4 Reasons Castors Fail (And What to do About it)

March 10, 2014

Ross Castors

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When most individuals purchase a product like a castor, they expect it to last forever. While this wish is only human, it isn’t something that is likely to happen. Castors fail for a number of reasons, some of which can be prevented with the right information and knowledge, and some that simply happen because it is the nature of things to fail over time.

If you want to prevent the failure of your castors for as long as possible, knowing how and why they fail, and what you can do to prevent it from happening, is important. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons.

Why Castor Wheels Fail

Chemicals- Many industries, like those who prepare food and hospitals, that use casters take pride in ensuring their workplaces are clean and free of germs. Because of this, they typically use a number of chemicals and cleaning solvents to ensure their floors, castors, and equipment are bacteria-free. This can cause a problem for some castors over time, however. Chemicals used on the ground or around the castor wheels can actually deteriorate the materials the casters are made out of and cause them to break apart. The solution? Be careful when choosing your castors; the right materials can make all the difference. Materials like polyurethane and high temperature nylon are much more resistant to chemicals than some other options.

Capacity- Each castor is different, and each one can support a certain amount of weight. When you overload a castor, the result is often failure. This is an easy thing to prevent, however. When you purchase your casters, be sure to take the time to understand how much weight they can support, then be cautious when using them so you never overload and compress the wheels.

High Temperatures- In the food industry, castors are often used on appliances to make them easier to transport. While rolling an oven across a floor is much easier than lifting it, if you aren’t using the right casters, the high temperatures from the oven can cause failure. The solution to this problem is to use caution when you’re actually purchasing a castor. Choose options that are resistant to high and low temperatures and are made of materials that can withstand the fluctuation of temperature the castor might experience. These types of castors are ideal for bakeries, kilns, and ovens.

Age- Sometimes, no matter how castors have been maintained or what type of castor you have chosen, casters still fail. This is often because they have become too old and have broken down over time. There’s no way to prevent this from happening, but there are ways to prevent it from affecting your business. As soon as you notice your caster wheels are beginning to fail because of age, replace them immediately. This will ensure your equipment remains stable and able to function as it should.

Failing Castors and Your Business

Are you tired of your castors failing? Choosing the right castor to begin with can go a long way in ensuring they last. If you aren’t sure where to begin, contact Ross Castors today. We can provide you with expert advice to help you prevent caster failure.