Whether you operate an educational facility or a manufacturing warehouse, it's likely that a significant amount of your mobile equipment is placed on heavy duty steel casters. It's easy to forget about regular steel caster maintenance -- but malfunctioning steel casters can make it difficult or even dangerous to use your equipment. Here are a few easy ways to make sure that your steel casters still function as they should.
1. Tighten The Screws
Over time, all screws can eventually loosen, especially on equipment that is frequently moved. A loose wheel can come undone, causing equipment to tip over and ultimately leading to property damage or injury. Make sure to periodically tighten the screws on your heavy duty casters -- once every few months should keep them safe and secured.
2. Grease the Components
There are two major moving components with a steel caster: the angle of the wheel, which controls the direction of the equipment, and the rotation of the wheel, which allows the wheel to roll. Without proper greasing, you may find that your casters begin to stick. Either the equipment will not move at all, or it will move erratically, often drifting in one direction. You can resolve this by greasing the wheels whenever you feel them sticking.
3. Clean the Wheels
Caster wheels will often eventually collect dirt and debris, making it difficult for them to turn. This dirt and debris can eventually contribute to the erosion or rusting of the metal parts, which will require replacement more frequently. To avoid the associated maintenance issues, the wheels should be frequently cleaned -- especially if the equipment is used in a dusty or high volume area. If the wheels are ever cleaned with a degreasing product, however, the wheels should be subsequently greased before the equipment is returned into service.
4. Inspect for Damage
Incorporating caster wheel inspections into your ordinary equipment inspections can cut down on the amount of issues that you experience related to your mobile equipment. Employees should look for rust, dents, and other visible damage, and should test to make sure that the casters are rolling smoothly and that the equipment travels in a straight line. If any irregularities are discovered, the equipment should be appropriately repaired.
Apart from the above steps, keep extra casters around in the applicable sizes to swap them out as necessary. This will prevent potentially dangerous equipment from remaining in use. Though casters may not be easily noticeable, they can still cause substantial damage if they fail. By following routine maintenance and inspection protocols, you can both address issues before they become dangerous and make your equipment easier to use.
