Choosing the Right Caster Wheels: Rigid vs. Swivel for Your Needs

Do you know the difference between rigid caster wheels vs. swivel caster wheels? Before you start using casters for different applications or replace your existing casters, it is important to choose the right caster for the job. Casters come in many sizes, designs and materials. It makes them useful for many applications in business, industry and daily life.

We at Muvall offer caster wheels for all kinds of material handling needs, with a wide range of materials, designs and wheel sizes for our clients to pick from. When choosing the perfect caster, you should know about two main types: rigid casters and swivel casters. Each type can move the wheel back and forth, and both types have their own benefits and drawbacks.

For many, selecting the right caster wheels for the work environment comes to the same question- Should I go with rigid casters or swivel casters? You will know which casters are right for your application once you ask yourself these questions:

• How much weight do I need the casters to move?
• What is the size of the equipment that I have to move?
• Does it need to move only in a straight line?
• How much space do I have to work with?
• How often will I need to move the material, and how far?

Suggested Read: Why is Choosing the Right Castors Important for Businesses?

Rigid caster wheels

Rigid casters, also called fixed casters, are wheels that are attached in a way that it does not turn. It means rigid casters can only move items forward and backward in a straight line, so they cannot steer. Rigid casters are stronger and can support heavier loads than swivel casters, but they are not as easy to move around. Do not forget to align rigid caster wheels correctly when using them to ensure smooth movement.

You can arrange four rigid caster & wheels in a diamond shape, using slightly larger wheels in the middle than at the front and back. This is a cost-effective setup for trucks and carts that carry light loads. Although it allows the truck to turn on the center wheels, it would not be able to move sideways. Besides this, rigid caster wheels are also useful for moving pallets using a push stick.

Rigid casters design

Rigid caster & wheels are simpler than swivel caster wheels because they do not need ball bearings or complicated moving parts. They are often made from a single piece of metal or strong material that forms both the mounting plate and the part that holds the wheel. This design keeps the caster fixed in one direction relative to the wheels.

Swivel casters

Swivel cart wheels are the best choice when working in tight spaces or spaces where more maneuverability is needed. That is because they can rotate 360° and quickly adjust to changes in direction. Swivel casters use ball bearings, which help them turn easily, even when carrying substantial loads.

However, it is harder to get a truck or cart with all swivel caster wheels moving because you have to push to align all the wheels in the same direction first. Moreover, it is tough for them to roll straight. It means this setup is best for short distances.

Related: The Role of Swivel Caster Wheel in Industrial Efficiency

Swivel casters design

These casters can turn around a vertical axis to allow the wheels to change direction as carts or furniture move. Most swivel cart wheels have a ring of ball bearings between two parts: the inner part connects to the furniture leg, and the outer part connects to the wheel. These two parts can rotate independently.

Some casters have a central pin called a kingpin that helps attach the caster to the furniture. This type can swivel around the pin. Kingpinless casters do not have a central pin, which can be beneficial because the pin can be a weak point if the caster is hit hard or overloaded.

Mixing swivel and rigid casters

You do not have to choose just one type of caster. You can combine rigid and swivel casters for better results. In other words, sometimes, you might want to move smoothly back and forth while also being able to change direction. In these cases, you can use a mix of rigid and swivel casters- one type at the front and the other at the back of the truck or cart.

This setup allows you to move over long distances without needing to steer the swivel caster wheels or get back. You can see this design in flatbed carts and shopping carts at home improvement and grocery stores. This flexible arrangement is effective for medium to heavy loads.

Lastly, choosing between rigid and swivel casters involves more than just looking at one feature. Factors like the material of the wheels, their size, thickness and the overall caster diameter all affect how easy they are to move, how much weight they can support and how well they handle impacts. Muvall, one of the best caster wheel manufacturers, can help you understand how these different features work together to benefit your business.

Conclusion

Bottom line? Swivel caster & wheels provide greater portability, which makes them convenient for industrial or commercial uses. However, everyone has different needs, and each type of caster offers varying levels of portability.

When choosing your casters, remember to choose ones that fit your available space and provide the flexibility you need. Do not settle for casters that do not fit your needs. Muvall has many caster wheel options to fit your specific applications. Once you pick what you want, contact us, and we will deliver it to you!