Caster Safety Information
General Safety & Maintenance Information:
Users are responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment they use. Some equipment will quickly become damaged and unsafe if abused or subjected to improper demands. If equipment is regularly maintained and not abused, you will get the maximum safety and service performance from your casters.
- Do not overload equipment
- Do not drop heavy loads on carts or trucks
- Do not use at high speeds
These uses create severe impact and shock loads that may lead to caster, wheel and equipment failure.
Important Caster Installation Notes
- If using threaded mounts, installer must add washers to cover incomplete threads and support upper raceway
- The stem shoulder must fit tight against equipment.
- It is customer’s responsibilty to mount the caster in a proper manner so there will be no risk to operator safety
- It is the customer’s responsibilty to determine the fitness of a caster for a particular application
Check Equipment Frames & Fasteners
Periodically turn equipment on its end or side and check the following:
- Look for broken welds or deck boards
- Tighten loose nuts and bolts
Safety & Maintenance Information
- Look for equipment frame distortion caused by overloads and impact loads. Distorted frames can lead to wheel failure by placing disproportionate loads on one or two casters
- If casters are stem types, make sure that the legs of the equipment are not bent and that mounting bolts are securely fastened
- Always use locknuts or lock washers to mount casters to equipment
- Make certain casters with expanding adapter stems are held firmly in place in tubular equipment
Caster & Wheel Lubrication
Caster and wheel lubrication is essential. The lubrication schedule depends on your specific application. Normal conditions may warrant lubrication every six months. However, for wet or corrosive applications, monthly lubrication may be necessary. Lubrication may also be required after each cart washing. Special high temperature, water resistant lubricants must be used for these applications. Monroe can provide stainless steel casters that require less maintenance in frequent cart washing applications.
Standard Monroe grease temperature range: -45°F to +260°F
Grease Seal temperature range: -45°F to +260°F.
Caster Maintenance & Inspection
Check the swivel assembly for excessive play due to wear. If the swivel assembly is loose, it is advisable to replace the fork or the entire caster. If the caster has a king bolt and nut, make sure it is fastened securely. If the swivel does not turn freely, check for corrosion or dirt binding the raceways. Again, it may be necessary to replace the swivel assembly or the entire caster. If the equipment has rigid casters at one end, make sure that the caster fork legs are not bent or distorted.
Wheel Maintenance & Inspection
Check wheels for visible tread wear. Flat spots may indicate accumulation of floor debris such as string or thread which can cause the wheel to bind. Remove the wheel axle bolt and nut. Clean out foreign material and check wheel bearings for wear or failure. Re-assemble if parts are not damaged. Wheel thread guards may be installed to reduce buildup if string and thread wrapping is a continuing problem. After wheels have been inspected and repaired or replaced, be sure to install a new axle nut and tighten it properly. Use lock washers or lock nuts on all axles.
Brake Maintenance & Inspection
Check brakes for proper operation. If brakes slip due to worn or damaged wheels, replace the wheels immediately and retest the brakes. If the brake mechanism itself is not operating properly, repair or replace it. Before returning the equipment to use, always retest brakes.
Power Towed Operation
Power drawn equipment such as in a tow line or mechanically moved by conveyor will require casters, wheels and bearings specifically designed for this use. Please consult factory for caster recommendation for each specific towing or power drawn equipment application.
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