Not all casters feature a single wheel. Some of them have two wheels. Known as dual-wheel casters, they offer some key advantages over their single-wheel counterparts. Here’s everything you need to know about dual-wheel casters and when to use them.
What Are Dual-Wheel Casters?
Dual-wheel casters are characterized by the presence of two wheels. The wheels are aligned side by side. Dual-wheel casters are available in plate-mount and stem-mount styles.
Plate-mount dual-wheel casters feature a flat square- or rectangular-shaped plate on the top, which is mounted to the bottom of the object with which the casters are used. Stem-mount dual-wheel casters feature a cylindrical stem, which is placed inside of a hole on the bottom of the object. Whether plate-mount or stem-mount, however, all dual-wheel casters feature two wheels.
Benefits of Dual-Wheel Casters
With two wheels instead of just one, dual-wheel casters offer several benefits, one of which is a higher load capacity. The load capacity of a caster is the maximum amount of weight it can safely support. If you’re planning to use them on heavy objects, such as an industrial toolbox, you should choose a set of casters with a high weight limit. Dual-wheel casters often have a weight limit of 1,000 or more pounds, making them ideal for heavy objects.
Dual-wheel casters offer better weight distribution than single-wheel casters. They spread the weight of the objects with which they are used across a larger area. Not only does this allow dual-wheel casters to handle more weight; it helps to protect flooring surfaces from damage.
Dual-wheel casters can be easier to steer than single-wheel casters. For lightweight objects, single-wheel casters may suffice. You’ll encounter little or no resistance when rolling lightweight objects with single-wheel casters. For heavy objects, though, you may want to choose dual-wheel casters. They provide smoother and easier steering under heavy loads.
Another benefit of dual-wheel casters is improved stability. They help to protect objects from tipping over. Dual-wheel casters offer a larger surface area and more lateral support than single-wheel casters. As a result, the objects on which they are used are less likely to tip over.
In Conclusion
Dual-wheel casters offer a reliable solution for moving heavy objects. Their two-wheel design provides higher load capacity, better weight distribution and improved steering under pressure. They also enhance stability, reducing the risk of tipping and protecting both the load and the flooring. Whether you’re outfitting industrial equipment or safeguarding delicate surfaces, you may want to consider dual-wheel casters.