Is the STA the right Hamilton stainless series for you?
Four questions to confirm STA fits — or points you elsewhere
1. What’s your load per caster?
Under 800 lb → STA fits. 800-1,600 lb → step up to Workhorse WHS. Over 1,600 lb → Champion CHS.
2. How many shifts per day does the equipment run?
One or two shifts, intermittent motion → STA fits. Continuous 24/7 operation → step to the Endurance ENS — its heat-treated kingpinless raceway is built for that cycle count.
3. Do you need flat-tread, V-groove, or floor-protecting rubber?
STA offers all three: Type 303 stainless flat tread for general use, stainless V-groove for track-guided systems, Versa-Tech gray rubber when you need quiet roll and floor protection.
4. Is this a wash-down environment, or just a clean one?
Either works for STA — all rig and hardware components are stainless. For aggressive chloride chemistry specifically, ask about 316 stainless upgrades.
The three STA wheel options — and when to pick each
Type 303 Stainless Flat Tread
The default. Solid stainless wheel, full washdown compatibility, no water absorption. Best for general sanitary equipment on smooth floors.
Stainless V-Groove
For track-guided transfer systems. The V-groove rides on an inverted-angle rail to keep equipment on a fixed path — common in food production line layouts.
Versa-Tech Gray Rubber
Gray rubber tread on stainless rig. Quieter, protects finished floors, non-marking. Pick this when the equipment moves through finished areas, not just the processing floor.
What STA is — and isn’t
STA is the value entry point into Hamilton’s stainless lineup. It gives you genuine all-stainless construction — not a stainless-plated carbon frame — at a medium-duty capacity and a sensible price. For the large middle of sanitary applications (food-service carts, lab equipment, light processing, packaging-line equipment), that’s exactly the right spec.
STA is not the choice when the application pushes past medium duty or into 24/7 operation. It uses conventional swivel construction rather than the forged-kingpinless raceway of the ENS, and it tops out at 800 lb rather than the WHS’s 1,600 lb. Knowing those two boundaries is how you avoid both over-buying and under-speccing.
The Hamilton stainless steel family — complete lineup
STA Medium Duty FAQs
What’s the difference between STA and the light-duty stainless plate casters?STA is industrial medium duty — heavier construction, up to 800 lb, V-groove and rubber wheel options. The light-duty stainless line is for lighter sanitary equipment under 550 lb.
Is Type 303 stainless as corrosion-resistant as 304?303 is a free-machining grade — it machines more easily, which is why it’s used for the wheel. Its corrosion resistance is slightly below 304 but well within range for standard washdown. The rig and hardware are higher-grade stainless.
What is Versa-Tech?It’s a wheel option, not a separate series — a gray rubber wheel that mounts on the stainless STA rig. Pick it for quiet rolling and floor protection in finished areas.
Can STA handle steam cleaning?The stainless rig handles steam. Type 303 stainless wheels handle it too. Versa-Tech rubber wheels have a temperature ceiling — confirm steam-cleaning temps if you spec the rubber option.
Does STA come with brakes?Yes — stainless brake options including total-lock are available across the STA range.
Confirm STA is your right fit
Tell us load per caster, shifts per day, and wheel preference. We’ll confirm STA or point you to the right Hamilton stainless series.
Call 844-439-4335
