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Caster City® has been supplying the highest quality plate casters, stem casters and wheels since 1977.
This include all casters and wheels: stainless, pneumatic, stem (threaded stem and expanding rubber stem ), swivel, rigid, locking, total locking, replacement, chair and furniture casters. Caster wheels include phenolic, rubber, polyurethane, polyolefin, steel, v-groove.
Caster menu on the top of each page will help you quickly navigate to your desired caster. If you need any help, feel free to call us at: 800-501-3808
Plate casters are one of the most reliable and versatile caster types used in industrial, commercial, and institutional settings. At CasterCity.com, our plate casters feature a flat metal mounting plate with pre-drilled holes that allow for secure attachment to a wide range of equipment and furniture. Our extensive selection of plate casters includes a variety of wheel materials, load capacities, and sizes to meet your exact requirements. From light-duty plate casters for office furniture to heavy duty industrial plate casters built for demanding environments, our casters are designed to deliver quality and performance. Whether you’re outfitting carts, machinery, or mobile workstations, our plate casters provide the exact support and smooth mobility your operation needs. We try and give you all the information you need but if you cannot find something that will work, call us at 800-501-3808 and our expert staff will help you with your caster purchase.
Stem Casters are a type of caster wheel that mounts to equipment using a stem rather than a mounting plate and makes them ideal for applications with limited mounting space available. They come in various stem types including threaded, grip ring, expanding rubber, and metal (square/round). Each stem module type is designed to fit different tubing or frame structures and allow for smooth mobility. Stem Casters are most commonly used on carts, furniture, and medical equipment. We offer stem casters with load capacities as small as 250 lbs and as strong as 1,500 lbs, with many pedal and foot brake options available.
We have a stem caster for any need and if you cannot find the right caster, please contact us directly (Call: 800-501-3808 / Email: sales@castercity.com) and we can help you find the perfect stem and caster for your application.
We offer a wide range of caster wheels designed for various use applications, including light-duty furniture, industrial machinery, and medical equipment and more to suit your unique or different mobility needs.
Total locking brakes are a popular choice when safety and stability. We offer brakes on both stem and plate casters. These brakes are designed to lock both the wheel and the swivel at the same time, so once they’re engaged, the caster won’t roll, pivot, or move.
Total locks are widely used in a variety of settings such as warehouses, medical facilities, food service environments, and even heavy duty industrial settings. They’re the perfect caster for mobile equipment that needs to be rolled into place and then stay firmly in position carts, racks, prep tables, or mobile workstations.
If you’re not sure what kind of brake or caster setup works best for your home or business needs, our Caster City sales team is here to help. With decades of experience, we’ll guide you to the right solution for your application and make sure you get exactly what you need for the job.
Stainless steel casters, offered in both plate and stem mounting styles, are built for use in wet, corrosive, or high-temperature environments where durability and cleanliness are critical. These casters are available in both 304 and 316 stainless steel—the former offering strong corrosion resistance for general industrial and food service use, and the latter providing superior protection against harsh chemicals and saltwater, making it ideal for marine and pharmaceutical applications. Designed to handle temperatures up to 450°F when paired with high-temp wheels and raceway seals, these casters perform reliably in extreme heat such as in autoclaves or commercial ovens.
Caster City’s stainless steel casters are built with longevity and performance in mind. Each unit includes a grease fitting in the swivel bearing for easy maintenance, protective seals, and a dust cover to guard internal components from contaminants. Whether you choose 304 for its broad utility or 316 for its maximum corrosion resistance, these casters ensure smooth, low-maintenance mobility in the most demanding conditions.
These industrial pneumatic casters feature air filled pneumatic wheels. These industrial casters are designed for low speed manually moved applications only. Air filled pneumatic wheels provide a cushioned ride, shock absorption and quiet operation. Pneumatic casters are ideally suited for moving fragile or delicate cargo where caster overall height is not critical. Casters with pneumatic wheels are usually the best choice for use outdoors over rough surfaces ( i.e. gravel ) or on grass. The wide footprint on 8″ or larger pneumatic wheels provides stability on gravel and does not sink into lawns.
Pneumatic casters and pneumatic wheels are also popular for indoor use in places such as hospitals, scientific and electronic laboratories, hotels, department stores and TV or movie studios.
Pneumatic wheels with black tires do not mark the floor as long as the wheel is allowed to roll. Changing directions without allowing a swivel caster to turn gradually around, or dragging a black rubber wheel sideways, can mark some floors.
Caster City offers a wide range of office and furniture casters designed for smooth, quiet movement across carpet, tile, and hardwood floors. If you’re upgrading desk chairs, file cabinets, mobile workstations, or anything else your office needs our casters provide durability, ease of movement, and a professional finish that complements any office setup.
To assist you, our customers in locating the ideal caster (stem or plate) for your particular business need, our comprehensive catalog has been carefully arranged. We provide a broad range of solutions to satisfy the needs of the manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and service sectors.
We offer a wide range of products for the industrial sector, including light-duty and low-profile plate casters for machinery and equipment. Our casters are designed to withstand severe weights and precise movement, making them perfect for jacks, service equipment, and shop floors in the automotive and aerospace industries.
While our medical and laboratory casters satisfy the hygienic and silent-rolling requirements needed for hospitals, labs, and pharmaceutical facilities, those in the food and beverage industries will find alternatives designed for production lines, meat processing, and shopping carts.
Additionally, we have casters for retail and hospitality applications, including luggage carts, vending machines, and bakery racks. Durable variants designed to withstand big loads and tough terrain are supported for outdoor and agricultural applications.
Our specialty casters include dual-wheel models for enhanced stability, ergonomic solutions, vintage designs, and black e-coat finishes for more specific applications. We also provide casters for toolboxes, utility carts, hand trucks, and other material handling and storage applications.
We provide dependable mobility solutions for a variety of industries, ranging from stage and theatrical equipment to maintenance tools like mop buckets and camper supports. With targeted caster options, even specialized applications like road cases, ladders, and textile machinery are taken into consideration.
Regardless of your application, our expert sales staff, with a collective experience of over 100 years are available to assist you in locating the best caster to complete the task quickly and effectively.
Heavy lifting can be a literal pain in the back. That’s when a gantry crane comes to your rescue. A gantry crane is designed to lift and move heavy objects with ease. It can be a game-changer for your operations. And the best part? With the right knowledge and tools, you can build one yourself.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the ins and outs of DIY gantry cranes, different types of gantry cranes and their components, and a basic step-by-step process of constructing a simple gantry crane. We’ll also help you understand the precautionary measures you should take while creating your crane, ensuring safety along with efficiency.
Ready to channel your inner engineer? Let’s dive into the process of making a gantry crane from scratch.
Before we start our DIY journey, let’s take a moment to understand what gantry cranes are and their uses.
In simple terms, a gantry crane is an overhead crane that can typically be moved around on crane casters and used to hoist or lift heavy objects.
A gantry crane is usually made up of:
Using a gantry crane can save you significant physical strain, especially when dealing with loads that are too heavy to lift manually. They are versatile, easy to use, and allow you the freedom to move heavy objects not just up and down, but also sideways.
Plus, if you’ve attached heavy-duty crane casters, you can even wheel your heavy objects to different locations, adding to its convenience and functionality.
By understanding the fundamental operation, you can optimize its use in your specific context. In the next section, we’ll explore the different types of DIY gantry cranes you can build, helping you choose the one that fits your needs best.
Choosing the right gantry crane for your needs will largely depend on the specific tasks you want to accomplish, the environment in which the crane will be used, and of course, your budget. Let’s explore your options.
For instance, if you are moving goods that vary greatly in size or you’re working on uneven ground, an adjustable or telescoping gantry crane may be your best option. Alternatively, for consistent, repetitive tasks involving loads of the same size, a fixed gantry crane could be the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Here are three main types you can build:
Fixed gantry cranes maintain a fixed height, meaning you cannot adjust the frame up or down. They’re simple and cost-effective to build and are a great option if you’re working with items of a uniform size or in an environment with ample vertical space.
Adjustable gantry cranes allow for adjustments in frame height, accommodating a wider range of lifting needs. They are slightly more complex than fixed cranes, but still fairly simple and affordable to construct.
Telescoping gantry cranes are a sophisticated choice designed to handle precise height adjustments and uneven surfaces. They can bear heavy loads of up to two tons. While expensive and complex to build, they offer maximum flexibility and power.
Building a gantry crane is not as daunting as it might sound especially if you understand the primary components involved.
Let’s delve into them:
A gantry crane frame typically follows an A-frame design, with two legs on either side. The frame could be constructed from various materials such as wood, steel, or aluminum.
The girder is a crucial part of your DIY gantry crane. Girder is a horizontal beam that supports the trolley and hoist, enabling the user to lift heavy loads.
There are two types of girders you can consider: Single vs double Girders
The choice between a single or double girder will largely depend on your lifting requirements and budget.
A hoist is a device used for lifting or lowering a load using a drum or lift wheel, while a trolley enables the movement of the hoist (and therefore the load) horizontally along the crane.
Here are your options:
The choice of hoist and trolley will depend on your budget, the weight of the loads you will be lifting, and the height from which you will be lifting.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the crane casters, a critical component that provides your gantry crane with mobility.
After all, what good is a crane if it can’t move the load to where you need it?
Crane casters allow your gantry crane to be mobile, making it possible to move your heavy loads to different locations with ease. The choice of caster should be appropriate for your load and the surface on which your crane will be operating.
Here are some options you may consider:
There are other materials available for crane casters, but it’s best to consult with a few industrial caster manufacturers to get their insights on your DIY project.
As leading manufacturers in the industry, we would be more than happy to provide specs on all our crane casters, helping you select the best option for your needs.
Remember, the right casters can significantly influence your crane’s effectiveness, maneuverability, and lifespan. So, choose wisely!
After discussing the basic components and types of gantry cranes, it’s time to guide you through the actual building process.
Building a gantry crane might seem daunting at first, but it’s more manageable when broken down into a series of steps. Here’s a detailed guide on constructing a basic fixed gantry crane from scratch
The first step is to gather all the necessary materials. For a fixed gantry crane, you’ll need steel beams for the frame and girder, a manual or electric hoist, a trolley, and your chosen casters. Depending on your chosen frame material, you may require a welding machine for steel or a drill and screws for wood. Be sure to prepare protective gear for your safety during assembly as well.
The design of your gantry crane frame typically follows an A-shape, comprising two legs on either side. This design ensures stability. Make sure your frame is high and wide enough to accommodate your loads, clear obstacles, and provide ample room for operation. Also remember, the frame’s size will affect your girder’s dimensions.
Begin the assembly process by cutting your materials according to your design’s specifications. Assemble the frame, ensuring that the legs are parallel and the cross beams are straight. Depending on your chosen material, this step may involve welding or bolting the pieces together. Make sure the connections are secure and strong.
Your girder, a sturdy horizontal beam, will span across the top of the frame. Attach it firmly, ensuring that it’s evenly balanced on both sides. The girder is a critical component, as it will bear the brunt of your load’s weight. Double-check the strength and security of this installation.
Now, attach your trolley to the girder. The hoist – whether manual, electric chain or cable – is then attached to the trolley. Ensure that the hoist can glide effortlessly along the trolley’s length and that the trolley can traverse the entire length of the girder smoothly.
Lastly, attach your casters to the bottom of the frame. Make sure they’re secure and that they roll freely. The type of caster you choose will depend on your working surface and load weight. Choose high-quality casters that are suited to your working surface and load weight. The mobility of your crane relies heavily on this choice.
Before you start operating your crane, perform a comprehensive inspection. Make sure all parts are secure and stable, and nothing wobbles or moves unintentionally. To ensure it functions as expected, run a test with a light load first. This check will help prevent any malfunctions or mishaps during actual operation.
Safety should be your prime concern while dealing with heavy machinery. Let’s go through some essential precautions.
Each crane has a specific load limit based on its design and components. Never exceed this limit. Overloading can lead to crane failure and serious accidents.
Ensure your crane is always in the best working condition by performing regular inspections and maintenance. This includes checking for wear and tear on all parts, especially load-bearing components like the hoist, girder, and casters.
Anyone who will be operating the crane should receive adequate training. This training should cover all aspects of the crane’s operation, including lifting and moving loads and emergency procedures.
Constructing a DIY gantry crane may seem daunting initially, but understanding the interplay between its various components demystifies the process. Each decision – from choosing the crane type and frame materials to selecting your girder, hoist, trolley, and casters – forms a part of a bigger picture, ultimately leading to a robust, valuable tool serving your needs for years.
Embracing this challenge not only cuts costs but also equips you with a useful skill. The gantry crane you build will be a practical solution for numerous heavy lifting tasks, enhancing the efficiency and safety of your workspace. Beyond the utilitarian benefits, there’s a profound sense of accomplishment in seeing a project of this scale through to completion.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for advice on choosing the right components or if you have any other questions related to your DIY gantry crane project. We’re here to help!
February 19 2023
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