The Difference Between Casters and Wheels

Aerol casters and wheels are designed for various uses and load capacities. They are built to solve problems that other casters can’t, whether that requires transporting heavy and sensitive equipment overland or overseas.

When considering casters and the many mobility issues they solve, it’s important to distinguish between a caster and a wheel.

Casters vs. Wheels: Decoding Functionality and Design.

The main difference between a caster and a caster wheel is functionality. Wheels are stand alone units that directly attach to an object’s axle, enabling forward and backward movement. Casters, on the other hand, are a component that includes the wheel. They consist of the rig (the part that holds the wheel) and the wheel itself.

The wheel can be mounted on a swiveling or fixed rig, allowing 360-degree maneuverability. This makes casters ideal for applications requiring precise steering and movement in confined spaces.

Caster wheels come in different tread materials based on hardness. They have different load ratings and are offered in various wheel diameters, widths, and overall heights to give your equipment mobility in many work environments.

Aerol Running Gear vs Aerol Casters.

Side Angle Mount Running Gear

Side Angle Mount Running Gear

Like Aerol Casters, Ground Support Running Gear is the mechanical equipment that moves safely and efficiently. The difference is that while casters are individual units that mount to an object to move it, running gear incorporates specific features or mounting mechanisms designed for many trailer configurations. The low-profile design of these running gear applications allows trailers to be stored in planes in limited cargo space and provides easier maneuverability under a plane’s wings. With Running gear, each unit’s component parts are completely interchangeable between front and rear, left or right.

Caster Designed With Shock Absorption and Durability to Conquer Tough Environments.

Aerol casters are designed for military applications where durability and corrosion resistance are considered. Overall, Aerol casters are shock-absorbing, corrosion-resistant, spark-resistant, and non-magnetic. They are also maintenance-free. These properties ensure peak performance and safety in critical situations and harsh conditions.

In addition to these properties, these casters and wheels must be reliable and offer some load protection. Wheels, particularly pneumatic ones, offer a good level of shock absorption due to their air-filled cores. This is beneficial for uneven terrain or applications involving heavy loads.

However, for maximum protection, Aerol spring-loaded caster rigs provide maximum shock absorption under all conditions—even when the truck or dolly is empty or nearly empty. This is because the wheel always remains in contact with the floor. Another advantage of a spring-loaded caster using a standard poly wheel is that these caster wheels won’t go flat or puncture like a pneumatic wheel.

Selecting the Right Solution for Military Needs.

To help address the many mobility challenges military service members may experience, here are some additional considerations when choosing a caster:

  • Application: Casters are often needed for maneuverability and precise movement, whether in an aircraft hangar or medical bay. Casters are usually installed on each corner of the equipment being moved which would equal four casters. To achieve the best balance between maneuverability and stability in this setup, the two rear casters should swivel, while the two front casters should be rigid (fixed).
  • Load Capacity: A good rule of thumb is to determine the total load capacity and choose casters that can support the total load weight over three casters. This helps build a safety factor, as not all four casters may be touching the ground simultaneously, so you want to ensure your casters won’t fail if the load is being distributed over three.
  • Environment: Consider the operating conditions. Aerol’s aluminum casters are ideal for harsh environments due to their superior corrosion resistance.

Why Aerol Stands Out: Unmatched Performance for Military Applications.

SS10 CasterAerol aluminum casters offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures.  Aerol also prioritizes safety in its designs. Features like positive pressure seals on Aerol wheels keep out debris and ensure smooth operation.

Understanding the distinctions between casters and wheels and their role in mobility ensures that you have a product that offers optimal performance, safety, and efficiency in even the most challenging environments. For more information on Aerol Casters and Wheels, contact our solution specialists or call 269-248-5252 for immediate assistance.


By Alex Harden Posted on: October 3, 2024 Categories: Caster Wheels | Casters

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