Energy efficiency is the buzz word of the 21st century. With limited resources and ever-increasing consumption in the world, awareness and promotion of efficient products and services has become paramount. We also have efficiency ratings on our washing machines to encourage customers to buy the most efficient brands possible. This philosophy can be applied to the world of casters and materials management products. Essentially any trolley or machine can be mounted on casters to facilitate movement. However, the ease of movement can deteriorate over time, increasing the energy required to push the machine onto the casters. This leads to inefficiency, and potential health and safety risks. Ensuring that casters and material handling equipment remain energy efficient means maintaining and optimizing casters.
Checking the alignment
There are many reasons why industrial castors may become inactive. The most common causes are age, overloading, castor alignment, wheel specifications, use of bearings, and castor maintenance. It’s important to consider these variables to ensure the caster you need is the most efficient. As with many products, the older they are, the more inefficient they become over time. The same is true of casters, as aging affects the surface of the wheel and over time dents and knocks affect the housing of the castor. Over time dirt and other particles can clog caster bearings and eventually aging reduces the rolling efficiency of the caster. Ensuring the casters are changed regularly and are fit for purpose will increase shelf life and efficiency over time.
Castor oil is abused overtime with aging. For example overloading the castor can reduce efficiency, as it places additional stress on the moving parts of the castor and in extreme cases leads to failure of the castor. Casters that weigh more than they are designed for will have a major impact on performance. By allowing a margin of safety when calculating the maximum load you expect the caster to handle, this will help improve efficiency. Also overloading, the position and arrangement of casters mounted on a trolley or piece of machinery can affect the rolling capacity. A general rule of thumb is that the bigger the wheel, the easier it is to push the castor. Castor type, e.g. Ambulatory or immobile, and its status can affect mobility and in turn functionality.
Choosing the right castor
Choosing the right wheel for your Industrial Castors and Wheels has a dramatic effect on rolling resistance and performance. Rolling resistance, or how smoothly the wheel rolls against a surface, is higher in wheels with softer treads such as rubber. Casters with hard-tread wheels such as nylon have less rolling resistance and can roll more easily. This of course depends on the surface the casters are working on. So both wheel specification and surface can affect the efficiency of the caster.
Bearings are often used in the caster housing to help reduce rolling resistance, and application there will make the caster roll more smoothly. However, unmaintained bearings that are allowed to rust, or are exposed to dirt, will not function properly and will adversely affect performance. Perhaps one of the most important factors is the maintenance of casters. Lubrication of castor bearings with oil will ensure longevity and maintain efficiency. So, choosing the best caster from a professional castor company, along with expert advice, can ensure maximum efficiency gains for your business.
Final thoughts
One of the last decisions to make is the size and type of wheel in the coaster. In most cases, the larger the wheel, the greater the load it can carry and the easier it is to move. There are a wide variety of wheels and the one you choose may vary depending on your application. To avoid injury when pushing or pulling a wheeled transport, take the time to assess the situation and specify the correct casters for the job. It can save you time, money and your back!
