The twin wheel caster is the preferred choice for equipment that must be mobile and very maneuverable. For example, carts and equipment stands used in medical settings must be capable of being moved into narrow spaces next to hospital beds, carts, and stands for electronic, or for audio visual equipment that needs to fit into tight spaces.

In all of these examples, the twin wheel caster design allows the caster to quickly change direction, making it easy to move equipment in random directions.

The wheels of most models of twin wheel casters are usually made from a hard material. For example, Shepherd Caster’s very popular Pacer Series of twin wheel casters feature wheels made of nylon. For situations where it’s necessary to protect floors from unwanted scuffing, urethane wheels are also available for Pacer casters.

For application situations that require more cushioning than provided by typical twin wheel casters, Shepherd Caster developed their Softech Series. Softech casters are non-marking and floor protective. These twin wheel casters feature treads made from a special high-tech thermoplastic elastomer, which results in smooth, quiet mobility.

Softech casters have durable construction featuring solid riveted axles that ensure positive wheel retention. It also has some of the highest load ratings of any twin wheel casters on the market today.

To make sure that you can find the perfect caster for your situation, Shepherd makes their Softech caster available with many options for size, color, brake and fastenings. There are even options for casters that can be used in MRI exam rooms; and casters that can be partially disassembled, for applications that require frequent cleaning.

In the sections below, we’ll go through the process of selecting from among the various available options, in order to build the perfect caster for the job.

Options for Building Your Perfect Caster

By selecting correctly sized wheels, brakes, finish, fastener and other options, you will be able to build a Softech caster that achieves the technical performance, look and style you want for your unique application.

Wheel Tread Material – All Softech casters come standard with soft 70-75/A durometer tread, made from a high-tech thermoplastic elastomer. The treads are non-marking, and protect floors.

Wheel Diameter and Load – Softech casters are available with wheels ranging in diameter from as small as 50 mm to as large as 125 mm. Larger wheels are capable of supporting higher dynamic loads: 50 mm diameter wheels can support dynamic loads up to 75 lbs.; 60 mm wheels can support 100 lbs.; 75 mm wheels will support up to 165 lbs., and 100 mm and 125 mm wheels will support dynamic loads as high as 225 lbs.

Brake – All models of Softech casters are available with optional brakes.

Finishes – you can choose between two different finishes for your Softech caster: black, or gray.

Fastenings – Softech casters are available with four different fastening systems: grip neck stems, grip ring stems, thread stems, and top plates.

Sockets – There are many styles of sockets to choose from, allowing you to mount Softech casters to your equipment easily and quickly. Wood sockets connect casters to wood. Weldable sockets allow you to weld the socket to your equipment. Sockets are available that will fit into round tubes, square tubes, PVC pipe legs, and threaded pipes. Metal T nut sockets and corner brackets complete the socket offerings.

Additional Options for Softech Series Casters

There are two more options available for Softech casters, which extend your choices even further.

Softech EZ-Clean – With these innovative twin wheel casters, you can remove the axle caps. This allows you to then disassemble a nut and bolt axle, and clean any entangling debris from the caster. For applications that require frequent cleaning, such as shower chairs, using the Softech EZ-Clean will prolong caster life.

Softech MRI Conditional – The Softech MRI Series of casters have the same features listed above for Softech casters, but with components made from non-magnetic stainless steel. They are manufactured in an extremely controlled process, with materials specified to ensure that Softech MRI casters are completely non-magnetic. This makes them ideal for use on equipment that is operated near MRI machines, which have extremely strong magnetic fields.

In the center of each wheel is a universal logo, which clearly communicates to a medical facility staff that these casters are approved for use near MRI machines.

The following options are available for Softech MRI Conditional casters:

Wheel Diameter and Load – Softech MRI casters are available with 50 mm diameter wheels that can support dynamic loads up to 75 lbs., 60 mm wheels, which support 100 lbs., and 75 mm wheels, which will support dynamic loads up to 165 lbs.
Brakes – These are available on all models.
Finishes – Softech MRI casters are available in black or gray.
Fasteners – The grip ring (with brass band), and threaded stem fasteners are available.

Because they are made from materials that are non-corrosive, Softech MRI casters are also ideal for situations where moisture and water could potentially cause problems, and shorten caster life.

More information about Softech MRI Series casters is available here.

To Complete Your Perfect Caster – Contact Douglas Equipment!

The details presented above for all of the different options available for the Softech Series of casters will get you started in building your perfect caster. Now it’s time for the final step in the process – ordering the casters! To take that step, contact the experts at Douglas Equipment. We are authorized representatives for Shepherd Caster, and have extensive knowledge about available options for the Softech Series. Call us today at 800-451-0030, or 305-888-3700, if you’re in the Miami area. You can also contact us online through our contact form now.