This guide is for plant managers, maintenance teams and buyers who need casters for heavy machines and equipment. Low gravity casters are a separate group of series in our catalogue. Here is what to measure and what to tell us, so we can confirm the right series.
Low gravity casters in our catalogue
Our catalogue has three HOD low gravity series. The catalogue gives a load range for each, but it does not give a caster height. So do not choose by the name alone. Choose by your load, your measurements and the fitting.
The load ranges are per caster.
- Low gravity (A1): listed at 200 to 280 kg in the HOD catalogue. It has single wheel and double wheel models, with top plate, threaded stem or bolt hole mounting on the double wheel models.
- Heavy low gravity (A2): 400 to 500 kg, with PA wheels and double bearing. It comes as swivel, swivel with brake and rigid top plate casters.
- Extra heavy low gravity (A3): 600 to 700 kg, with PA wheels and four ball bearing. It comes as swivel, swivel with brake and rigid top plate casters.
If your machine is lighter, tell us and we will check the first series. For heavier machines, we will look at the next two.
Work out the real load
Do not use the weight on the machine plate alone. Add the machine, its tooling, any fluid in tanks and anything it carries.
Then follow these steps:
- Take the full loaded weight.
- Divide by the number of casters, and leave a margin. On an uneven floor, one caster can carry more than its share.
- Compare the result with the load range of the series, for the wheel material and code you want.
- Do not choose the top of a range if the machine will be moved often or pushed hard.
If the result sits close to the limit of one series, tell us. We can help you decide whether to move up a series or add another caster.
Measure the height before you order
Height matters for many machines, so measure it carefully. Many machines have a fixed frame and a set working height. A caster that is too tall can put the work surface out of reach. It can also stop the machine fitting under a guard or through a door.
Measure the space between the floor and the underside of the machine base. Also measure the height of the current casters, if any, and the space around the wheel for it to swivel. A wheel that cannot swivel freely will wear the floor and make the machine hard to steer.
Write every measurement with its unit. Send us the drawing or photos of the base, including the mounting holes.
Check the fitting
The catalogue lists the A1 double wheel models with top plate, threaded stem and bolt hole mounting. The A2 and A3 series are listed as swivel, swivel with brake and rigid top plate casters.
Look at how your machine base is built. Tell us if it has a plate, a stem socket, a bolt hole or another fitting. Measure the plate size, the hole spacing and the hole size. A caster that almost fits will cost you a second order.
Decide on fixed, swivel and brake
Most heavy machines need a mix. Rigid casters track straight. Swivel casters let you turn. A brake stops the machine from creeping once it is in place. A brake on at least two casters keeps a machine from rolling on a slope.
Tell us how often the machine moves and how you plan to use it, and we will confirm the casters that fit that use.
Also consider the floor. Rough, wet or oily floors, and cleaning chemicals, affect the wheel you need. Tell us the conditions and we will confirm the right series.
What to send us for a quote
Send us this information, and we will confirm the series and code:
- The machine type and its full loaded weight
- The number of casters you plan to fit
- The mounting type and dimensions: plate size, hole spacing and hole size
- The height available between the floor and the machine base
- Whether you need fixed, swivel or braked casters
- The floor type and any oil, water or chemicals on it
- Photos of the machine base and current casters, if any
You can browse our low gravity casters, then request a quote or message us on WhatsApp.