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Purchasing Wholesale Casters Online: The #1 Way to Move Industrial Equipment

As all business owners understand, there is nothing more important than finances. To put it simply, if you don’t have it, then you can’t spend it! Every business operated by sound financial practices, and every penny saved is typically worth twice its value as all costs that are saved can be invested back into the business.

If your company deals with the movement of industrial equipment, then you will know that your business cannot survive without casters. These little wheels attach to the bottom of your items, meaning they can be shifted around with minimum effort, either manually or via motorized means.

Buying casters can turn out to be an expensive ordeal, so the more casters you are able to buy in one order, the bigger the amount of savings you will often receive. Caster manufacturers find it easier to fulfill one large order rather than several smaller ones, and such companies will want to maximize their profits – just like you! Therefore to encourage you to place orders in bulk, such companies should be willing to allow you to purchase casters in bulk at wholesale prices.

How to Make the Correct Caster Choice When it Comes to Your Specific Application

Casters have been around for a long time – longer than you think, probably. The caster was reportedly invented by David A. Fisher in 1876, meaning that casters have been around for nearly one and a half centuries.

Not all casters are the same, though – in fact there are hundreds of different types in different sizes with select finishes and treads. This brings up a serious question about purchasing wholesale casters online: Which type of caster is best for a specific application?

The main factors you need to consider when thinking about the specific type of casters you need are as follows:

  • How the caster will be attached to the item of industrial equipment
  • The weight of the industrial equipment
  • How the equipment is expected to move
  • What type of flooring will the equipment move over?
  • Are any special features required?
  • Are aesthetics important?

Here is what you need to think about when it comes to each of these considerations:

  • How the caster will be attached? – There are two main ways a caster is attached to a piece of equipment – via a post or stem, or screwed-on via a plate. If you order stem casters, then you will also need a socket that will be inserted into the piece of equipment with a bolt-hole for the stem drilled into it. The stem or pole is then inserted into the socket. A screw-on caster needs a flat piece of metal that is screwed onto the item of equipment via four screws (usually – one at each corner).
  • The weight of the item – Understanding the load capacity of your caster is very important or else you risk damaging the caster and the items themselves. If the casters you consider buying are capable of withstanding a pressure of one hundred pounds each, and the items you will be attaching them to weighs 500 lbs., then you will need a minimum of 5 casters (and probably 6, just to be safe) to manage distribution of the load.

It’s also important to make sure that the weight is evenly distributed, in order to prevent tipping.

  • How the equipment is expected to move – If you’ve ever grappled with a shopping cart in a supermarket, then you’ll understand the importance of having casters that move uniformly in the direction that you want them to move. However, the more ‘freedom’ a caster has (i.e. swivel casters) the more difficult heavier items become to maneuver. If you need casters for a chair, then swivel casters are a must. If an item you are supplying casters for only typically moves in straight lines, then fixed casters are probably a better solution.
  • What type of flooring do you have – There is a general rule here when it comes to flooring and casters – the harder the floor, the softer the caster. If you have hardwood or ceramic flooring, then you will need to invest in soft casters to prevent scratching, scuffmarks, and damage. If you have a soft floor (i.e. rubber or carpeting) then you will need hard casters to prevent snagging and to make your items easier to move.
  • Do you need any special features? – A caster is not just a wheel and a housing. Some casters can be supplied with brakes so that items remain precisely where they are supposed to be, and to prevent ‘runaway’ items from causing injury. Others can offer shock absorption technologies for an even smoother transportation. Make sure you speak to the company who will be supplying your casters about any special features you need, or that they can supply for you.
  • Are aesthetics important – Let’s face it, casters are not designed for their good looks. But, if you do not want your casters to look purely industrial, then there are a few ways in which the look of your casters can be improved, such as adding a little color or decoration.

Interested in Purchasing Casters Wholesale? Reach Out to Douglas Equipment Today!

Douglas Equipment has many relationships with a large number of suppliers, allowing us to supply you with many types of casters, most of which can be purchased at wholesale prices! Our company has been in the caster-supply business for many years. We are the true experts at supplying casters for any kind of business application.

You are welcome to talk to us at any time – just pick up the phone and dial 1-800-451-0030 or contact us through our online contact form.