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.
Light duty casters handle up to 350 lbs per caster and are the go-to choice for offices, retail stores, hospitality, healthcare facilities, and residential furniture. CasterHQ stocks light duty casters in rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), and nylon wheels from 2" to 5" — available with top plate, threaded stem, grip ring, and expanding adapter mounts. Most ship same day from our network of over $100 million in U.S. warehouse inventory.
JW
Jordan Wilson
Industrial Caster Specialist | 15+ Years in Caster Engineering
Access to $100M+ in-stock U.S. caster inventory
Application Engineers On Staff · ISO-Certified Facility · Trusted by 50,000+ Businesses Nationwide
Reviewed by CasterHQ Engineering — 100+ Combined Years in Caster Design, Selection & Application
1,250 lbs
Max Capacity
4″–8″
Wheel Range
Zinc Plated
Rust-Resistant
Why CasterHQ Caster Frames?
Precision-drilled holes for exact wheel bore fit
Zinc plating resists rust in wet & outdoor use
Compatible with all major wheel brands & sizes
Both swivel & rigid styles in stock, ready to ship
What Is a Caster Frame (Yoke) and Why Does Plate Size Matter?
A caster frame is the steel yoke that holds the wheel axle. Plate size determines which bolt patterns and mounting surfaces it fits — mismatched plates mean the caster won't bolt securely to your equipment.
The 4″ × 4-1/2″ top plate is the standard heavy-duty mounting size, matching bolt patterns on industrial carts, platform trucks, pallet jacks, and pneumatic-tire equipment. It accommodates wheel fork widths up to 2-1/4″, giving you access to the full 4″–8″ wheel diameter range. Before ordering, measure your existing hole pattern center-to-center, not the plate edge-to-edge.
Which Wheel Sizes Fit the 4″ × 4-1/2″ Plate Frame?
This plate size is engineered to house wheels from 4″ to 8″ in diameter (some configurations accommodate 10″ pneumatic wheels). The frame legs are spaced to match the wider hubs found in this size range.
For best results, always confirm bore size, plate bolt pattern, and per-caster load rating before ordering a replacement frame. CasterHQ engineers are available to help match frames to your exact application.
What Load Capacity Can a 4″ × 4-1/2″ Plate Frame Handle?
Our zinc-plated frames in this size support up to 1,250 lbs per caster, depending on bore size and wheel type. For total load, multiply by the number of casters supporting the load.
For best results, always confirm bore size, plate bolt pattern, and per-caster load rating before ordering a replacement frame. CasterHQ engineers are available to help match frames to your exact application.
Swivel vs. Rigid Frame: Which Configuration Do You Need?
Swivel frames rotate 360° for maneuvering. Rigid frames are fixed-direction for straight-line pushing. Most equipment uses a combination: 2 swivel front, 2 rigid rear.
For best results, always confirm bore size, plate bolt pattern, and per-caster load rating before ordering a replacement frame. CasterHQ engineers are available to help match frames to your exact application.
What Makes Zinc-Plated Frames More Durable Than Unfinished Steel?
Zinc plating adds an electro-deposited layer that oxidizes before the base steel does, significantly extending service life in wet, humid, or outdoor environments.
For best results, always confirm bore size, plate bolt pattern, and per-caster load rating before ordering a replacement frame. CasterHQ engineers are available to help match frames to your exact application.
How Do I Replace Just the Frame Without Replacing My Entire Caster?
Yes — if your wheel and axle are undamaged, you can reuse them in a new frame. Remove the axle nut, slide the wheel out, press the axle into the new frame bore, and reinstall.
For best results, always confirm bore size, plate bolt pattern, and per-caster load rating before ordering a replacement frame. CasterHQ engineers are available to help match frames to your exact application.
THE RIGHT FRAME FORMULA
Right Frame = Plate Match + Bore Size + Load Class + Swivel or Rigid
Confirm plate bolt pattern, axle bore diameter, and per-caster load before ordering.
PRODUCT INTELLIGENCE
Quick SpecsSizes, capacities, and mount options at a glance
Attribute
Spec
Plate Size
4″ × 4-1/2″
Hole Pattern
2-1/2″ × 3-5/8″
Wheel Range
4″–8″ diameter
Bore Sizes
1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″
Max Capacity
Up to 1,250 lbs
Material
Stamped steel
Finish
Zinc plated
Pro Tip: Always verify bore size against your wheel hub — a 1/16″ mismatch causes wobble that wears the axle within days.
Application GuideWhere these casters work best and which wheel to choose
Industrial CartsPlatform trucks and utility carts needing 6″–8″ heavy wheels
Pneumatic EquipmentOutdoor equipment using 8″–10″ pneumatic or foam-filled wheels
Warehouse EquipmentPallet jacks and order-picking equipment with heavy-duty load requirements
Frame ReplacementDirect replacement for bent or cracked frames on existing equipment
Light Duty vs. Medium Heavy Duty — Head to HeadSide-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tier
Feature
Swivel Frame
Rigid Frame
Direction
360° rotation
★ Fixed straight
Maneuverability
★ Excellent
Limited
Pushing efficiency
More effort
★ Less effort
Best for tight spaces
★ Yes
No
Typical use
★ Front 2 casters
Rear 2 casters
Price
Slightly higher
★ Lower cost
Selection Tips from Our TeamPractical advice for choosing the right caster
1Always measure your wheel bore before ordering a frame — bore sizes vary from 1/2″ to 1-1/4″ and a wrong fit causes immediate wobble.
2Use 2 swivel + 2 rigid for most carts. All-swivel works in tight spaces but requires more push force on heavy loads.
3Zinc plating on this plate size handles most warehouse and light outdoor environments. Step up to stainless for food-service or corrosive chemical exposure.
4If your old frame legs are bent, don’t weld them — the heat-affected zone creates a stress riser that will crack again faster than the original.
FAQsQuick answers to the most common questions
What bolt pattern does the 4″ × 4-1/2″ plate use?
The hole centers are 2-1/2″ × 3-5/8″. Most bolts are 5/16″–18 threads. Measure your equipment mounting holes before ordering.
Can I use this frame with a polyurethane wheel?
Yes — any 4″–8″ wheel with a matching bore diameter works. Just confirm the wheel hub width fits between the frame legs (max ~2-1/4″).
Do you sell just the axle if mine is worn?
Yes, CasterHQ sells replacement axles separately. See our Axles & Nuts collection for the correct diameter and length.
Is this frame suitable for outdoor use?
Zinc plating handles light outdoor exposure. For prolonged wet, marine, or chemical environments, upgrade to stainless steel frames.
How do I know if my frame needs replacing vs. just lubricating?
If the swivel bearing wobbles laterally (not just rotates), the legs are visibly bent, or the fork weld has cracks, replace the frame. Lubrication only helps stiff-but-intact swivel bearings.
⚙ Engineer Pro Tip When torquing axle nuts on a 4″–8″ caster frame, use 25–30 ft-lbs on 1/2″ axles and 40–45 ft-lbs on 3/4″ and larger. Over-torquing collapses the bore sleeve; under-torquing lets the axle spin and score the bore within days on loaded equipment.
Common Frame Selection Mistakes to Avoid
Ordering by plate dimensions alone without confirming the 2-1/2″ × 3-5/8″ bolt-hole pattern
Mismatching bore size — even 1/16″ off causes axle wobble and premature frame failure
Using all-swivel frames on heavy straight-line loads — adds lateral stress that bends fork legs
Welding bent frame legs — heat-affected zones crack faster than the original weld
Not sure which light duty casters fits your application?
Our team has equipped 50,000+ businesses with the right casters from over $100 million in U.S. warehouse inventory. Tell us your application and we'll match you in minutes.
"CasterHQ helped us replace every caster in our facility in under 10 minutes on the phone. Perfect fit, zero hassle." — Facility Manager, Regional Industrial Network
