When high capacity casters are needed for an application, increasing the wheel size is usually the easiest route to take to add weight capacity. Switching to a larger wheel size is not always an option though. Sometimes, a higher capacity is needed, while maintaining a low overall height (how much a caster raises equipment off of the ground). Luckily, we have a selection of low-profile, high capacity casters available for these very situations.
Below, we will list a few low-profile options for a wide range of applications, but we encourage you to contact us to let us recommend the absolute best caster for you, as these are just a few of the available options.
Standard Heavy Duty Caster - These casters have a 3-1/4" diameter x 2" wide wheel and a 4" x 4-1/2" mounting plate. They hold 700 lbs. each with a phenolic wheel (pictured) and have a 4-1/4" overall height. While they are not the lowest profile caster available, they are great for common industrial applications where a low center of gravity is needed while maintaining a high weight capacity.
Dual Wheel Low Profile Casters - These casters fall closer to the range of an Institutional Caster based on their specifications. They have a 2-1/2" x 3-5/8" mounting plate and two wheels per caster. Wheel options include neoprene rubber, hard rubber, and elastomer (polyurethane) and they are available in either 2" or 2-1/2" wheel diameters. They range in capacity based on wheel material and diameter, but the bang-for-your-buck option is the 2" elastomer topping out at 400 lbs. per caster while maintaining a 3-1/4" overall height.
Business Machine Casters - These casters have a weight capacity up to 1,200 lbs. with a 3" glass filled nylon wheel and a 5-5/8" overall height. The plate size is 3-1/8" x 4-1/8" and they are available in a selection of wheel materials, and some even come with an optional black metal finish. Common applications include business machine equipment, server shelves, and vending machines. Brakes are also an option on these.
Ball Transfers - These are actually designed for use on top of a table or conveyor type application in large quantities with the ball/roller facing up, but we have had many customers invert and use them when the absolute lowest overall height caster is needed. One common use we have seen is when something like a mini-refrigerator needs to fit under a bar or counter top. These are available in steel or stainless steel, or with a nylon ball. They have a relatively low weight capacity between 75-150 lbs. depending on size, and they are available in a very wide variety of styles and mounting options. A 1" ball transfer (pictured) has an overall height of 1-3/16" when mounted.
When you need a high weight capacity and a low center of gravity, we have many options in addition to those listed above.
Please call us at 1-800-325-2753 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your options.
