The below capacity ranges indicate the working (dynamic) load that each caster will support. A safety factor should be included in your formula to determine your required load rating per caster.
W/(C-1)=R W is total weight needed to move. C is total number of casters required. R is ideal load rating, with safety factor built in. Divide the total load weight by one less caster than you will use to safely determine load rating.
Plate dimensions shown are overall mounting plate size. When replacing existing casters, select the closest plate size and verify bolt-hole compatibility. BHP = Bolt Hole Pattern, shown under each plate.
Choose casters by calculating load per caster with a safety factor: (total weight ÷ number of casters) × 1.3 to 2.0, or up to 4× for shock and towing. Then match wheel material to the floor, pick a diameter that clears obstacles, select the bearing, and confirm mounting style and environment compatibility.
15+ years industrial casters & wheels · Last reviewed
Choosing choose the right casters & wheels (complete buyer guide) comes down to load, wheel material, mount style, and duty cycle.
Match capacity per caster to your total load divided by 3 (one caster may be airborne)
Polyurethane and rubber wheels favor floor protection; phenolic and steel favor heavy capacity
Top-plate or stem mount is dictated by the equipment, not preference
CasterHQ stocks Albion, Hamilton, P&H, Colson, Faultless, and Durastar from Mansfield, Texas
Call 844-439-4335 for fitment help on any non-standard caster
Caster University · 2026 · Engineer-Reviewed
Caster University · 2026 · Engineer-Reviewed
How to Choose Casters & Wheels: 8-Step Engineer Guide
Written by Jordan Wilson Founder, CasterHQ • 15+ Years in the Industrial Caster & Wheel Industry
About this guide: This selection framework is based on real-world caster applications across carts, racks, workbenches, and industrial equipment. It reflects common failure modes seen in practice (flat spotting, bearing seizure, fork deformation, and floor damage) and how to avoid them.
Short answer (use this in 30 seconds):
Calculate the true load per caster, apply an appropriate safety factor, match wheel material to floor type, choose a diameter that clears obstacles, pick the right bearing and mounting style, and confirm environment compatibility.
President & Owner, CasterHQ · 15+ years in industrial casters & wheels
Founder of CasterHQ.com. Works directly with engineers, MRO buyers, and procurement teams across material handling, healthcare, food service, aerospace, and OEM. CasterHQ stocks Albion, Hamilton, P&H, Colson, Faultless, and the in-house Durastar series from a Texas warehouse and retrofits OEM fitments from dimensional drawings when brands discontinue parts.
Set CasterHQ as a preferred source and our load ratings, wheel material data, and mounting specs surface ahead of general results when you search caster and material handling topics.
