Caster issue

[thejudges69]

I have a work bench that is 4' x 10'. It's an old frame bench. I need it on casters so I don't have to dedicate a spot to it. I recently bought these casters from eBay. Now I'll admit, I'm no caster genius. They seemed heavy duty. I installed them tonight and damn it. It's takes everything I got to move this bench. The casters won't rotate to keep rolling. They get stuck mid spin and it takes all I got to get them the rest of the way to move. Honestly these don't seem that great once I got them. They got a ton of play in the bearings and I think once the weight of the bench is on them then that's all he wrote.

Is there a better option for casters? I did all 4 swivel. Should I maybe do 2 locked and I swivel??

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[jrb2]

I have had similar problems with casters in the past. It seems to me that cheap casters have too much play in the center pin as you mentioned, but also they don't have enough balls in the bearing. I use the 4 inch, red wheeled casters that I get at Northern Tool. They aren't cheap at $16 each but its better than a caster that doesn't work.

 

[thejudges69]

I have had similar problems with casters in the past. It seems to me that cheap casters have too much play in the center pin as you mentioned, but also they don't have enough balls in the bearing. I use the 4 inch, red wheeled casters that I get at Northern Tool. They aren't cheap at $16 each but its better than a caster that doesn't work.

Yes, that's the issue. Tons of play in the center pin, and yes, seems it needed a couple more ball bearings. I thought if I can't return them, I would disassemble and see if I can fix one. I'll have nothing to lose!!

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[The Cobbler]

they are apparently rated for 660 lbs each, doubt that bench weighs 2400lbs , but it is heavy. you may want to look at heavier rated casters or double them up maybe

 

[thejudges69]

they are apparently rated for 660 lbs each, doubt that bench weighs 2400lbs , but it is heavy. you may want to look at heavier rated casters or double them up maybe

I don't know what the bench weighs. I guessed about 1200 lbs. The top is solid. But I think even doubling them up will still have an issue with moving it.

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[M6erfan]

Any chance of adding two more in the center of each lower beam to even out the load?

 

[thejudges69]

Any chance of adding two more in the center of each lower beam to even out the load?

I don't know that it's necessary, but if need be yes. The structure of the bench is 3x3 heavy wall tube. It would just need a stand added t get it to the floor.

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[jd_1138]

Perhaps air filled casters would be better. The little amount of give in the tires would spread out the weight of the bench, making it easier to push.

 

[M6erfan]

I don't know that it's necessary, but if need be yes. The structure of the bench is 3x3 heavy wall tube. It would just need a stand added t get it to the floor.

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Maybe not necessary but definitely would lessen the stress on the corner casters. Just a thought...

 

[The Cobbler]

also it looks like you only have 2 mounting bolts, allowing the base plate of the caster to twist. that may make a big difference too.

as far as adding more casters, I would run an angle from leg to leg on the short sides & add 1 or 2 casters to that

 

[thejudges69]

Perhaps air filled casters would be better. The little amount of give in the tires would spread out the weight of the bench, making it easier to push.

I think this will make the bench to tall. But maybe not. I'm currently rolling on a 6.5" tall caster.

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[thejudges69]

also it looks like you only have 2 mounting bolts, allowing the base plate of the caster to twist. that may make a big difference too.

as far as adding more casters, I would run an angle from leg to leg on the short sides & add 1 or 2 casters to that

3 bolts per caster, I can't get the 4th on in. The flex I'm seeing is in the bearing grooves. It needs to be tighter with less movement.

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[pcmeiners]

check these out, 1000lbs each, glass filled (won't develop flats)...

http://apollocaster.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=65513

heavier duty.....

http://apollocaster.com/product_list.php?cPath=10400&search_term=&search_type=

 

[fasteddie]

If they stop in mid spin, it could be that the axle hole is not centered in the wheel. When it hits the low spot between axle and floor, it's like trying to push it uphill.

 

[ttensirk]

Sounds like you are having trouble getting all 4 casters to swivel for the direction of travel. As an experiment, I would position all 4 casters the same direction (caster brakes toward the front of the table). Now push the table from the front. If the casters are positioned correctly, they won’t try to swivel. The table should move with much less effort because you are not fighting the swivel action of any caster.

At a previous employer we had a very large rack that we stored bundles of aluminum extrusion. Whomever built the rack used 4 swivel casters. The only way to move the rack was with a forklift & the help of a large forked bar that we used to turn each caster before trying to roll the rack.

I would weld up a crow bar for your size of casters as a cheap fix before replacing casters.

 

[thejudges69]

If they stop in mid spin, it could be that the axle hole is not centered in the wheel. When it hits the low spot between axle and floor, it's like trying to push it uphill.

That's what they do. Stop mid spin. I thought it was maybe the polyurethane.

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[thejudges69]

Sounds like you are having trouble getting all 4 casters to swivel for the direction of travel. As an experiment, I would position all 4 casters the same direction (caster brakes toward the front of the table). Now push the table from the front. If the casters are positioned correctly, they won’t try to swivel. The table should move with much less effort because you are not fighting the swivel action of any caster.

At a previous employer we had a very large rack that we stored bundles of aluminum extrusion. Whomever built the rack used 4 swivel casters. The only way to move the rack was with a forklift & the help of a large forked bar that we used to turn each caster before trying to roll the rack.

I would weld up a crow bar for your size of casters as a cheap fix before replacing casters.

Yes, if all 4 are the same direction, it moves easy. As soon as one starts to spin then it's all over. I thought about using something to turn them, but I truly think it would be a losing battle. I'd straighten one, move a little, straighten another and so on. That's why I am wondering if I should maybe do 2 non swivel and 2 swivel, like my toolbox.

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[thejudges69]

check these out, 1000lbs each, glass filled (won't develop flats)...



http://apollocaster.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=65513



heavier duty.....



http://apollocaster.com/product_list.php?cPath=10400&search_term=&search_type=

Any feedback with these?? Or the company??

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[Doug Arthurs]

I would ditch the caster route and buy a used pallet jack. Very useful for moving all kinds of heavy stuff and it looks like your bench's cross bar is all ready for it. I bought a used one for $100. No more then casters and once you have it you can design all your heavy stuff to be moved with it.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I really don't think you'll be happy with air tires. more scrub, plus the longer lever to steer work against you, as well as any low air issues.

Are your feet tabs parallel along the floor? I agree slop is likely the main issue, but if those are bent, it will make it all worse.

 

[WittHay]

We have a A-frame hoist with steel wheel casters on it. Has ball bearings with grease able zerk fittings. You can lift up say 1200 lbs. push one of the corners and it moves easily. Probably better quality bearings with zero deflection. Small rubber tires are actually quite hard to push when loaded as is the normal tool box type wheels.

Few pictures off the net, wheels are solid but not too large. Might do the trick for your work bench

 

[thejudges69]

I would ditch the caster route and buy a used pallet jack. Very useful for moving all kinds of heavy stuff and it looks like your bench's cross bar is all ready for it. I bought a used one for $100. No more then casters and once you have it you can design all your heavy stuff to be moved with it.

I'm currently using my forklift. I really didn't wanna bring another lift into the shop if I could avoid it..

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[The Cobbler]

pcmeiners, thanks for the link to Apollo casters, I will be ordering some stuff from them. tyvm

 

[Wanna Ride]

I have a similar issue with my welding table. The one thing I did that helped a bit was to use a needle fitting on my grease gun and pump the bearing grooves with grease. Not ideal, but it did help.

 

[thejudges69]

I have a similar issue with my welding table. The one thing I did that helped a bit was to use a needle fitting on my grease gun and pump the bearing grooves with grease. Not ideal, but it did help.

Tried that. Didn't help.

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[Wanna Ride]

Tried that. Didn't help.

Sorry, I tried.
Actually, I just wanted to see your avatar one more time.

 

[tarmy]

Get ER Wagner polyeurathane or RWM 47 series...no issues with 1000 lbs bench...about 40 to 50 each...no flat spots...rolls easy and locks down firm...

 

[thejudges69]

Get ER Wagner polyeurathane or RWM 47 series...no issues with 1000 lbs bench...about 40 to 50 each...no flat spots...rolls easy and locks down firm...

Those look good. Where did you get them at? And it looks like you did 4 rotating casters. Any regrets to that?

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[pcmeiners]

Any feedback with these?? Or the company??

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Have them on (9) 59" and 44" Vidmar cabinets approx. 1400lbs loaded for a couple years, these are glass filled wheels so they are ridged and do not develop flats, only negative is the" brake" is plastic, I would not count on it on a work table. Note there are more casters in the other link, higher capacity, with softer wheel surfaces. These are great for my purposes, I have no concerns that they will self destruct over time, or in the middle of moving them which would be dangerous.

 

[farooq12]

air tires is disaster.. dont even think about it.

 

[thejudges69]

I have a local industrial dealer by home. I'm headed there now to see what he has. He said he has several on hand.

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[thejudges69]

Found these at my local industry supply house. No brake on them. But we're seeing what we can order. 29.00 a piece for these.

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[Wamsutta]

Colson 6 inch polyurethane is what I suggest.

 

[fasteddie]

air tires is disaster.. dont even think about it.

Nothing more embarrassing than getting a flat on your workbench.

 

[tarmy]

Found these at my local industry supply house. No brake on them. But we're seeing what we can order. 29.00 a piece for these.

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Brakes are about 8 bucks for those. What I found is the ER Wagner brake system is the best...wheels very good. RWM has excellent wheels...for the 47 series. Both are available on Amazon.

Certain times I have found them for less than 20 bucks there if you are patient.

 

[thejudges69]

Brakes are about 8 bucks for those. What I found is the ER Wagner brake system is the best...wheels very good. RWM has excellent wheels...for the 47 series. Both are available on Amazon.



Certain times I have found them for less than 20 bucks there if you are patient.

Awesome. I was gonna attempt to take the brakes off the wheels I have and see if they will fit. I'm sure I could make them fit!!

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[tncatadjuster]

Colson 6 inch polyurethane is what I suggest.

Great products from Colson, my father was an engineer there for many years.

 

[thejudges69]

What a difference. This bench is damn heavy but I spun it myself. Thank you everyone. Now to get the brakes on it!!

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[rharman]

air tires is disaster.. dont even think about it.

Nothing more embarrassing than getting a flat on your workbench.

AAA guy would certainly give you some trash talk when you called it in.

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

Don’t buy brakes. See those notches on them. Those are for swivel locks. It’s a spring pin that locks the wheel from being able to swivel. Get those from your supplier. You can then lock two wheels straight to steer your table around as you push it or lock tow wheels in different directions. When you lock two wheels in different directions you will not be able to move the bench.