Equipment Casters – Quiet, Robust, and Floor-Friendly

Smooth-running equipment casters are the basis for safe, ergonomic transport of sensitive equipment. At Wicke, you will find swivel and fixed casters in numerous sizes, materials, and designs – ideal for laboratories, medical technology, the food and packaging industries, workshops, and general equipment construction.

What are equipment casters?

Equipment casters are compact, smooth-running casters for equipment and machines with medium loads. They combine high load capacity with gentle running on common floor coverings. Fixed and swivel designs are available. Optional locking devices – such as total lock or directional lock – ensure secure positioning at the work site.

Designs and functions

• Swivel casters: 360° swivel head for high maneuverability and precise positioning in tight spaces.
• Fixed casters: Fixed alignment for precise, stable straight running.
• Locking mechanisms: Total lock blocks both wheel and swivel head; directional lock holds the swivel in a straight line.
• Housing material: Galvanized steel for everyday use, stainless steel for hygienic and wet areas.
• Mounting options: Top plate (hole pattern), threaded stem/pin, or bolt hole for screw mounting – to suit your device.

Treads and materials – the right mix for your floor

• Polyamide (PA): Very smooth running, dimensionally stable, low abrasion. Recommended for smooth industrial or tiled floors and dry environments.
• Polyurethane (PU): Quiet, floor-friendly, a good compromise between grip and rolling resistance. Recommended for general use in equipment construction, including higher loads.
• Rubber/Solid rubber: Particularly quiet and vibration-damping. Recommended for sensitive goods, uneven floors, and noise reduction.

Bearings and running comfort

• Plain bearings: Robust and low-maintenance – suitable for simple applications and short distances.
• Deep groove ball bearings: Very smooth running – ideal for frequent movement and higher speeds.
• Precision ball bearings: Maximum smoothness, efficient starting, and minimized wear.

Typical areas of application

Equipment casters are the first choice when equipment needs to be moved safely, quietly, and without leaving marks: laboratory and medical technology, food processing, packaging and logistics, workshops, testing and measurement technology, as well as exhibition and presentation systems.

How to choose the right equipment caster

1. Determine the total weight (equipment including maximum payload).
2. Calculate the load capacity per caster.
3. Formula: Load capacity per caster = (Total weight × Safety factor) ÷ Number of casters.
   Recommended safety factor: 1.3–1.5 (for uneven floors, use 1.5).
4. Example: 120 kg total weight, 4 casters, factor 1.3 → (120 × 1.3) ÷ 4 = 39 kg minimum capacity per caster.
5. Check the floor and surroundings (smooth, uneven, damp, chemicals, temperature).
6. Determine the running characteristics (very quiet, particularly smooth-running, ESD/conductive).
7. Clarify mounting requirements (plate, threaded stem/pin, appropriate hole pattern).
8. Define steering and braking (combination of swivel/fixed casters and total or directional locking).

Practical tip: For precise guidance and secure stability, two swivel casters with brakes and two fixed casters often prove effective.

Why choose Wicke casters?

• Wide selection: Many diameters, widths, bearings, and materials – tailored to your application.
• Industrial quality: Durable components, sturdy housings, reliable smooth running.
• Precise installation: Various mounting options and hole patterns.
• Special versions: ESD/conductive, stainless steel, heat-resistant, and more.
• Buy directly online: Easy selection and ordering in the Wicke Shop.