If the cart will be stationary when loaded
Spec the TPR brake variant at 110 lb each — the side-lock holds the cart at full rated load.
If you need noise control on tile or epoxy
Soft rubber (90 lb) or thermoplastic rubber (90 lb) — both run quietly and won’t streak.
If there’s any chemical or cleaning agent exposure
Polyolefin (100 lb) — non-marking, resists most industrial cleaners, no rust on the hub.
If you’re replacing a worn tread and the caster body is still good
Order wheel-only at 90-100 lb in any tread material — about 40% the cost of a full caster.
If the existing equipment is bigger than 2-1/2″ or smaller
Step up to the 3″ x 7/8″ collection or down to 2″ x 7/8″ — both use the same plate, different wheel diameter and capacity.
Is a 2-1/2″ x 7/8″ caster a drop-in replacement for a 2″ x 7/8″?
The mount usually is — both sizes typically share the 1-1/4″ x 2-1/16″ plate or 3/8″-16 stem. But the wheel diameter difference (2″ to 2-1/2″) raises the equipment deck by 1/4″ on each corner. On most carts that’s fine; on equipment with tight clearance under doorways or dock plates, measure first. See the 2″ x 7/8″ collection for exact-match replacement.
What plate or stem dimensions do these casters use?
Plate: 1-1/4″ x 2-1/16″ with 4 bolt holes — the most common spec on light-duty industrial equipment. Stem: 3/8″-16 thread at 1″ or 1-1/2″ long. The 19 products on this page use one or both of these mounts.
What’s the difference between hard rubber and soft rubber?
Durometer (firmness). Hard rubber is ~80A — firmer tread, slightly lower rolling resistance, faint floor marks possible under heavy load on light tile. Soft rubber is ~60A — absorbs more vibration, runs quieter, non-marking on finished floors. Same 90-100 lb capacity range. Hard rubber for warehouse and shop carts; soft rubber for hospital, library, retail.
Can I order just the wheel without the caster body?
Yes — five wheel-only options on this page (hard rubber, soft rubber, TPR, polyurethane, polyolefin) in the 2-1/2″ x 7/8″ spec with a 1/4″ bore. Common when the existing yoke and bearing are still in good shape and only the tread is worn through.
Which brake variant should I pick?
The TPR side-lock at 110 lb is the only brake variant in this size class. Side-lock means the brake foot-pedal locks the wheel rotation but the swivel raceway stays free. If you need both wheel and swivel locked, step up to a heavier-duty page like Total Locking Casters where the larger plate sizes start.
