Which castor is right for my application?
The right castor determines the pushing force required, running characteristics, noise level and service life. This guide shows you how to select castors based on starting resistance, rolling resistance, running noise and wear – with specific product examples from our shop.
The 4 most important criteria
Starting resistance
Starting resistance describes the force required to set stationary equipment in motion. It typically decreases with a larger wheel diameter, harder treads and high-quality bearings (e.g. ball bearings). For frequent starts or manual operation, a system with very low starting resistance is worthwhile.
Rolling resistance
Rolling resistance is the force that must be overcome while moving. It depends, among other things, on the tread (material and hardness), load, floor surface and bearings. The goal is smooth running with the lowest possible energy consumption.
Running noise
Low noise levels are achieved through resilient treads, suitable hardness and vibration damping. In sensitive areas (indoor spaces, night-time logistics and hospitals), quiet castors are the first choice.
Wear
Wear is determined by material, hardness, load, speed and environment. Demanding applications benefit from abrasion-resistant treads (e.g. suitable polyurethane grades) or – in special cases – metal.
Quick check: Which castor suits which purpose?
Quietest running indoors: resilient rubber treads (e.g. Wicke Elastic) for minimal running noise.
Smooth running and high efficiency: high-quality PU treads (e.g. Redthane®) – very low starting and rolling resistance with good damping.
Minimal rolling resistance and robust industrial environments: polyamide wheels – very easy running, but acoustically harder.
Heavy loads / special cases: steel wheels for maximum load capacity and wear resistance (only where noise and the floor surface permit).
3 technical factors that are often overlooked
Floor surface: Uneven or hard floors benefit from resilient treads, which are quieter and produce less vibration. Smooth industrial floors allow harder, very easy-running treads.
Speed and temperature: Higher speeds and temperature peaks require durable treads and suitable bearing technology.
Chemicals / moisture: Oils, cleaning agents and wet conditions affect materials. Always check material compatibility.
Product examples
Particularly quiet: Wicke Elastic (Blue Elastic)
Product: BN100/36 80/1R – resilient blue Wicke Elastic® tyre on a polyamide wheel centre. Very quiet (running noise: optimal) with good overall all-round performance (starting/rolling resistance and wear: good). Ideal for indoor areas, sensitive zones and applications where acoustics are a priority.
Buy a quiet castor
Energy-saving and robust: Polyurethane (Redthane®)
Product: TE150/50 120/4K – soft PU tread (Redthane® 75 Shore A) on an aluminium centre. Very good starting and rolling resistance, optimal running noise and very good wear performance. A strong compromise between easy running, smooth operation and service life – perfect for frequent travel cycles and longer distances.
Buy a robust castor
Maximum ease of movement: Polyamide
Product: KN100/38/1R – polyamide PA6 wheel. Optimal starting and rolling resistance, but acoustically harder (running noise: adequate). Recommended for smooth, robust floors and applications where ease of movement is more important than noise reduction.
Buy an easy-running castor
Heavy loads and special cases: Steel
Product: SLLAK01/100/40K – steel swivel castor for very high loads. Optimal starting and rolling resistance, extremely wear-resistant; noticeably harder acoustically. Use only when the floor and surrounding environment are designed for it.
Buy a special-purpose castor
Questions and advice
Not sure which castor is ideal for your situation? We combine material, bearing type and construction size precisely for your application – from quiet running to heavy loads. Contact our team. We provide practical advice and find the right solution.