Caster capacity isn’t a guess at Algood—it’s engineered, tested, and proven.
In real-world environments, casters don’t have an easy life. They’re pushed under load, turned sharply, dragged sideways, and rolled across imperfect floors day after day. That’s why Algood doesn’t rely on simple static math to assign load ratings. Instead, we validate caster capacity based on how equipment is actually used.
Our capacity ratings reflect real conditions, real abuse, and real performance—so customers can specify with confidence.
Load Ratings for Real Equipment, Not Ideal Conditions
Every capacity rating starts with how equipment is typically built and used in the field. Most industrial carts, racks, and mobile systems use a four-caster layout, so that’s our baseline. However, we know that in reality:
- Floors aren’t perfectly flat
- Frames flex
- Loads shift
- Weight rarely distributes evenly
Rather than dividing the load evenly across four casters, we base our ratings on an effective three-caster load share. This accounts for instances when one caster is lightly loaded while the other three carry most of the weight. The result is a more realistic load distribution and a safer, more durable caster in service.
Rated for Motion, Not Just Static Weight
True capacity isn’t just about standing still. It’s about movement, and dynamic loads require greater capacity.
Algood caster ratings assume:
- Walking-speed travel (up to ~3 mph / 4.8 km/h)
- Normal starting, stopping, and turning
- Repeated daily use
As equipment rolls over expansion joints, dock plates, ramps, or rough floors—or is turned sharply under load—casters experience impact and shock as well as lateral and torsional forces. These short-term peak loads almost always exceed static weight, and we [CE1] account for that when establishing capacity ratings.
When applications involve higher speeds, frequent cycling, or aggressive handling, we guide customers toward higher-capacity solutions or adjusted load ratings to maintain long-term reliability.
Components Account for Capacity
- Caster bodies and forks are designed to handle lateral and impact forces and are the primary determinants of specified capacity. Kingpinless designs and deep raceways typically increase the load capacity.
- Wheels often determine the final load rating. Each Algood caster series has a defined maximum capacity that is usually set by the caster body/fork. But wheel capacity decides the final load rating of a caster when the wheel’s capacity is less than the caster body/fork capacity.
- Wheel capacity is calculated based on cores and hubs which are dimensioned to carry the combined static, side, and impact loads. Diameter, width, profile, and material also affect a wheel’s rating. In an overloaded situation, the wheel is typically the first component to show distress through tread damage, core failure, or bearing issues, long before the steel rig/mounting stem begins to fail.
- Mounting styles also impact ratings. Plate mounts offer maximum capacity, while stem mounts are conservatively rated lower to account for the stress they endure.
Tested, Validated, Proven
Algood casters don’t earn their ratings on paper alone.
We validate capacity through:
- Static and dynamic load testing
- Impact and brake fatigue testing
- Prototype analysis using computer modeling and real-world trials
This process ensures every caster performs reliably at its rated capacity over time—not just on a test stand.
Built for the Long Run
Every Algood caster is designed with one expectation: it will be used hard.
That’s why we back our products with a 3-year, No-Excuse Warranty™ and continuously refine designs based on real customer feedback from the field.
When you specify Algood, you’re not just buying a caster—you’re investing in engineered confidence, proven durability, and capacity you can trust.