When you are considering buying a shopping cart, you should learn everything you can about the swivel wheels. Swivels are a very common feature of carts, and most people do not have a problem with them as long as they are used to the technology. There are many things you should know about these wheels, including how they work, their design, and the caster frame.
Kingpinless
The kingpinless swivel wheels are designed to eliminate the kingpin, which is the weak point in traditional swivel casters. This swivel wheel system features a top plate that is forged, a single outer race, and ball bearings in the swivel portion. This is a simple and effective way to prevent the kingpin from becoming strained.
The kingpinless swivel caster is made of hot-forged ASTM 1045 steel, which eliminates the problems associated with kingpin failure due to heavy shock loads. The precision raceways of the kingpinless caster are molded into the top plate, and the inner raceway is precision machined to ensure smooth performance. 3/8″ HRC 45 steel ball bearings absorb thrust and provide smooth performance even in the harshest environments. The kingpinless design eliminates the risk of kingpin failure, while the zinc plating provides an attractive protective finish.
Raceway
Raceway swivel wheels are used in heavy-duty applications. These casters are comprised of two rows of ball bearings in hardened raceways. Each wheel has a forged steel fork, a 3/4″ diameter kingpin and a bolt for mounting the axle. Unlike traditional casters, raceway swivel wheels don’t require a separate kingpin king.
In the traditional design, a kingpin holds the raceway together. This kingpin is subject to a high amount of stress and shock and is commonly a failure point. Using larger wheels will reduce rolling resistance. Swivel wheels can be used in harsh conditions, but they must be installed correctly. If you aren’t sure which type of caster is right for your application, take a look at the specifications for each type.
Brakes
When you walk on swivel wheels, you’ll notice that the center part of the wheel rotates slower than the regions on the sides. This is due to flutter, a condition in which the caster doesn’t make full contact with the ground but re-establishes full contact with the ground. The caster’s ability to swivel allows it to correct this problem at lower speeds but not at high speeds.
Caster frame
A caster is a piece of portable equipment that allows you to move objects around. These devices are commonly known as casters. They have two main components: the yoke and the wheels. The yoke holds the wheel in place and the swivel head enables you to turn the wheels. Other parts of the caster include the fork, rig, housing, and swivel mechanism. Each of these parts is governed by a spring mechanism. This spring mechanism is usually a coiled steel spring. However, springs can also be hydraulic or elastomeric.
Casters come with two sets of bearings. One set supports the load, while the other is a cushion. Casters are made to be as stable and maneuverable as possible. Some casters even have a grease injection opening on the swivel plate. This makes cleaning them a breeze. Moreover, a caster is a versatile tool. You can find one that meets your exact specifications.
Application
Swivel wheels have a variety of applications, including carts and industrial equipment. These casters allow for smooth movement and alignment with the direction of travel. Unlike fixed wheels, which require precise steering, casters offer a smoother turn. The front wheels of shopping carts, for example, rotate at different speeds and have different turning radiuses, making them the perfect solution for moving them around.
Swivel wheels have different load capacities depending on the weight they support. Wider casters have more ground contact area, so they resist swivel rotation. The amount of resistance increases as weight increases. To increase load capacity, it is best to use several narrow wheels on the same axis. Narrow casters have a narrower ground contact patch, and the force needed to turn them in place is lower.