Casters

[Happy in NC]

If I buy a caster that is rated for say 100lbs will 4 be rated at 400lbs?

 

[oldnslo]

Yes As long as the load is spread evenly. But, if moving around will the load stay uniform across all the casters?

 

[Happy in NC]

I am deciding what I want to put under my 20t Hy Press

 

[WranglerX]

If load is equally distributed on all four caster its probable yes...

 

[WranglerX]

Go big..... Four 200#(+) and large diameter, small diameter require scrupulously clean floor, to wit a bean caught under shopping cart wheel....

So many choices.....

The Caster Guy | Casters, Wheels, and Accessories

The Caster Guy offers the top brands and low pricing on all casters, wheels, and accessories! Free shipping on caster/wheel orders over $150!

thecasterguy.com

 

[bigtiller]

Go big..... Four 200#(+) and large diameter, small diameter require scrupulously clean floor, to wit a bean caught under shopping cart wheel....

So many choices.....

The Caster Guy | Casters, Wheels, and Accessories

The Caster Guy offers the top brands and low pricing on all casters, wheels, and accessories! Free shipping on caster/wheel orders over $150!

thecasterguy.com

I agree, go big.
I have tried to take the cheap route, and every time I do, I am disappointed.

5" diameter wheels is the smallest I buy now, and each wheel must be rated for a minimum of ½ the weight of the load.

 

[CliffordK]

Yes As long as the load is spread evenly. But, if moving around will the load stay uniform across all the casters?

I've started hunting for solid steel and overbuilt casters, depending on the application.

Weight distribution is a problem. Consider the cherry pickers. The center of balance is wherever the hook is, and generally puts much more weight on the front 2 wheels. Apparently not all imports take that into account.

The press may not be that big of a deal, but still, get good parts.

 

[gstrom99]

Yes, definitely go with steel and oversize/capacity.

 

[Happy in NC]

I already had casters that I could use.
150# each.4 "
Seems good

 

[nyone]

Presses are alreaty really top heavy. You go adding more weight and making it roll may no be good. Just think it's going to tip over the first pebble or hole in the concrete it hits.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I already had casters that I could use.
150# each.4 "
Seems good

You'll find that 150# casters will not hold up. Unless those are steel casters, the first thing you'll notice is that they don't roll smoothly. That'll be because the rubber outer ring on the caster has long ago peeled off. In short, go big or go home

If in doubt, I can sure show you some pictures of 2" 150# casters that are now mostly square.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Then there is unwanted height added to a top heavy item. McCarr has some ~2" that you only lower to contact when you want to roll. Ive had no problem just sweeping/blowing the floor before moving.

 

[Happy in NC]

I agree. I was worried about it so I put a steel plate over the legs on the bottom. I don't really plan on using the casters much. Just to roll away from my lift to use it. Foot or two at most

 

[beeforty]

Another thing that can be unstable about large casters, is if you don't widen the base, your wheel base is shorter making it easier to tip. I found that out pushing my tool box which I had put taller better wheels on across the airport ramp in the rain trying to get across a wide open space as fast as I could with out getting too wet! 747's have big tires and the ramp wasn't all that smooth and I ended up leap frogging over my rollaway as it went on it's side!

 

[bdhsfz6]

I found through several caster failures, these ratings can be deceiving. If the load is balanced, four 100# casters should hold 400#.

I use casters on pallets under most of my implements. That way, I can either roll, or use forks to get them into position. The weight of an implement is rarely distributed evenly and one caster can easily be overloaded. This is compounded by the impact load when the weight is "dropped" onto the pallet using the FEL or 3 pt.

I've had the best luck using casters rated at twice the load I plan to use. I also prefer steel wheels to minimize breakage caused by impact loading.

For evenly distributed static loads, you should be fine using four casters rated at one quarter the total weight.

 

[RjCorazza]

I found through several caster failures, these ratings can be deceiving. If the load is balanced, four 100# casters should hold 400#.

I use casters on pallets under most of my implements. That way, I can either roll, or use forks to get them into position. The weight of an implement is rarely distributed evenly and one caster can easily be overloaded. This is compounded by the impact load when the weight is "dropped" onto the pallet using the FEL or 3 pt.

I've had the best luck using casters rated at twice the load I plan to use. I also prefer steel wheels to minimize breakage caused by impact loading.

For evenly distributed static loads, you should be fine using four casters rated at one quarter the total weight.

I think double the anticipated load is a good role of thumb. I wrecked a few cheap dollies that were rated right at the implement weight. I doubled the dollies up with some scrap lumber and all is well.
I made a custom dollie / pallet for my ditch bank mower last year, and used very heavy duty casters and lumber... It is the most overbuilt project I have ever done

 

[bigtiller]

It is nearly impossible to pour a concrete floor that is perfectly flat.

So figure that a mobile base with 4 wheels will have only 3 wheels supporting the load at any given point on the floor.

A 400 pound static load will overload four 100 lb. rated casters. We need to add some room for kenotic energy.

 

[mmaliga]

I just tried some retractable casters. Side mount. Seem to give more stability when retracted. My press is next on the list to get them.

 

[Happy in NC]

I ended up putting the small 3" casters on it. I have a smooth cement floor and it will rarely move except for maybe longer pieces.
So far quite happy with them. Plus I had them on the shelf

 

[Xfaxman]

I am deciding what I want to put under my 20t Hy Press

I used 3, 2x12's, with 6" casters. The best thing about it is now when I drop a heavy piece of metal, it lands on the wood, instead of chipping out a chunk of the floor.