Ergonomic considerations are always top of mind. As the U.S. workforce ages and workmen's compensation costs climb, selecting a wheel with high rollability is a smart choice to reduce stress on joints, prevent back injuries, and better accommodate staff. Wheel size is the single biggest factor in rollability. Larger wheels are easier to push or pull under load. Test data is available to determine what size and tread type is best for any given load and ergonomic parameters.
Be sure to add the weight of the cart, trailer, or AGV in addition to the weight of the load. Also consider the possibility of overload, shock loading, abuse or poor floor conditions into your calculation. Then it may seem obvious to divide the maximum load weight by four wheels, but this can lead to heavy miscalculations. Why? Because most loads don't maintain an even weight across the length and width of the vehicle. An off-center load could overload even the most durable wheels.
Shock loading occurs when a load is dropped onto the trailer. Or when a rig rolls over a bump, like a concrete joint, door jam, dock plate or leveler. In some cases, shock loading can force a wheel to bear more than three times the weight of the load.
Where is it rolling? Environmental conditions must be considered when choosing a wheel. For example, if excessive noise is an issue, Hamilton offers quiet-rolling wheels with high load capacities. Extremely hot or cold applications may require special wheel materials, and bearing lubricants, to withstand the conditions.
Abuse takes a toll on wheels. We like to believe that everyone uses them as intended, but we also understand that's not always the reality. Sometimes workers move too quickly, take short cuts, or even take out frustrations on them. Keep this in mind when selecting equipment.
Poor floor conditions can cause a wheel to fail, but don't underestimate the effect wheels can have on floors, too. Very hard wheels, such as cast iron or forged steel, roll easily and carry higher capacities than resilient tread wheels. But, they can damage concrete floors and lead to costly repairs.
Ergonomic considerations are always top of mind. As the U.S. workforce ages and workmen's compensation costs climb, selecting a caster with high rollability is a smart choice to reduce stress on joints, prevent back injuries, and better accommodate staff. Wheel size is the single biggest factor in rollability. Larger wheels are easier to push or pull under load. Test data is available to determine what size and tread type is best for any given load and ergonomic parameters.
Be sure to add the weight of the cart, trailer, or AGV in addition to the weight of the load. Also consider the possibility of overload, shock loading, abuse or poor floor conditions into your calculation. Then it may seem obvious to divide the maximum load weight by four casters, but this can lead to heavy miscalculations. Why? Because most loads don't maintain an even weight across the length and width of the vehicle. An off-center load could overload even the most durable casters.
Where is it rolling? Environmental conditions must be considered when choosing a caster or wheel. For example, if excessive noise is an issue, Hamilton offers quiet-rolling wheels with high load capacities. Extremely hot or cold applications may require special caster and wheel materials, and bearing lubricants, to withstand the conditions.
Abuse takes a toll on casters. We like to believe that everyone uses them as intended, but we also understand that's not always the reality. Sometimes workers move too quickly, take short cuts, or even take out frustrations on them. Keep this in mind when selecting equipment.
Poor floor conditions can cause a caster or wheel to fail, but don't underestimate the effect wheels can have on floors, too. Very hard wheels, such as cast iron or forged steel, roll easily and carry higher capacities than resilient tread wheels. But, they can damage concrete floors and lead to costly repairs.
Capacity Range: 1600 - 40,000 lbs.For the toughest of applications or when 4000 lbs. of load capacity is just not enough, look to our collection of extra heavy duty and super duty caster series.
Capacity Range: 600 to 6000 lbs.Three new maintenenance-free series utilizing the same precision swivel design plus one economy option. Many wheel choices available in 2" & 3" wheel widths.
Capacity Range: 600 - 4000 lbs.Premium forged steel casters with guaranteed for life integral forged kingpin and CNC-machined raceways and precision tapered secondary load bearing.
Capacity Range: 1100 - 40,000 lbs.Minimize overall height, maximize capacity, and add more stability with Hamilton's four product lines of heavy duty dual wheel casters. Wheel diameters range from 3-1/4" - 12".
Capacity Range: 300 - 7000 lbs.These casters provide shock absorption, quiet operation, and ease of rolling over rough terrain. Popular for handling missile components, electronics, and ground support applications.
Capacity Range: 325 - 16,500 lbs. Create an "instant production line": Loads are taken off the floor permitting higher capacities, easier rolling, floor protection, and controlled flow all at the same time.
Capacity Range: 400 - 1500 lbs.These medium duty industrial casters are from stamped metal components. Swivel casters use a double-ball race design with a rivet-type kingpin. Wheel choices in 2" & 1-1/2" widths.
Capacity Range: 120 - 400 lbs. Hamilton offers three series in this industrial light duty category. These casters are commonly used on dollies, medical equipment, and food containers. Wheel dia.'s range from 2-1/2" to 5".
Capacity Range: 240 - 1600 lbs.For corrosive environments or where sanitary considerations demand casters having all rig and hardware components of stainless steel. All models boast high luster finish.
Capacity Range: 140 - 10,000 lbs.Shock absorbing casters reduce noise, protect cargo and extend caster, wheel and bearing life. Select from two designs: our original "floating" axle or our new aerospace design.
Capacity Range: 260 - 9000 lbs.For high heat environments, look no further: Our Inferno™ casters come in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty, and for the heaviest payload, introducing Hamilton's MagmaMax™.
When safety managers demand push/pull forces be as low as practically possible, consider the Ergo-X2 caster series. The caster's patented swivel technology is designed to reduce workplace injuries.
Capacity Range: 800 - 15,400 lbs.Designed for automated guided vehicles (AGV) or other 24/7 applications. Features HPI® Swivel Technology combined with (2) premium polyurethanes, forged steel cores, & larger precision bearings.
Capacity Range: 2500 - 16,000 lbs.For applications that demand an extremely low overall height and an incredibly high capacity. Each Mini-Mite caster stands only 6" tall and supports up to 16,000 lbs.
Floor locks prevent castered equipment from rolling away from a desired position. Also find replacement caster & wheel hardware such as axles, bearings, & spanner bushings.