Five steps to double the life of your castors and wheels

November 3, 2016

Ross Castors

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Wear and tear can occur to even the best products, and castors and wheels are no exception. However, you can dramatically reduce the risk of unwanted and unplanned problems with your castors and wheels with some simple routine maintenance.

It’s been proven that with effective maintenance you can double the lifespan of your castors and wheels, so we’ve put together these five simple steps to help you dramatically improve total life-cost and keeping your equipment working at its best.

Step 1: Keep it clear
Avoid running soft castors over gravel or gritted surfaces and try to keep your workshop floor clear of stones, scrap metal and other debris. This will lessen the risk of any grit or foreign objects getting trapped in the wheels and also avoid you having to replace your flooring due to scratching or gauging.

Step 2: Regular checks
Spotting damage early can help you take corrective action or repair the castor before having to unnecessarily replace your wheels.

Check the castor or wheel for any dents or signs of extensive wear and tear. Listen to your product and take not of any squeaking or scratching which could signify that the wheel needs to be greased or that something has wrapped itself around the axel.

Step 3: Look after ball raceway and bearings
Check the ball race castor head regularly. This is the part of the castor which allows the frame to swivel and offers maximum castor manoeuvrability. By greasing these bearings from time to time you can avoid jamming and ensure longevity.

If your ball race castor head is not maintained the bearings may eventually cease, compromising the swivel action of the castor.

Step 4: Wheel bore greasing
Be sure to grease the wheel bore regularly too, especially if you have purchased castors for heavy commercial and industrial use. This is recommended not only on the castor head but also in the wheel bearings to ensure it rotates smoothly around the axel.

Step 5: Choose the right product for the job
Making sure that you have the correct wheel for your operation is an important aspect of wheel maintenance. If the wheels you are using can’t support the weight or size of the load, or are the wrong material for the floor surface you are working on, you could end up footing the bill for more than just a broken wheel!

We have lots of helpful blogs which give information on the type of wheel which would be best suited for your needs. Our team of qualified experts are also on hand to give guidance on the right products for you.

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Don’t get caught out. The effective maintenance of your castors will ensure that your equipment is safe and fit for purpose, whilst also saving you money in the long run.

For more advice and assistance on wheel and castor maintenance, contact our experienced sales team on 0116 276 4987, or email on [email protected].