feature notches every 90 degrees for improved ergonomics.
Swivel Casters Roll More Smoothly
Swivel casters roll more smoothly than rigid casters. This is because the swivel action of the casters allows the cart to turn more smoothly. Rigid casters can cause flat spots and tear a tire off the hub. On the other hand, Swivel casters do not require steering, allowing for more effortless sideways movement.
Swivel casters typically have wider wheels than non-swivel casters. This is because the center of the wheel rotates more slowly than its side regions, which accounts for this. However, wide wheels also resist swiveling, and the resistance increases with increasing weight. Therefore, another method to increase load capacity is to use multiple narrow wheels on the same wheel axis. These wheels have a minor ground contact patch, which means there will be less resistance to turning in place.
Swivel casters are more convenient for handling large loads, such as shopping carts. They enable the coach to roll more smoothly and quickly. In addition, they have the advantage of offering 360-degree rotation. This makes it much easier to maneuver the cart around corners and sideways. However, they also require more effort to set up than rigid casters.