CASTER CAPACITIES

LOAD CAPACITY:  The recommended weight to be carried on a caster or wheel.  This is affected by:

• The size of the caster assembly

• The diameter and width of the wheel

• The wheel material itself. 

The capacity rating for a caster is limited first by the capacity of the wheel, and secondly by the capacity of the assembly.  Whichever of the two is lower is the limiting factor of the caster.   Note that 4 of a caster with 200 lbs. capacity will carry a load of 800 lbs.  if all four casters are engaged.

DYNAMIC LOAD:  Capacities shown in the catalog are for dynamic loads for a single caster.  This is the load on a caster, while the caster is in motion under normal conditions.

STATIC LOADS:  This is the load imposed on the caster where no movement or shock is involved.  Most casters will take much higher loads under static conditions.  Some manufacturers show load capacity as static load, which is unrealistic when actual operating conditions are considered.

SHOCK LOAD:  This is the momentary load imposed on the caster as a result of vibration or shock from a weight being dropped on the caster.  For example, 220 lbs. dropped from 6 inches creates a 5,000 lb. shock load.  The shock load is affected by the amount of give in the caster, or wheel.  This load is reduced significantly under a soft wheel as opposed to a hard wheel.