The Science Behind Shock-Reducing Casters and Their Benefits

Shock-absorbing casters reduce the shock that equipment and carts experience as they roll across rough surfaces. This helps protect fragile cargo.

Shock-absorbing casters also help improve worker safety and productivity. They prevent injuries and accidents while reducing noise and wear on flooring.

Reduced Aeration of Hydraulic Fluid

Air bubbles in hydraulic fluid have the potential to cause several problems. These include unacceptable noise, poor component response due to the spongy behavior of the aerated fluid, cavitation damage, and severe fluid degradation.

Air can enter a system through perished pump seals, damaged pipe connectors, and leaking suction lines. It can also be introduced by ambient contaminants such as dust, dirt, and debris.

Aeration can be prevented by maintaining the correct hydraulic fluid level, using proper filtration, and repairing any leaks as soon as they are detected. In addition, the reservoir should be adequately bled to remove trapped air and maintain atmospheric pressure.

Keeping the system clean and ensuring that any trapped air is bled away will also improve oil quality and extend the life of the equipment. This will save maintenance time and reduce the likelihood of a breakdown.

Reduced Body Roll

Shock reducing casters help reduce body roll by absorbing shock and vibration caused by frequent directional changes, uneven flooring, and debris. This helps reduce employee injury and protects sensitive loads while moving.

Body roll is a common problem for most cars. Whether it is due to a loose suspension, worn tires, or a damaged brake system, this is something that all drivers can do their part to avoid.

Generally, the amount of body roll will be determined by a combination of the suspension setup, weight, and vehicle size. For example, a high center of gravity (CG) will result in more body roll than a low CG.

One of the best ways to control body roll is to lower the ride height by installing coil overs. This allows the driver to tune the damping, spring rate, and ride size to suit their driving style.

Reduced Noise

Shock-reducing casters use a different system than fixed wheel casters to absorb impact. They have springs that deflect when pressure is applied to them.

Shock-absorbing casters are especially useful when transporting equipment on an uneven floor. If you’re using a caster without shock-absorbing features, then when it encounters an irregular surface (such as a bumpy road or cracked floor), it would usually jolt the cart or vehicle and cause it to tumble down.

Thankfully, shock-absorbing casters reduce the noise that comes with this impact. And they do so in a way that’s safe for workers.

Shock-absorbing casters are perfect for various industries, including medical, food, and chemical laboratories. They can protect expensive and sensitive equipment from damage when moving around.

Reduced Wear

Shock-absorbing casters can reduce shock load on delicate or sensitive equipment. They offer a smooth ride on carts and racks, making transporting items easier and reducing the risk of injury or damage.

Some casters are more susceptible to wear and tear than others, primarily if they must be appropriately maintained. This can lead to expensive repairs and replacements, so choosing a high-quality caster that can withstand your application’s demands is essential.

When abrasion or corrosion occurs, rolling resistance(RR) increases due to changes in a caster’s contact patch or surface area. This is especially true if the bearings are corrupted or damaged. Alternatively, bearing drag might increase a caster’s RR.