Caster Wheel Types for Military Applications.

Customers appreciate Aerol aluminum industrial wheels and casters for their durability and maintenance-free benefits.

Their longevity stems from factory-applied lifetime lubrication and positive pressure seals, which shield the wheels from weather conditions, extreme temperatures, debris, and abrasives.

In addition to these qualities, Aerol wheels adhere to strict military specifications, which have led to widespread adoption across numerous industries and the military.

Because of this high quality and satisfaction of performance, every major industry and all branches of the armed forces use Aerol products in hundreds of applications. We make our casters from #356 aluminum due to its high corrosion resistance, tensile strength, and uniform sectional properties.

The difference Between a Caster and a Caster Wheel.

In this blog, we will cover the various caster wheel types that Aerol offers. However, let’s quickly note some distinctions between a wheel and a caster.

A caster consists of the rig (the part that holds the wheel) and the wheel. The caster mounts to the bottom of a larger object, such as a cart or dolly, so operators can quickly move it. Casters come in different materials, load ratings, and overall heights, and the wheels come in various diameters, hardness, and tread widths to give your equipment mobility in many kinds of work environments.

Caster Wheel Types

You’ll find various industrial caster wheels in all sizes to meet your specific application.

  • Aerol Seal Wheels feature a series of neoprene O rings that form an air-tight, water-tight seal in all weather conditions.
  • High Profile Wheels provide additional shock mitigation due to their thicker treads.
  • Another popular wheel option is our Pneumatic Wheel. Pneumatic wheels offer the highest cushioning and shock-absorbing caster/wheel without moving to a more expensive spring-loaded caster. For towing, pneumatics are rated to tow up to 20 mph.
  • Cushion Tread Wheels are often used when the properties of a pneumatic wheel aren’t required. They are solid rubber tires that won’t go flat and have a higher towing speed (25 mph) than a pneumatic wheel.
  • Airlite Wheels are the perfect choice for medium-duty applications. Their core is made from spark-proof, impact-absorbing prime aluminum alloy.
  • Our Drive Wheels feature mold-on rubber wheels for excellent grip and noise reduction and V-groove wheels for directing loads on a track.

For a quick recap, when choosing a wheel, always consider what environment it will operate in. For instance, Aerol Seal Wheels’ Neoprene O-rings form an airtight and water-tight seal to keep water, dirt, and other debris from entering the wheel hub. Pneumatic and cushion tread wheels excel in outdoor applications where shock absorption is essential. V-groove and mold-on rubber wheels best suit track systems, ensuring smooth rolling and precise directional control.

Casters vs. Running Gear

We have just talked about the many caster wheel types that Aerol offers, and these wheels are the mainstay of a caster. There are two primary types of casters: rigid and swivel casters. A Rigid Caster features a wheel attached to a stationary fork, allowing for straightforward linear movement. Similar to the fixed design of a Rigid Caster, a Swivel Caster wheel has a swivel joint positioned above the fork that grants it the freedom to rotate seamlessly in a full 360°, allowing the wheel to move in any direction.

The many caster wheel types are also significant in Ground Support Running Gear, the mechanical equipment that moves and directs trailers and other objects efficiently. The low-profile design of these running gear applications allows trailers to fit into planes with limited cargo space and provides easier maneuverability under the plane’s wings.

Banjo Mount Running GearFor example, AEROL’S SAM Suspension Unit bolts to the side of ground support equipment with a stub axle that allows mounting a wide selection of wheels. The AEROL Banjo Mount handles loads up to 1,000 pounds per wheel in increments of 125 pounds and is compatible with Aerol Cushion Tread Wheels and Pneumatic Wheels. This setup eliminates the need for an axle beam, and the load cradled between the individual wheel units permits a lower center of gravity.

Aerol’s close association with the military, aviation, and aerospace sectors has led to many solutions that have helped our customers move sensitive and heavy equipment safely and effectively. If you have any questions about which caster wheel type or caster is best for your application, contact Aerol’s solutions experts.


By BrickStreet Marketing Posted on: October 3, 2024 Categories: Caster Wheels

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