A castor wheel is a component that allows equipment and furniture to move freely across floors. It is essential for a variety of industries, and is designed to improve workplace efficiency and productivity.

Casters are used for a wide range of applications, from medical equipment to large airframes and engine parts in manufacturing plants. Their wheels must be robust to resist shock, impact and heat.

There are many different kinds of caster wheels, all of which have specific applications and benefits. For example, soft castors can be preferred for use on sensitive flooring, while hard castor wheels are recommended for harsher applications.

Hard castor wheels are often made from a mixture of metal and rubber, and are available in several different sizes. These types of caster wheels have many advantages over soft castors, including durability and smooth rolling on surfaces.

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They also have a longer lifespan than soft castors, and are less likely to damage the floor. However, they can be more expensive to purchase and maintain.

The hardware fittings that keep the caster in place are crucial to keeping it moving correctly. Inspect them regularly to ensure that they are working properly and to replace them if necessary.

A common type of caster is the swivel caster, which pivots around a bolt and nut kingpin. This means that it rotates as well as rolls, which is beneficial for a variety of applications.

Another type of caster is the rigid caster, which only rolls. This can be useful for applications that require the wheel to be locked or braked, such as on a hydraulic stretcher. This locking caster usually features a center cam encircling the vertical swivel that can be pressed down to prevent the wheel from turning.