5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Casters

Caster wheels can become severely damaged or worn when exposed
to harsh environments, including heavy loads, hot and cold temperatures, salt
spray, chemicals, and more. As such, you may notice that your equipment isn’t
performing as well as it used to. This is where it will come in handy to know
just when your caster needs replacing. In this blog post, we share five signs
when it’s time to replace your casters.

Damage to the Wheels and
Caster

This is an easy way to identify if it’s time to have your casters
replaced. Apart from misuse, there are plenty of other ways in which the caster
can get damaged. Here are a few things you need to look out for if you want to
protect your caster during use:

● Overloading your equipment can reduce life and cause damage to
your unit

● Look out for various objects that may hit the wheel, this
includes strings that may get stuck; this may result in tire wear

● Fastening the caster loosely may further result in damage,
making the wheel move in unusual ways

Corrosion to Caster
Housing or Its Working Parts

This particular problem can happen in various environments but
can happen more often if you work somewhere with chemical exposure or in high
humidity areas. Such places are capable of wearing down a finish and may even go
through the base metals.

If this is the case, you’ll need to monitor your caster’s
condition so you can quickly act as soon as you see signs of corrosion. For
casters that are designed for use in medical facilities, corrosion can be easy
to address; simply clean them at a high-temperature to kill off germs and other
harmful materials.

A Deformed or Misshapen
Caster Wheel

No matter how you use your equipment or machinery, if the wheel
is crooked or unevenly shaped, you can be sure that it’s due for a replacement.
These problems are often seen inside distribution centers and warehouses, where
heavy lifting can easily dent or damage caster wheels. As a result, such
deformities won’t just affect your wheel’s maneuverability but also how much it
can carry.

Noise Problems

If your casters are making loud noises every time they move,
then it could be a clear sign that they need to be replaced. This problem will
often have several causes ranging from failure of the ball bearings to wheels
that are worn out to the use of the incorrect caster wheels for a particular
job. To avoid noise issues in the future, it’s imperative to choose the correct
caster wheel for the activity it will be used for, the floor surface, the
temperature range, and the environment it is used in.

Hard to Maneuver

Has your cart or trolley become impossible to push? This is
another undeniable sign that you need to replace the casters you’re using.
While you can always try to apply grease to see if it will go back to normal, a
replacement caster is necessary if this fails. There are various causes behind
a back-breaking cart that won’t budge, including bearing failure, flat spots on
the wheels, or lack of lubrication.

Why Replace Your
Casters?

More than anything, you need to replace damaged caster wheels
for better work output. A working and maintained caster wheel will be able to
help your equipment move and function at its best. You’ll also get your work
done faster and more effectively; transporting materials, going from one place
to another, and performing daily tasks can be done with ease.

However, there’s no sense in buying new casters just for the
sake of getting them—avoid purchasing low-quality casters that will only need
replacing in a short time. Be sure to choose the right caster for the job you
intend to do. In addition, it’s important to keep your eyes peeled for clues
that may give away the signs discussed above.

Oftentimes, they will let you know when you should consider
getting replacements before a bigger problem starts. However, if you do find
yourself in need of a replacement, you can trust LINCO to provide you with the
best caster wheels in the market. Our products include heavy-duty caster wheels and industrial wheels fit
for all kinds of commercial and industrial applications.