While forklifts and cranes are useful for moving heavy objects, there are times when a forklift or crane is simply not the right answer. For example, if you need to move a heavy box around in the narrow spaces inside a storage room, a crane simply will not fit. Some forklifts are small enough that they will work in pretty tight spaces, but there are times when even a forklift is too big. Then there is the matter of operating costs. It can be expensive to use a forklift or a crane. Sometimes a low-tech, low-cost caster is the answer for moving objects in tight spaces. With a correctly designed caster, it is possible to move heavy loads without the need for mechanized solutions.
There are three types of casters: fixed, swivel, and locking. Each type is a variation on the same overall design. You have a wheel, which is usually made from a solid material like rubber or metal. This wheel is connected to a horseshoe-shaped frame. This frame can be made out of a variety of materials, depending on how the caster is intended to be used. The two sides of the horseshoe-shaped frame extend down on either side of the wheel, and the wheel itself connects at the end of these two arms in a way that still allows the wheel to have free movement. The top of the horseshoe is designed in a way that allows the frame to bolt to a vehicle of some sort. By attaching casters to a couch, a crib, a cart, or any other object, you can make moving said object much easier.
For an example of how casters work, you don't need to look any further than the shopping cart. A shopping cart is also useful as an example of the differences between fixed and swivel casters. Starting at the back of the shopping cart, you have two fixed casters. They are called fixed casters, because they cannot turn from side to side. Instead, these two casters maintain a straight line with the cart. However, if you also had fixed casters at the front of the cart, it would be difficult to impossible to turn the cart when needed. The answer to this little dilemma is to install swivel casters only at the back of the cart.
Swivel casters have an extra joint in between the wheel and the vehicle the caster is attached to. This extra joint allows the caster to spin in a complete circle. In a swivel caster, the wheel will also be slightly offset from where the caster attaches to the frame. The joint allows the caster to turn from side to side, and the fact that the wheel is offset gives the caster the tendency to maintain a straight course until the operator of the cart turns the cart. A third type of caster, called the locking caster, makes it possible to lock the wheels, to prevent the cart from rolling away.
Variations of casters will be used for different vehicles. The materials used in the caster will also vary. Casters that are designed for heavier jobs will me made from more solid materials. Casters for light-duty jobs will be made from less durable materials to help cut on costs. The casters used on a baby stroller and on an industrial cart will share the same basic design, but the casters on the baby stroller will be mostly plastic, whereas the casters on an industrial cart will most likely be made from metal. Thus, with a vary simple design, it is possible to move heavy loads with nothing more than manpower.
There are three types of casters: fixed, swivel, and locking. Each type is a variation on the same overall design. You have a wheel, which is usually made from a solid material like rubber or metal. This wheel is connected to a horseshoe-shaped frame. This frame can be made out of a variety of materials, depending on how the caster is intended to be used. The two sides of the horseshoe-shaped frame extend down on either side of the wheel, and the wheel itself connects at the end of these two arms in a way that still allows the wheel to have free movement. The top of the horseshoe is designed in a way that allows the frame to bolt to a vehicle of some sort. By attaching casters to a couch, a crib, a cart, or any other object, you can make moving said object much easier.
For an example of how casters work, you don't need to look any further than the shopping cart. A shopping cart is also useful as an example of the differences between fixed and swivel casters. Starting at the back of the shopping cart, you have two fixed casters. They are called fixed casters, because they cannot turn from side to side. Instead, these two casters maintain a straight line with the cart. However, if you also had fixed casters at the front of the cart, it would be difficult to impossible to turn the cart when needed. The answer to this little dilemma is to install swivel casters only at the back of the cart.
Swivel casters have an extra joint in between the wheel and the vehicle the caster is attached to. This extra joint allows the caster to spin in a complete circle. In a swivel caster, the wheel will also be slightly offset from where the caster attaches to the frame. The joint allows the caster to turn from side to side, and the fact that the wheel is offset gives the caster the tendency to maintain a straight course until the operator of the cart turns the cart. A third type of caster, called the locking caster, makes it possible to lock the wheels, to prevent the cart from rolling away.
Variations of casters will be used for different vehicles. The materials used in the caster will also vary. Casters that are designed for heavier jobs will me made from more solid materials. Casters for light-duty jobs will be made from less durable materials to help cut on costs. The casters used on a baby stroller and on an industrial cart will share the same basic design, but the casters on the baby stroller will be mostly plastic, whereas the casters on an industrial cart will most likely be made from metal. Thus, with a vary simple design, it is possible to move heavy loads with nothing more than manpower.