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

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

The Power of Low Profile: Meet the GL33™

For years, the caster industry hit a wall: how do you reduce overall height without compromising strength and capacity? In an era where precision matters and equipment footprints keep shrinking, the need to move heavy loads through tight, tech-driven environments has never been greater. We didn’t just face this challenge—we engineered our way past it. The low profile GL33™ is a product of design leadership, North American manufacturing, and customer-focused innovation.

The GL33 is the perfect option where clearance is critical, maneuverability is non-negotiable, and performance can’t be compromised. This long-lasting caster is produced in our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto. You get reasonable lead times, delivery dates you can depend on and trusted North American quality backed by our 3-year No-Excuse Warranty™.

The GL33 delivers the powerful combination of an overall height of just over 4” with a capacity of 1,000 lbs. This swivel caster is finished in corrosion-resistant bright zinc, a ⅝” diameter heavy-duty kingpin and a double ball raceway for smooth, reliable motion. A thumb screw brake option adds even more control, without adding bulk.

Enhancing its value, the GL33 is equipped with a 3” x 1-3/4” RollX™ wheel. Made from proprietary nylon glass-filled material, RollX is non-marking, moisture-friendly, chemical-resistant, withstanding temperatures from -45ºF to 250ºF. These wheels glide smoothly while protecting floors, making them ideal for sensitive, high-performance spaces.

From business machines to store fixtures, the GL33 is already making an impact in industries where every inch counts. It’s more than a caster—it’s an essential component of a future-focused design. Wherever space is at a premium and reliability is paramount, the GL33 delivers.

This remarkable low-profile caster is perfect for business machines, technology centre racks, vending machines, store fixtures, server cabinets, and refrigerated showcases. Whatever the application, the GL33 thrives where space is tight, and expectations are high.

If you’re looking for a tough, hard-working, low-profile caster that provides the perfect combination of height and performance, the GL33 is making an impact in industries where every inch counts. Find out more about the GL33™ 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

Product Spotlight: NyRoll Wheel - Full Steel Stregth. Half the Weight.

NyRoll™ – Clean, Lightweight, Steel-Level Performance

NyRoll™ Wheels: W-1950-NYN-1/2

When it comes to wheels built for high-capacity demands, steel has long been the benchmark for strength. But what if you could achieve the same load rating in a wheel that’s lighter than steel, more chemically resistant than urethane, and a one-piece solid design instead of a mold-on? That’s the promise of NyRoll™ Wheels—Algood’s engineered nylon solution that delivers the performance of steel, urethane, and mold-on wheels, without their drawbacks.

NyRoll™ is crafted from one-piece, high-impact nylon that’s non-marking, non-staining, and maintenance-free. It resists high-impact abrasion, corrosion, and exposure to oils, fats, alkalis, soaps, and detergents. Where steel may rust in wash-down environments or urethane breaks down under chemical exposure, NyRoll™ excels. In fact, its performance even improves in wet conditions thanks to enhanced self-lubrication.

NyRoll™ wheels are also fully recyclable and ROHS compliant. (ROHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances: a global standard ensuring safer, environmentally responsible manufacturing.)

Ideal applications for NyRoll include food processing and pharmaceutical environments as well as institutional and industrial settings. Its clean white design pairs perfectly with stainless steel casters, offering a hygienic solution without sacrificing strength. With temperature resistance from -45ºF to 200ºF, NyRoll™ is engineered for extremes where steel is often overkill or simply impractical.

NyRoll™ Wheels: W-1940-NYN-1/2

Available in diameters from 3″ to 8″, with tread widths of 1 1/4″, 1 1/2″, and 2″, NyRoll™ covers the spectrum of industrial needs. Load capacity ranges from 400 lbs. at 3″ to a full 1,800 lbs. at 8″, giving you steel-level performance in a wheel that weighs over 50% less.

NyRoll™ Wheels: W-1930-NYN-1/2

Every NyRoll™ wheel is produced using specially crafted moulds designed and developed in-house for this product line. That means consistency, precision, and outstanding quality are built into every wheel. In addition, you also get access to our CAD LAB configurator, customer-first service, and the reassurance of our 3-Year No Nonsense Warranty™.

Distributors, engineers, and business owners’ partner with Algood because we offer more than casters and wheels—we deliver caster design innovations tailored to real-world challenges. If you’re looking for a lightweight wheel that performs like steel, NyRoll™ is the solution.


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

Product Spotlight Thumbnail for the 5400 Series Casters

Power and Affordability

Discover the unbeatable versatility and incredible value of our 5400 Series casters! These medium-duty casters aren’t just reliable—they’re superstar performers that deliver maximum performance at price points to accommodate most budgets. The 5400 series is a true workhorse—dependable and maintenance-free.

The 5400 series is manufactured in our fully integrated plant in Toronto. This means reasonable lead times, dependable delivery dates, and hundreds of possible configurations, all backed by our 3-Year No Nonsense Warranty™.

This high-performance caster features a one-piece heat-treated rig stamped out of .120” 1010 grade steel, providing unmatched strength and longevity. Its versatility comes from a range of 5 sizes including a low-profile 2-5/8” x 1-1/2” all the way up to a 6” x 1-1/2” configuration that has a capacity of 700 lbs. The 5400 comes in a range of finishes including zinc, chrome as well as flat, gloss and ionic black.

Algood-Caster-5400_Series-S5443-A27D-RX-RB-iLK

A variety of brake choices add to the agility of our superstar. It’s available with our unparalleled iLock™ braking mechanism which features an eight position directional and wheel lock that engages with absolute precision. The pedal design includes embossed ridges that make it easier to secure. It’s manufactured with a steel spring and a rubber grommet that securely locks the wheel and caster.

You can get the iLock as a directional and wheel lock brake, a swivel-only brake or a wheel-only brake. Top locking and thumb screw brakes are also options.

With an array of plates (including bolt hole options), stems (including expandable stems and metric sizes) and bearings, the 5400 is available in thousands of configurations. Dust caps and raceway seals can also be added.

NSF Approved

The outstanding 5400 series casters are NSF approved. They are ideal for food service and hospitality equipment, textile carts, store fixtures, platform trucks, large stock trucks, textile carts, factory use and small waste bins.

Algood-5400-Series-Casters-Thumbnails

If you’re looking for a North American made caster that delivers unbeatable performance, value and versatility, the 5400 series should be your choice. To find out more, contact your local Algood representative or speak with a member if 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

RollX™ – Magnificent Mobility

Elevate your ride with RollX! Experience unmatched performance with our high-capacity, lightweight, and incredibly versatile wheels. RollX wheels combine an incredibly wide range of sizes with capacities that are off the charts. They start with low-profile 3” diameters that can handle up to 1,200 lbs. and go all the way up to 12” diameters that can accommodate a whopping 6,500 lbs. Wheels can be made with a large variety of bearings, as well as side washers and thread guards. The clean design is available in a ribbed or smooth finish.

Crafted from proprietary nylon glass-filled material, RollX is moisture-friendly, chemical-resistant and has a temperature range of -45ºF to 250ºF. RollX’s construction and hardness (durometer 85D) offer the same capacity as steel wheels while ensuring your surfaces remain unscathed. These wheels won’t chip, flake or crack and the tread will resist just about any debris. And, RollX is virtually maintenance-free.

They may be the best-engineered wheels on the market. RollX wheels are injection-moulded in our integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto. That means whether you order 50,500 or 5,000 wheels, you get excellent lead times, delivery dates you can depend on, and North American quality backed by our 3-year No Excuse Warranty. And because they comply with the USMCA, you get seamless cross-border logistics, faster lead times, and supply chain confidence.

These wheels are non-marking and offer excellent floor protection. In addition, they provide outstanding maneuverability and will extend equipment life. RollX wheels are suitable for a host of applications, including industrial use, institutional furniture, dollies, store fixtures, as well as hospitals, healthcare settings and food service or food processing applications. Lava is ideal for bakeries, paint ovens and all high-temperature applications.

Made of Recyclable Materials

If all of that wasn’t enough, RollX wheels are 100% recyclable making them a superior environmental choice.
 
To find out more about how you can use RollX™ to meet all your caster and mobility needs, contact 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

5000 Series. More Than 5000 Configurations.

When it comes to casters for demanding tasks, most companies provide options. At Algood, we deliver solutions. The 5000 Series was built with one purpose: to deliver a caster you can count on—anytime, anywhere. Trusted across industries from healthcare to warehousing, it’s engineered to handle nearly every application.

Each caster supports 450 lbs., so a four-caster setup easily handles up to 1,800 lbs. That strength, combined with precision engineering, makes the 5000 Series a go-to solution for anything that needs to move—and keep moving. You also get modular flexibility—lots of it.

Wheel sizes include 3″, 4″, 5″, and 6″, with tread widths of 1-1/4″ or 1-1/2″. Choose from multiple plate options and stem styles like round, threaded, and expandable. We offer over a dozen wheel materials, including Envirothane™ and ProTech™, plus high-heat options like Lava™. Our exclusive iLock™ brake system ensures stability and control, or you can go with top lock or double lock brakes.

Need even more strength? Step up to the 5400 Series. It holds 700 lbs. per caster—or 2,800 lbs. per cart. It offers the same flexibility, engineering, and North American quality as the 5000 Series, just with more muscle.

The 5000 and 5400 Series are made right here in North America. Every component—yokes, plates, wheels, washers—is manufactured under one roof. We stamp, bend, weld, and mold in-house for full control over quality and delivery. And because they comply with the USMCA, you get seamless cross-border logistics, faster lead times, and dependable supply chain confidence—without compromise.

These casters also clean up well—literally. They’re moisture-resistant, maintenance-free, and NSF-approved. That makes them perfect for food production, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and anywhere cleanliness is key. You can also pick from several finishes—chrome, brass, black, zinc—to match your environment or branding.

At Algood, we don’t just sell casters—we help you solve equipment challenges. Whether you need something simple or fully custom, our team will help you find the right fit. And you’ll always talk to someone who knows exactly how your caster should perform. Whether you need ten or ten thousand, we deliver with consistent lead times and with our 3-year No-Excuse Warranty, reinforcing the trust customers have placed in Algood for generations.


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: 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.