10 Essentials for Cyber Attack Protection

Cybercrime continues to rise, and ransomware attacks are affecting companies across the supply chain, from manufacturers and distributors to small local businesses. Over the past year, we’ve seen a growing number of incidents involving payment fraud, compromised email accounts, and ransomware within our broader business network.

At Algood, protecting our systems and our partners is a priority. A single cyber incident can disrupt operations, damage relationships, and lead to significant financial loss.

Below are practical steps every organization should implement to reduce risk and avoid becoming a target.

  1. Never make changes to payment or banking details based solely on an email.
    Fraudsters frequently impersonate vendors or executives to request urgent changes to payment details pr processes. Always verify requests using a known phone number already stored in your system, never a number provided in the email.
  2. Require dual verification for payment changes.
    Establish an internal policy requiring confirmation through a second communication channel and internal approval before making any banking or payment changes.
  3. Protect your email domain.
    Domain monitoring and email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC) help prevent criminals from impersonating your company or sending fraudulent messages using your brand.
  4. Consult trusted cybersecurity advisors.
    Many accounting firms and IT providers now offer cybersecurity consulting. Their guidance can help identify vulnerabilities and implement best practices.
  5. Use reputable endpoint security software.
    Anti-virus and anti-malware protection across all company devices is essential for detecting and blocking threats.
  6. Strengthen password practices.
    Use long, unique passwords combined with a password manager and multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.
  7. Implement multi-factor authentication for critical systems.
    Your email, finance systems, and administrative accounts should always require MFA. Phishing-resistant authentication methods such as passkeys or security keys provide even stronger protection.
  8. Maintain secure data backups.
    Perform daily or weekly backups and store copies offline or in immutable storage, so they cannot be encrypted or deleted during a ransomware attack. Regularly test your ability to restore data.
  9. Review your cyber insurance coverage.
    Ensure your business insurance policy includes protection against cyber incidents and ransomware.
  10. Limit access to sensitive systems and data.
    Only authorized personnel, following strict procedures, should have access to financial systems, critical infrastructure, or sensitive data. In addition, physically secure critical systems and restrict access to only authorized staff.

Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. It demands continuous vigilance. Cybercriminals are relentless and constantly adapt their methods, so businesses must stay equally alert.

At Algood, reliability has always been at the core of what we do. It guides how we design and manufacture our casters and shapes our approach to protecting our systems and supporting our partners. Strong processes and consistent safeguards keep operations running smoothly.

If you ever receive a suspicious message or payment request that appears to come from Algood, please call us directly using the phone number listed on our website so we can investigate immediately.

I encourage every organization in our network to review its processes and ensure the safeguards detailed above are in place. A few preventative measures today can prevent significant disruption tomorrow.

Engineered for Heavy Duty Performance: Envirothane™ HD

When a wheel becomes a bestseller, many caster manufacturers would let it ride. But at Algood, engineering momentum matters—because your operating reality keeps changing. Loads increase. Equipment gets more expensive. Downtime becomes less tolerable. And components need to work harder in tighter, tougher environments.

That’s why we took the winning formula behind our original Envirothane™ wheel, known for its one-piece construction and outstanding performance, and re-engineered it to meet new requirements: higher capacity, broader application use, and compatibility with our kingpinless caster platforms. The result is Envirothane HD™—built to help operations teams protect uptime while giving engineers the design characteristics they want.

Envirothane HD is engineered for up to 3,600 lbs of capacity while maintaining outstanding maneuverability, making it an ideal match for our Tornado™, Tornado9™, Twister™, and Typhoon™ kingpinless casters. It’s designed to perform indoors or outdoors, protect floors, and stay reliable with maintenance-free operation—so your team can focus on throughput, not wheel upkeep.

All production for this high-performance wheel takes place at our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto. You get competitive lead times and dependable delivery dates, with North American-quality backed by our 3-Year No Excuse Warranty™.

Engineering features with real operational payoff

Here are the design and material choices behind Envirothane HD—and why they matter in the field:

  • Injection moulded, one-piece construction to help eliminate core separation, providing durability you can count on
  • Sizes that spec easily: 3” to 12” diameters with 2″, 2-1/2”, and 3″ tread widths
  • Non-marking for better facility appearance and floor care outcomes
  • 80D durometer with memory retention to help prevent flat spotting (especially helpful after static loading)
  • Moisture-friendly and chemical-resistant for environments that punish standard wheel materials
  • Fully compatible with stainless steel casters
  • Temperature range: -45ºF to 200ºF, supporting outdoor use and temperature swings
  • NSF approved and pairs well with stainless steel casters for hygiene-sensitive applications
  • 100% recyclable, supporting more responsible material choices
  • Crowned tread to increase maneuverability (particularly useful when loads are high)
  • Maintenance-free, long-lasting, helping extend the service life of equipment

We encourage teams to use our CAD LAB modelling platform to build an Envirothane HD solution that matches your application needs—wheel size, tread width, caster pairing, and more—and then render that configuration in the format that is best for you. For buyers and operations leaders, you can get the right wheel quickly, without back-and-forth, while engineers get about clean selection, correct geometry, and compatibility.

Envirothane HD is suitable for a wide range of applications, including harsh and abrasive conditions, and supports operations across:

  • Pharmaceutical, healthcare, food production, hospitality, and high-tech environments
  • Heavy material handling, factory settings, and towline applications

If you’re balancing load capacity, maneuverability, floor protection, and long-term durability, Envirothane HD is built for that exact trade space.


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

SL6083 and SL7003: Engineered for Shock Protection

SL6803 Series: SSL6863-A47H-RXW-PB-TG-iLKW-C [Zinc Finish]

When sensitive loads include heavy weights, shock becomes a real threat. The SL6803 and SL7003 Series spring-loaded casters are engineered specifically to manage that risk, delivering controlled motion, shock isolation, and consistent load distribution where other casters fall short.

Both series follow the same engineering philosophy and are designed as fully integrated systems, not accessories. Impact is absorbed within the caster assembly itself, preventing vibration and sudden shock forces from being transmitted to equipment or cargo.

The SL7003 Series delivers this performance in a more compact footprint, while the SL6803 Series scales the same design principles into higher load ranges with increased structural mass. The SL6803 has a capacity of 1,500 lbs., while the SL7003 can handle up to 1,000 lbs. Both feature double-welded construction for added strength and are engineered to maintain continuous floor contact across uneven surfaces, keeping all wheels engaged and loads evenly shared.

SL7003 Series: SSL7064I-A38H-PTN-PB-iLKW-A [Black Ionic Finish]

At the core of both designs is a multi-spring architecture that allows performance to be tuned through spring selection. Each series is available with different spring types, enabling engineers to precisely match load capacity and deflection characteristics. As loads increase, heavier spring configurations provide greater deflection control, absorbing shock without bottoming out and maintaining system stability under dynamic conditions. Our patented load indicator displays the amount of weight being borne by the springs.

The SL6803 and SL7003 Series have now been added to Algood’s CAD LAB™, reflecting some of the most technically advanced builds ever released in our CAD modelling. Engineers and designers gain immediate access to accurate, configurable CAD models, streamlining design validation, accelerating approvals, and facilitating the specification process.

Within the CAD LAB™, both series can be configured in dozens of variations, with over two dozen wheel options, including RollX™, ProTech™, and Envirothane™, as well as multiple plate, stem, and bearing configurations. Braking options range from the iLock™ wheel-only solution to multi-position swivel locks and the integrated Universal Wheel Brake (UWB), a positive-lock brake welded directly to the caster fork. With the UWB, brake force, engagement angle, and braking point are fully adjustable, with smooth engagement requiring as little as 15 lbs. of pressure.

Manufactured in our fully integrated Toronto facility, the SL6803 and SL7003 Series offer dependable lead times measured in weeks, delivery dates you can count on, and trusted North American quality backed by our 3-Year No Excuse Warranty™. And when customization matters, there is direct access to engineering expertise.

Potential applications for these superbly constructed casters include mobile motion picture staging, aircraft ground support equipment, in-plant trailer parts, trash containers, tool carts, amusement parks, asphalt paving machinery and material handling equipment.

If your project demands precise shock control and tunable deflection performance, connect with your Algood representative to explore the SL6803 or SL7003 Series or request a quote today.


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

Twister™: Heavy-Impact Performance for Real World Abuse

Twister Series: STW82-A40H-LVW-RB [Zinc Finish]

The Twister™ Series is a kingpinless caster engineered for high-impact applications where equipment is pushed hard and reliability is non-negotiable. The Twister™ is built to withstand abusive conditions and tolerate major shifts in cargo loads, without compromising the structural strength that keeps your team moving safely and efficiently.

The Twister™ achieves its performance through purposeful engineering, starting with uniquely reinforced leg construction. Its heavy-gauge steel legs are 2-1/2” wide and 1/4” thick, wrapped around the head for added stability under impact and side-loading forces. With double welding and a deeper emboss that work-hardens the forks, Twister™ is designed to hold its integrity in applications where standard casters can deform, loosen, or fail prematurely.

Twister Series: STW62-A46H-MAU-RB-SLB [Zinc Finish]

At the head, the design includes a single ball raceway and is robotically welded directly to the plate, creating a rigid, high-strength assembly built to take repeated punishment. Add full heat treatment, and you get a caster that delivers consistent performance over the long haul. It’s ideal for heavy equipment and demanding environments, like automotive, manufacturing plants, tow lines, and industrial platform trucks.

This heavy-duty caster is manufactured in our fully integrated facility in Toronto. That means you get outstanding lead times, dependable delivery dates, and trusted North American workmanship all backed by our 3-Year No Excuse Warranty™.

Twister Series: STW82-A46H-PTNX2-PB-UWB-4PSL [Zinc Finish]

Twister™ also delivers flexibility where it matters most: application fit. With up to 2,000 lbs. of capacity, it can be paired with Algood wheel options like NyRock™, RollX™, and Envirothane™, and is available in 4”, 5”, 6”, and 8” diameters with multiple tread widths. It can also be equipped with several brake, stem, bearing, and plate options. Twister™ casters can even be ordered in a dual wheel configuration or with special overall heights when your build requires a tailored solution.

In heavy-duty environments, a caster isn’t just a component. It’s a critical performance point. If you’re looking for a caster built for abusive, high-impact environments and want the confidence that comes with expert engineering support and precision manufacturing, the Twister™ is ready to take the punishment and keep performing. Find out more about the Twister™ from your local Algood representative or a member of our customer support 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

5 Things I Won’t Replace With AI

It’s hard to believe that ChatGPT was launched only 3 years ago. Today, you can’t spend more than a minute online without seeing something that can be done using AI – whether for your business, home, travel or self-improvement. There’s no question that AI is amazing, and we’re using it in all kinds of ways at Algood – especially in data analysis and data-related decision-making (and to generate the image for this post). But the more we use AI, the more we recognize its limitations, especially in reflecting our customer focus and our values. At least today, there are some things that I wouldn’t try to replace with AI. Here are five of them.

An experienced and knowledgeable CSR is invaluable. When you’re looking for advice or recommendations, you need someone with the experience and the smarts to help you find the right product for the right job at the right price point. In addition, an inside salesperson can suggest the ideal solution based on the precise application and the environment in which the casters will be used. The likelihood is that the CSR has encountered similar circumstances before and can base a recommendation on that. All of that is a tall order for AI.

Similarly, a knowledgeable and personable salesperson is a trusted problem solver. Beyond the details of how you need to use casters, your decision will be improved by a salesperson who understands your business, your goals and your priorities. Some of our most impressive success stories have come from a deep understanding of what one of our customers was trying to accomplish – whether that was strategically or competitively. Ultimately, it’s knowledge that can only be gained over time through a relationship. While you might try to write a five-page AI prompt that incorporates all those details, my guess is that AI isn’t up to the challenge.

Attentive and responsible employees prevent problems. An experienced team member can recognize when something isn’t right – almost like a sixth sense. Whether it’s being able to see the most minor defect or hear the faint ping of an equipment flaw, it can save the wasted time and expense of imperfect products leaving the production floor. While we deploy sensors and other quality assurance technologies, some issues can only be identified through human intelligence, not artificial intelligence.

Engineers or designers who communicate with customers create better products. A well-trained product designer isn’t only interested in technical details. Asking the right questions or requesting appropriate information can make the difference between casters that perform well in the field and those that don’t. By speaking with a customer’s engineers or business leaders, you can determine the product’s intended functionality and the market it’s intended to serve. That’s a task AI would be hard-pressed to accomplish.

Well-recruited and well-developed employees are a game-changer. If I had a dollar for every good-looking resume belonging to a candidate I would never hire, I could buy a lot of lottery tickets. Likewise, we have successfully hired many people based on their capability rather than their experience. Just because someone has worked for a caster or a material handling company doesn’t mean they can help us meet our customers’ needs. There’s a certain degree of instinct involved in selecting employees, and a great deal of nurturing is necessary to make them successful. AI programs can filter resumes and write training manuals, but they don’t have what it takes to create a winning team.

There’s no denying the profound impact AI is having and will increasingly have on our lives. While it has incredible capability, as of today, there are some things I’m just not prepared to trust to AI. That may change in the future, but for the five items above, I’m sticking with HI – human intelligence. Leave me a comment and let me know if you agree.


Next week is Thanksgiving in the U.S., and we wish all our American customers and suppliers a happy and safe Thanksgiving and long weekend.

While Thanksgiving in Canada was in October, we’re definitely thankful for our success in meeting our customers’ needs and for our capable, dedicated employees who make that happen every day.

Tornado9™: A Storm of Stainless Steel Strength

Combining North American-made stainless steel with a kingpinless design, the Tornado9™ doesn’t just meet the challenges of heavy-duty, hygienic, and high-performance environments; it creates a storm of advantages and possibilities.

The Tornado9 is forged from SAE 304 stainless steel that’s work-hardened, electro-polished, de-magnetized, and de-burred. Robotically welded and NSF certified, it stands up to intense pressure, extreme conditions, and unforgiving environments. With a capacity of up to 1,500 lbs, it’s virtually indestructible: the only way to break it is to break the weld or the balls in the raceway.

From hospitals to industrial tow lines, the Tornado9 shines where cleanliness, reliability, and strength are essential. It’s ideal for:

  • Hospitals and healthcare environments
  • Pharmaceutical and food processing facilities
  • Moisture-prone or bacteria-free clean spaces
  • High-tech manufacturing
  • Tow lines, industrial platform trucks and heavy-duty stock carts

Available in 4” to 8” diameters and available with a wide variety of stems and plates, the Tornado9 fits your application without compromise. You can make it a complete stainless solution with stainless steel roller bearings, spanner bushings and stainless steel side washers.

If you need extra capacity, check out the available dual-wheel configurations and custom overall heights.

The Tornado9 delivers a quiet, smooth rotation ride. A high-precision screw plug in the raceway eliminates the need for welding while ensuring torque is just right—never too much or too little. With optional brakes (including side-locking, thumb screw, and swivel lock) and multiple bearing types, the Tornado9 adapts to your needs while maintaining superior maneuverability.

With our CAD LAB design space, you can engineer the Tornado9 configuration to meet your application needs down to the last detail. Choose your wheel type, stem style, brake option, and dimensions. The Tornado9 isn’t just built for performance—it’s built for your performance.

Every Tornado9 caster is built in our fully integrated Toronto facility. That means faster lead times, dependable delivery, and North American quality you can trust. And with our 3-Year No-Excuse Warranty™, your investment is protected by the same values that go into every Algood product we make: durability, accountability, and pride in our craft.

The Tornado9™ is a bold statement about what Algood stands for: design-focused engineering, customer-centered support, and family values to deliver mobility solutions that move your business forward. All grounded in the belief that strength and precision should never be compromised.


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

Porduct Spotlight: Polyolefin Wheels

North American Wheels at Offshore Prices

For decades, North American businesses have faced the same question: how to find caster wheels that deliver quality, performance and reliability at competitive prices. While offshore suppliers may seem to be the solution, unpredictable lead times, inconsistent quality, and short service life often make them less than desirable. Algood’s Polyolefin wheels resolve the dilemma.

Polyolefin Wheel: W-7006-POX-1.188 [Black]

Algood’s Polyolefin wheels are engineered to perform where it matters most — in the demanding, everyday environments of North American industry. Each wheel is precision-molded using high-impact 67.5 (+/–) D durometer resin, creating a lightweight yet exceptionally strong mobility solution. Thanks to our engineering innovation, the WOW design holds 30–50% more capacity than the traditional ribbed design.

Even the largest models weigh under two pounds yet support up to 900 lbs, delivering exceptional strength-to-weight performance. Strong enough for heavy-duty applications while staying light enough for economical shipping, easy installation, and consistently smooth, dependable movement across a variety of surfaces and chemicals.

We injection-mould our Polyolefin wheels in our integrated manufacturing facility. This allows us to offer quick lead times, dependable delivery dates, and top-quality North American craftsmanship—all backed by our 3-year No-Excuse Warranty.

Across industries, Polyolefin wheels have become an essential part of efficient operations. In food production facilities, carts glide effortlessly between prep, storage, and packaging areas. Their non-marking, moisture-resistant design makes them steam-cleanable and ideal for hygienic environments where floor protection and sanitation are critical. On industrial manufacturing floors, these wheels handle the heavy lifting, keeping tool carts, mobile workstations, and material-handling platforms moving with minimal effort. Resistant to oil, chemicals, and debris, they deliver the kind of long-term reliability and performance that operations can depend on day after day.

Algood stands apart because we don’t just build wheels, we engineer complete caster design solutions. Our team works directly with OEMs, distributors, and business owners to tailor every caster and wheel configuration to the exact demands of each application. With diameters from 1-5/8” to 8”, multiple tread widths, and a wide range of bearing options, Polyolefin wheels can be adapted to virtually any operating environment. Whether optimizing production lines or upgrading equipment mobility, every Algood caster is built for precision, consistency, and performance that lasts.


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

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.

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.