Office Meister™ – The chair caster that never quits

Office Meister: SOM34I-437SX1-PTN-PB-TG [Black Ionic Finish]

Our high-performance Office Meister chair caster is the perfect solution for around-the-clock environments where chair comfort is critical to the performance of essential 24/7 personnel. Users like air traffic controllers or 911 dispatchers will feel like they’re riding on air, allowing them to concentrate on life-saving duties.

The incredibly durable Office Meister features a sleek, contemporary, smooth-line black-on-black design with an ionic black rig. The black PurThane™ 3” x 7/8” wheel is finished with stunning matching thread guards. The caster’s outstanding look is completed by its aluminum core.

The PurThane wheel is made from a unique polyurethane material that is non-marking and offers outstanding protection on all floor surfaces, including hardwood. The wheel comes with a precision bearing that delivers unparalleled maneuverability. Users will never feel the caster change direction.
 
Our newest and most advanced entry in the chair caster market is BIFMA-tested and certified to meet the TM018 standard. The Office Meister is manufactured in our fully integrated plant in Toronto. That means you get attractive lead times, dependable delivery dates and trusted North American quality backed by a lifetime warranty.

The Office Meister’s capacity is 125 lbs. It’s equipped with a dual ball bearing raceway, which makes pivoting easier and offers excellent rollability. We designed this exceptional caster with a longer swivel offset to enhance stability and reduce impact. It has a grip-neck stem and is fully heat-treated.
 
If you’re looking for a chair caster that looks great and performs even better, contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team and ask about the Office Meister™.


Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Move 20,000 lbs. with the Push of a Finger

Our three-caster Theatrical Tryke™ can achieve capacities of up to 20,000 lbs., but what’s truly remarkable is how easily it moves heavy loads. With its distinctive ergonomic design, minimal force is required to maneuver casters from the lead to the trail position, and more weight can be moved with less effort. It provides a smooth, uninterrupted, free-flowing swivel, allowing heavy cargo to be moved with the push of a finger. 

With three casters mounted to a triangular top, the Tryke is fully customizable and can be made with a variety of casters and wheels. In fact, it can be configured in so many ways that almost every one we produce is unique.

The Tryke can be manufactured with Typhoon™, Twister™, or Thrust Bearing heads and our 1900 Series, 5400 Series, or Maxx™ casters. Specific requirements can be accommodated by using a wide variety of wheels and multiple plate combinations. Other options are threaded stems and a positive-lock universal wheel brake added to the forward-facing caster. 

A stainless steel Tryke can also be manufactured. The entire unit is produced using work-hardened, electro-polished, de-magnetized and de-burred SAE 304 stainless steel. All bearings, components and welds are in stainless steel. The plate is reinforced with a stress bar to prevent any bending.

The Tryke is produced in our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto and delivers the North American ingenuity and the castersmithing you can only find at Algood. You get a caster made to your specs and backed by our 3-Year No-Excuse Warranty.

Originally designed for studios, stages and staging applications, the Tryke is also ideal for moving heavy loads in warehousing and manufacturing settings. The stainless-steel version is ideal for pharmaceutical, healthcare, food processing, high-tech and other clean environments

To learn more about the Tryke™ and how it can be creatively configured to meet your particular needs, contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.


Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Product Spotlight: 0700 Series

The 700 Series – Stunning Light-Duty Casters

0700 Series: S0722-437SX1-ICEB-PB [Zinc Finish]

Not only are our 700 Series casters versatile and dependable, but their sleek design will enhance the look of everything from office furniture to store fixtures. Better yet, they are produced in our integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto. You get outstanding lead times, totally dependable delivery dates and true North American quality backed by our 3-year No Excuse Warranty.

When used on chairs and paired with our Envirothane™ wheels, 700 Series casters are BIFMA-approved and meet the highest safety, performance, and sustainability standards for office furniture.

700 Series casters can be made with two different top plates and a wide range of round and threaded stems.

A variety of available wheels add to the versatility of these casters. Our Envirothane™ wheels are soft enough for tiled surfaces, while Protech™ wheels are hard enough for carpeted floors. Colourful Ice wheels provide flair and allow 700 Series casters to stand out. Polyolefin and soft rubber wheels are also available.

700s can also be produced with an array of finishes such as Brush Nickel, Antique Brass and Copper, and Flat, Gloss and Ionic Black. With a capacity of 125 lbs, the 700 Series casters are ideal for office chairs and furniture. They are also frequently used on IV poles in healthcare settings.

To find out how these good-looking and versatile casters can meet your requirements, contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.


Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

CasterU Thumbnail Frequently Asked Caster Questions, Answered by CasterSmiths

Top 7 Caster Questions, Answered by the CasterSmiths at Algood

After decades in the caster business, we’ve learned that specifying the right caster starts with asking the right questions. That’s true whether you’re outfitting medical carts, industrial racks, or custom-built machinery. Here are the questions we hear most often, answered with the insight of our CasterSmiths who have been solving mobility problems for years.

1. How do I determine the correct load capacity for a caster?

Start by calculating the maximum load your equipment will carry when fully loaded with materials. It’s not enough to base your numbers on the empty frame—you need to plan for the heaviest load that equipment will ever see. Once you’ve got that total, divide by three (not four). Why? In real-world settings, not every caster touches the ground at the same time, especially on uneven floors. For example, if your equipment fully loaded weighs 1,200 lbs., each caster should be rated for at least 400 lbs.

2. What mounting options are available for casters?

The three most common are top plates, stems, and bolt holes. Top plates offer the most stability and are common on heavy-duty equipment. Threaded stems and grip rings enable casters to be fastened to the legs of equipment and are great for lighter carts or where space is tight. One critical point—especially with stem fastenings—is to ensure they’re installed flush between the equipment and top washer. A loose or uneven stem mount can lead to bending or failure over time. Bolt hole casters require a smaller footprint, offer easy maneuvering in tighter spaces, and simple replacement or maintenance if something goes wrong.

3. How do I determine which wheel material is best for an application?

Choosing the right wheel material isn’t one-size-fits-all—it starts by asking the right questions. What kind of flooring will the caster roll over? Will there be exposure to water, chemicals, or extreme temperatures? Is noise a concern? Will the load be moved manually or with powered equipment? How heavy is the fully loaded equipment? And how often will it be moved?

These questions help guide material selection. For example, if you’re dealing with high loads, you might consider in-house moulded options like RollX™ for ergonomic ease or NyRock™ for maximum durability. Polyolefin is a versatile, lightweight alternative that holds up well under stress. In washdown or chemical-prone settings, thermoplastics or nylon are often the answer.

If you need help comparing options, check out our Wheel Comparison Chart and Chemical Resistance Chart.

4. Do I need casters with brakes or locks?

If your equipment needs to stay in place for safety or function, yes. There are several options: brakes that apply friction to the wheel, total-lock brakes that stop both the wheel and swivel, directional locks that hold the wheel straight, and 4-position swivel locks that allow repeatable alignment. In critical settings like hospitals, labs, and factory lines, these features aren’t optional—they’re essential.

We always recommend considering our iLock system. It’s a high-performance lock that combines total-lock braking with precise positional control. If you’re looking for something dependable and easy to use, this is it.

5. How does wheel diameter affect performance?

The diameter may be dictated by the required overall height of the caster. Beyond that, larger wheels roll more easily. They help overcome obstacles, reduce push effort, and protect against vibration. On the other hand, they are less stable. Smaller wheels save space and lower the center of gravity—but they’re best kept to smooth floors. Choosing the right diameter has a real ergonomic impact, especially if people are pushing the load manually. If you provide us with the specific application and the details of the environment, we can recommend the ideal diameter.

6. What maintenance is required for casters?

Routine checks are key. Inspect wheels for wear, check that fasteners are tight, and keep bearings lubricated unless they’re sealed. In rough-duty environments, aim for quarterly maintenance. And if your casters get hosed down or are used in wet conditions, stainless steel is the way to go. It’ll keep rust at bay and extend the life of your investment.

7. Can I customize casters for specific needs?

Absolutely—and often, you should. Whether it’s the custom overall heights or stem lengths, bearing type, swivel radius, or even finish, customizations help align the caster to the real-world demands of your application. Tight space? Specific mounting style? Need your brand colour on the wheel? We’ve done it all.

We excel at creating casters for custom applications. Because we handle everything in-house—from moulding wheels to welding rigs—we can turn around custom requests quickly and precisely.

Do you have more questions? We’re here to help.

Every project has unique needs, and the best solutions start with a conversation. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your existing setup, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and find the right fit. Request a quote or contact us and let’s get rolling.

CasterU Thumbnail: Choosing Brakes Swivel Locks or Position Locks

Choosing Brakes, Swivel Locks or Position Locks

Customers often ask us whether they should order an integrated wheel and swivel lock or separate brakes and position locks. There are a number of considerations, and it can be complicated. So, in this issue of CasterU, we break down the differences between brakes and swivel locks so that you can make better-informed decisions.

There are times when it’s beneficial to prevent a caster wheel from turning while also preventing the wheel from swivelling. For example, serving carts used on airplanes require added stability to protect them from turbulence. For lighter capacities (under 1,500 lbs), our iLock™ wheel with directional lock or our DLB – double-locking brake are ideal solutions.

However, there are applications with larger capacities that require both a swivel lock and a brake. Brakes apply friction to the wheel to prevent the caster from moving, while swivel locks keep a caster from swivelling.

Essentially, a swivel lock converts a swivel caster into a rigid unit. A hand-operated plunger engages with a notch in the raceway to prevent the caster from swiveling. A 4-position swivel lock can be engaged at any 90-degree interval. The swivel lock mechanism can be purchased pre-welded to the top plate or with wings that secure the PSL to the plate when using mounting bolts.

Wheel locks offer operators greater flexibility when moving and positioning carts and equipment. They enable movement over long distances, where two rigid casters and two swivel casters are ideal. With the wheel locks disengaged, the equipment can then be easily maneuvered in tight spaces or precise positions. Additionally, wheel locks enhance safety in situations that require absolute immobility and control. They also provide added stability by eliminating the flutter often associated with rigid casters.

Wheel locks are particularly beneficial for heavy loads where the weight makes it difficult to engage a double locking brake easily. Capacities of 2,500 lbs. or more are especially appropriate. Common applications include food processing, automotive carts and aeronautic engine cradles. We custom-manufactured a caster featuring both horizontal and vertical wheel locks to transport jet engines. Other uses encompass medical equipment where precise positioning is vital (e.g., surgical equipment).

The decision regarding which brake or position/swivel lock to order isn’t always clear-cut. But what is absolutely certain is that our brakes and locks are manufactured with the precision and quality you can trust. You can also be sure that we are here to help you configure and implement the best possible caster solutions. Contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.

ICE™ Wheels. Dazzling. Durable. Dependable.

Algood’s ICE™ Wheels elevate the visual appeal of any equipment or environment while providing unparalleled performance. With a palette of eight striking standard colors and the flexibility to tailor custom-matched hues, these are the ultimate in designer wheels.

Crafted through a meticulous process, ICE™ Wheels feature a poured urethane construction, mechanically and inseparably bonded to a polyolefin core. This fusion of materials ensures unwavering durability to go along with visual appeal.

ICE wheels offer exceptional rollability, a cushioned ride, outstanding floor protection, and will not flat spot under standing loads. They are non-marking, compatible with almost all surfaces, resistant to most chemicals, and built for longevity. 

ICE wheels are compatible with our 800 and 900 series casters and are available in three sizes with capacities of 80 or 100 lbs. Lightweight and economical, ICE wheels are the perfect choice for retail displays, showrooms, store fixtures or any design-dependent application.

Choose ICE™ Wheels, where form meets function and good looks meet great performance paired with outstanding longevity. To discuss how ICE wheels can be suited to your application or environment, contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.

Thumbnail for Blog: Manufacturing Custom Solutions and High-Volume Runs: The Algood Approach

Custom Solutions and High-Volume Runs: The Algood Approach

When you’ve been in the caster manufacturing industry as long as I have, you learn one fundamental truth: success isn’t just about making a great product; it’s about making the right product at the right time—whether that means delivering a one-off custom caster or ramping up to mass production without missing a beat. At Algood, we’ve built our reputation by mastering the balancing act between customization and high-volume production without sacrificing the craftsmanship that sets us apart.

Customization and mass production are often viewed as opposites—one requiring flexibility, the other demanding efficiency. Many manufacturers see a zero-sum game where they must choose one over the other. At Algood, we reject that notion. We seamlessly integrate both custom solutions and high-volume production, delivering outstanding lead times and dependable delivery dates without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship.

Achieving this balance is no easy feat. It requires precise production planning and real-time adaptability. Our teams meet daily to refine production schedules and weekly to strategize engineering adjustments. Good lead hands—experienced professionals overseeing the manufacturing process—ensure that smaller custom jobs fit into our workflow without disrupting large-scale production runs. It’s a juggling act we’ve perfected into an art form.

Our ability to accommodate both custom and high-volume runs is directly linked to our fully integrated manufacturing facility. With an expert design and engineering team, an in-house tool and die centre, full stamping, injection molding, and CNC capabilities, as well as robotic welding and assembly—all under one roof—we possess both the production power and the castersmith expertise to meet our customers’ unique requirements. By investing in state-of-the-art equipment and the highly skilled personnel, we stay ahead of the curve and ready to scale production at a moment’s notice.

Many suppliers struggle with integrating custom manufacturing runs due to scheduling complexities or financial constraints. Custom solutions demand more time, skilled labor, and engineering expertise. However, at Algood, we put our customers at the center of our decision-making. Whether they need a small-run custom caster or thousands of pieces straight from our catalogue, we find a way to make it happen without compromising on quality or efficiency.

Customers often face the dilemma of choosing between a lower-cost, off-the-shelf caster and a more expensive custom solution. While the former may seem like the economical choice, it can lead to costly breakdowns such as equipment failures, floor damage, and prolonged downtime. We work closely with our clients to ensure they get the best value for their investment—both in performance and long-term cost savings.

Our dedication to meeting customer needs through adaptability is deeply rooted in our commitment to North American manufacturing. We believe customers should have the confidence that their requirements will be met right here in Canada and the U.S. That calls for the ingenuity, craftsmanship and commitment to quality that’s only found on this side of the ocean.

If you’re looking for a partner who understands the delicate balance between customization and mass production, you’ve found it. At Algood, it’s what we do best.

Innovate: The Rigid-Swivel Caster

Zero Swivel Lead

The Rigid-Swivel Caster

In the world of industrial mobility, one size rarely fits all. The demand for precision-engineered solutions has never been greater, and when off-the-shelf casters fall short, innovation steps in. Recently, an aerospace manufacturer needed a caster that could navigate tight spaces with absolute control, ensuring the seamless transport of high-value components. Traditional swivel casters lacked control, while rigid casters limited maneuverability—resulting in inefficiencies and misalignment. A solution was required that delivered perfectly controlled movement along fixed tracks without compromising load capacity or durability. That’s where the Zero-Swivel Lead Casters excels—engineered for precision, built for performance.

The Advantage of Zero Swivel Lead

This unique design merges the maneuverability of a swivel caster with the alignment of a rigid caster, making it essential for industries that demand precision and controlled movement. Zero swivel lead casters are primarily engineered for sharp turns, increased maneuverability, and greater stability. These unique casters permit perfect 90º motion in any direction and add capacity because the head is always directly positioned over the wheel.

The design and production of this caster is made possible in Algood’s fully integrated manufacturing facility. Every component—from the robust kingpinless head to the precision-engineered v-groove wheels—is meticulously crafted to exceed industry standards. Our in-house manufacturing capability enables us to create custom solutions tailored to the unique requirements of customers and their engineering teams, across a range of industries.

Sectional/Cut-Through

Typhoon™ Caster with Zero Swivel Lead Sectional

A sectional breakdown reveals this custom casters kingpinless raceway, which eliminates a common failure point, distributing impact forces evenly for exceptional strength and longevity. Unlike standard rigid casters, this custom Typhoon™ Caster is welded 90 degrees to the kingpinless head, allowing it to function as a swivel without a traditional swivel lead. This configuration enables precise 90-degree movement while maintaining structural integrity and load capacity. Paired with a cast iron v-groove wheel, it glides effortlessly on inverted angle iron tracks, delivering continuous, high-performance operation in demanding environments. 

Industries and Applications:

Medical Laboratories – Guides racks seamlessly into autoclaves and sterilization chambers.
Aerospace & Manufacturing – Enhances controlled movement in high-precision environments.
Industrial Conveyor Systems – Ensures smooth, track-guided navigation in production facilities.
Automotive Assembly Lines – Supports material handling and transport in high-efficiency production.
Food Processing – Facilitates safe and controlled wash-down environments where hygiene is essential.

The NyRock™ Advantage: Customization at Its Best

V Groove Wheel: NyRock

For specialized track compatibility, NyRock™ Wheels offer a customizable, high-performance solution. CNC-machined with customized v-groove or concave finishes, they ensure seamless integration across applications. Built for durability and efficiency, they provide high load capacity, smooth roll-ability, non-marking protection, and resistance to corrosion and moisture, extending equipment life in demanding environments.

Engineering Innovation, Delivered

With a fully integrated North American production facility, industry-leading engineering, and an unwavering commitment to quality, custom caster solutions are available to meet even the most complex operational requirements. We are the industry leader in producing unique caster designs to meet specific requirements. Connect with our team today to discuss your custom caster needs and discover how our innovative solutions can elevate your operations. Experience the Algood difference—where quality meets ingenuity, and your vision becomes a reality.

I’m optimistic about 2025

I consider myself more of a realist than an optimist, but I feel very positive about 2025. There are many reasons to believe the new year will bring economic prosperity. The new administration in the U.S. will significantly impact economic factors, many of which will affect the manufacturing sector. Global trends will also positively influence North American manufacturing. That, combined with several upcoming new developments at Algood, will enable us to do an even better job of meeting our customers’ needs in 2025.

The Canadian and U.S. economies were jagged in 2024, but they are stabilizing and becoming stronger. Interest rates in Canada have come down considerably, and every expectation is that U.S. rates will follow suit. This will fuel investment in manufacturing and other sectors. Anticipated energy policies will decrease the price of raw materials like steel and plastics, allowing North American manufacturers to become more competitive. In the past year, we have seen even more customers move away from offshore suppliers to avoid prohibitive lead times and uncertain supply chain assurances. Now, with the prospect of more favourable pricing, the trend toward reshoring will gain even more strength.

Internally, our R&D efforts are well positioned to meet both broad industry needs and individual customer requirements. In the first quarter of 2025, we will introduce a new full series of casters—the first in many years. These new products have been designed to meet the demands of many of the fastest-growing business sectors.

In addition, our internal design and engineering teams are increasingly developing configurations to meet unique customer specifications. In a growing economy with an increasing emphasis on specialization, this is a critical competency. Because of our ability to meet the needs of both the industry and individual companies, I am very positive about Algood’s ability to stand out in the new year.

Technology is also a reason for optimism. As AI applications and delivery mechanisms improve, businesses are gaining a better understanding of how they can put it to use. 2025 will be the year of AI. It will go from being something fascinating to an essential component of operating a business and will have a broad impact on companies and industries. That, in turn, will add efficiency and broad possibilities for growth to the marketplace.

At Algood, our superior integration of 3D modelling has me feeling very positive. As we introduce even more capacity to the CAD LAB™ on our website, we will empower engineering departments by providing them with access to drawings for thousands of caster configurations. We will increase our use of robots and cobots, enhancing productivity and ensuring we maintain our near-100% quality control rating.

Finally, I’m optimistic about the fourth generation of Guttmanns at Algood. Although Elie, who represents the third generation, has only been at Algood for a few years, my grandsons recently visited our facility and got their first lesson in caster manufacturing. No doubt, the future is secure.

Let me take this opportunity to wish all our customers, distributor partners, suppliers and colleagues all the best for the Holiday Season and the New Year. I hope you share in my optimism for 2025.

Casters that Keep it Level

Precision equipment must often be moved from space to space but be perfectly level when stationary. Likewise, furniture may have to be moved to areas with uneven floors. In both instances and others like them, our LL Series Levelling Casters are the perfect solution.

With a capacity of 880 lbs, this die-cast aluminum caster is strong enough to accommodate heavy equipment and has the maneuverability for lighter machinery and furniture. It is designed to allow easy movement of equipment or furniture. It provides the capability to adjust the height and stabilize the item on uneven surfaces, ensuring it is perfectly level and stationary. Once the equipment is in place, an adjustment knob in the back brings down a foot or pad, lifting the nylon wheel off the ground to prevent rolling. The foot can be raised until the unit is level.

The LL series comes with nylon wheels in your choice of four diameters and tread widths. A range of plate choices is also available. With an attractive powder-coated ivory finish, these casters are ideal for a wide range of applications, including testing and packing machines, weaving machinery, workbenches, office machines, office furniture, vending machines, printing presses, numbering equipment, computer racks, and computer equipment.

To learn more about levelling casters and whether they are the best solution for your requirements, speak to your local Algood representative or contact a member of our customer service team.


Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

In uncertain times, here’s what I’m sure about

This is a time of great uncertainty. There are mixed signals from the economy. Inflation is falling while overall growth falters. Reduced interest rates drive some investment, but many companies still face new realities. War and conflict persist in Ukraine and the Middle East, each with cascading impacts. As I write this, political leadership is in flux. Believe it or not, even in the face of all that, there is much that I am sure of. I believe that North American values will remain strong, and despite lower prices elsewhere, the value of North American manufacturing will become increasingly evident. I believe there will always be opportunities for well-engineered and well-made products. Most importantly, I believe in a strong future for Algood.

For over 55 years, the Algood brand has been built on four pillars: manufacturing excellence, a design focus, innovative solutions, and putting our customers at the centre of everything we do.

As we look forward, I am certain our commitment to each one will continue, and I am excited to tell you about some ways that will happen.

I’m entirely sure about our commitment to engineering and design. During COVID, our sole focus was meeting healthcare needs; many new projects were put on hold. In the aftermath of the pandemic, we also devoted much attention to re-engineering our manufacturing equipment, acquiring new machinery and designing new production processes. Now, our R&D efforts are in overdrive. The new year will bring our most ambitious product announcement in a decade. We’ll be introducing a new series of casters designed to meet the mobility needs of today’s material handling and technology sectors.

I can confidently say that our commitment to being the next generation of Castersmiths remains strong. For us, this has always meant combining deep caster knowledge and time-honoured craftsmanship with the most current technological solutions.

We are one of the only North American caster manufacturers to maintain a robust in-house tool and die centre—and it’s busy. We are creating new dies and moulds for the new series. In addition, we are re-tooling to improve the production of existing casters and wheels.

This year, we introduced our CADLAB™, providing online engineering access to 14 casters. Unlike many competitors, we allow users to configure a caster that best meets their needs by selecting from a wide range of options, including wheels, top plates, brakes, stems, and bearings. They can then download 2D drawings or 3D models of the rendered caster for precise design implementation. By the end of the year, all our 2” diameter wheels will be fully configurable in the CADLAB™, and in the first quarter of 2025, many new series will be added.

In addition, we have continued to add new equipment and expand our use of robotics to improve the efficiency of our metal stamping and assembly divisions. The result is significantly greater productivity and output that dwarfs previous totals.

I log thousands of travel miles, meeting face-to-face with customers to ensure we meet their current needs and are prepared to meet their requirements well into the future. We are constantly innovating in small and large ways to react to and anticipate our customers’ needs.

In the face of tremendous flux in the economy and both domestic and foreign affairs, Algood represents a sea of certainty. Our steadfast commitment to our long-standing values and a future fuelled by our beliefs is firm. We are excited to offer our customers something they can always be sure of.

Caster 911: Don’t Let Your Casters Haunt You

Choosing the right casters and maintaining them properly are essential steps to protect your mobility investment. However, casters often lurk in the shadows, out of sight and mind, until something starts creaking in the night. Yet, there can be some precious cargo riding on those wheels, and if one or more fails, it can cost you dearly. At the very least, failed casters are a real nightmare because you have to drop everything and give them your immediate attention. To help you recognize when the mobility monsters are at work and it’s time to call Caster 911, this issue of CasterU  highlights a few telltale signs that your casters might be on their last legs—or wheels.

1. Unsettling Noises

If your casters are screeching or rattling like a ghostly wail, they’re likely crying out for some lubrication. Casters should be lubricated twice a year to keep the wheels rolling smoothly. If strange noises persist, it might be due to a seizing wheel bearing, an incorrect bearing type, or even a worn rig/yoke. Sometimes, these eerie sounds indicate a caster misalignment that needs fixing before things get truly scary. It could be like hearing the floorboards creak when no one’s home–your first sign that something is coming back to haunt you.

2. Push/Pull Predicaments

If pushing equipment feels like hauling a trap filled with angry spirits, it’s probably rust or corrosion haunting your caster. Casters running at excessive speeds can also overheat and damage the hub, diminishing performance. If turning becomes a problem, the culprit could be brinelling—a condition where ball bearings create grooves in the raceway, limiting the caster’s swivel range. It’s like trying to run from a ghost in a nightmare–no matter how hard you push, you’re not going anywhere fast.

3. Uneven Wheel Wear or Flat Spots

Flat spots on your wheels might indicate foreign materials like thread, dirt, or even stray metal binding the wheels. Alternatively, it could mean the wheel material isn’t a good match for the temperature or conditionsit’s being used in. Think of it like rolling through a maze of spiderwebs–you keep getting tangled, and every rotation only slows you down.

4. Frame Distortion

This spine-chilling issue often arises from exceeding load capacities or experiencing excessive impact loads—like encountering a bump that magnifies the weight beyond what the casters can handle. Over time, this leads to a distorted frame that needs careful attention.

5. Top Plate Separation

If equipment goes over an unexpected obstacle or faces severe conditions, the top plate might bend and detach. This could also hint that the wrong hardware or washers were used during installation—creating a ghoulish situation no one wants to face. It’s like a vampire’s coffin lid coming off–nothing stays in place when it’s needed most.

6. Bent Stem or Kingpin

Collisions with other equipment or impacts with obstacles can leave your casters with bent stems or kingpins. Additionally, uneven loads can place excess strain on a single caster, leading to warping or contortion over time. It would be like a skeleton missing a few crucial bones–everything’s left unstable and on the verge of collapse.

If you encounter any of the signs above, it’s an emergency—your casters likely need to be replaced. However, the best way to avoid a 911 call is to use the right caster specifications from the start and maintain them properly. For expert advice to keep your mobility nightmares at bay, reach out to your local Algood sales representative or a member of our customer support team.

1 (800) 254-6633
service@algood.com

Algood Casters has manufactured, designed and developed industrial and specialty casters, brakes and wheels since 1969, in capacities from 25 to 65,000 lbs.