ISO 9001:2015 Quality Manufacturing · ANSI ICWM Performance Tested

98.7% On-Time Ship Rate Across All Orders

200,000+ Orders Fulfilled for OEM & MRO Teams Nationwide

100+ Years of Combined Caster Industry Experience

Automatic Bulk Pricing | OEM & MRO Volume Discounts Applied at Checkout

Back

Caster Mounting Types: Plate, Stem & Bolt Hole Explained

Caster Mounting Types: Plate, Stem & Hollow Kingpin Explained

Caster mounting types determine how the caster attaches to equipment. The three primary industrial mounting styles are plate mount, stem mount, and hollow kingpin. The correct choice depends on load capacity, frame design, and structural requirements.

Selecting the proper caster mounting method is critical for safety, structural integrity, and long-term durability. Improper mounting can lead to frame failure, load imbalance, and premature caster wear.

1. Plate Mount Casters

Plate mount casters use a rectangular top plate secured with four bolts. This is the strongest and most common mounting style for industrial carts and heavy equipment.

  • Maximum structural support
  • Best for heavy-duty and high-capacity applications
  • Even load distribution across frame surface
  • Common in warehouse, manufacturing, and OEM builds

Browse industrial options: Plate Mount Casters

2. Stem Mount Casters

Stem casters use a vertical stem that inserts into a socket or threaded receiver. They are common in institutional equipment, medical carts, and lighter industrial applications.

Common Stem Types

  • Threaded Stem
  • Grip Ring Stem
  • Expanding Adapter Stem
  • Compact mounting profile
  • Easy installation and replacement
  • Moderate structural strength

Explore available models: Stem Casters

3. Hollow Kingpin Casters

Hollow kingpin casters use a central bolt that passes through the swivel raceway. This mounting style is often used in shopping carts, institutional equipment, and certain OEM designs.

  • Single-bolt attachment
  • Common in lighter-duty mobile equipment
  • Simplified installation in pre-drilled frames

View hollow kingpin options: Hollow Kingpin Casters

Mounting Type Comparison

Mount Type Strength Installation Best For
Plate Mount Maximum 4-bolt pattern Industrial equipment, heavy loads
Stem Mount Moderate Insert & secure stem Institutional carts, lighter equipment
Hollow Kingpin Light–Moderate Single center bolt Shopping carts, OEM frames

How to Choose the Right Mounting Type

Consider the following engineering factors:

  • Total load capacity required
  • Frame thickness and structural rigidity
  • Mounting surface dimensions
  • Dynamic loading and shock exposure
  • Ease of maintenance and replacement

For full system selection guidance, see our How to Select Industrial Casters Guide.

For load calculations, use the Caster Load Calculator.

Search