A U-grooved wheel has a rounded channel that rides on round pipe or bar stock instead of angle iron. Same fixed-path principle as V-groove, different rail — and round rail is often what's already in the building. U-grooved casters carry up to 6,500 lb per wheel.
The choice usually comes down to what rail you have or can install. U-groove runs on round pipe or bar — common, cheap, easy to source and weld. V-groove needs precise angle iron. If your facility already has pipe rail, or pipe is easier to install on your travel path, U-groove is the match. The guidance behavior is the same: the cart follows the rail, hands-free.
The groove radius has to match the rail diameter — that's the binding spec. Then match wheel material to load: cast iron for the heavy end to 6,500 lb, polyurethane-grooved for lighter finished-floor guided carts. Measure the rail OD before ordering.
Round pipe or bar stock. The wheel's groove radius must match the rail's outside diameter.
U-groove rides round pipe/bar; V-groove rides angle iron. Pick by the rail you have or can install most easily.
Up to 6,500 lb per wheel on a cast iron build. For heavier guided loads, V-groove reaches 16,000 lb.
Our US-based caster engineers will match the right build to your load, floor, and application.
Call 844-439-4335
