Caster Manufacturing Article Archive

North American Win-Win

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A significant benefit of being a North American Caster Manufacturer is the ability to improve product design in response to operational issues that are brought to our attention.

6500 Series: S6563-A38H-RXW-RB-TG-ALK [Zinc Finish]

Our ALK Brake mechanism is located in the lead position of the caster and is engaged by stepping on the toe of the brake. That securely and positively locks an adjustable rubber grommet to the tread of the wheel. In addition, it simultaneously locks the swivel raceway in any position.

A long-time customer reported that the ALK Brake was slipping and not always engaging. It was an issue that had never before been brought to our attention.

Our design and engineering team investigated and discovered the spring mechanism was deforming the rivet, preventing the swivel lock from locking into the teeth. After further testing and analysis, an action plan was put into place.

The brake design was modified by replacing the rivet with a heat-treated axle and securing it with a lock nut. In addition, we doubled the depth of the grooves that allow the teeth of the spring to securely and firmly engage. That creates more secure contact and prevents slippage.

After our enhancements were complete, we rigorously tested the mechanism and our customer then performed extensive testing. The brake successfully endured 5,000 on-off movements with no deformation and no other mechanical complications.

We were pleased that our customer brought the operational issue to our attention and proud to be given the opportunity to stand behind our 3-year No Excuse Warranty. In the end, this was a win-win because we resolved our customer’s concerns and the improvements will benefit all our customers.

Insights Article: Innovate ALK Brake Top View

Caster Brakes

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

Innovate

Casters & Cold Weather

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Cold-Weather Considerations

Last week brought extreme weather to North America. Texas, with sustained single-digit temperatures (that’s Fahrenheit) and as much as 5” of snow, seemed to be the focus of attention. But, at the same time, the north-east saw multiple snowfalls exceeding 6” while western Canada saw temperatures dipping well below 40ºC (which coincidentally is -40ºF). At Algood, we got a call from a customer in Texas with a question that we usually get from customers in Wisconsin or North Dakota. “Will my casters work in freezing cold weather and how can I protect them?” he asked. We know that if there’s one person asking, others are thinking about the same thing. So, with that in mind, here’s a CasterU primer on casters and cold weather.

Here are a number of cold-weather considerations for casters.

Raceways & Grease

If the grease in the wheel and swivel raceways freezes, casters will seize. Make sure that casters are well greased and that you are using grease rated for the temperatures in which equipment is being used. The standard grease used at Algood will withstand -25ºC (-13ºF) but specialty greases with even lower temperature ratings are available. Raceways can also be protected by seals and thread guards.

Consider Kinginless

Kingpinless casters are ideal for cold weather because the swivel raceway is concealed and protected from water and snow. They normally require no additional greasing bit if they do, the grease fitting is in a very convenient location. In addition, kingpinless casters have a larger swivel raceway, improving the maneuverability of equipment on cold, hard surfaces.

Wheels & Bearings

In freezing temperatures, surfaces get harder and mobility becomes an issue. Harder wheels, that make it easier to get equipment moving and keep it rolling, are the ideal choice. A wheel like our RollX™ has less surface friction and less resistance. In addition, RollX wheels are less likely to chip in cold temperatures. Obstacles on the ground like snow, ice or salt require additional grip, making a softer wheel like our Envirothane™ or Prothane™ a better choice.

Precision ball bearings are the best choice for cold weather. They are pipe sealed, protecting the balls, and rated for temperatures as low as -25ºC. There are bearings available that are rated for even colder temperatures.

Stainless Steel

Cold weather that includes snow and ice (and therefore salt) can create highly corrosive conditions. Casters manufactured using stainless steel and that include stainless steel components will fare much better in extreme cold.

Stay Inside – Duh!

This may be obvious, but keeping equipment with casters away from the outdoors in cold weather will increase its longevity. If you must take equipment outside, be sure that the casters, including all components and grease are rated for extreme cold temperatures.

Need help you with all your cold weather considerations, contact your Algood Sales Rep or reach out to our customer service team by email service@algood.com or by phone at +1 (800) 254-6633.

CasterU

Tag: Caster Manufacturing