As rubber casters are used, they will lose pieces of tread over time, whereas polyurethane casters tend to have much higher levels of resistance to wear and abrasion. Under controlled tests, polyurethane caster wheels can last up to three times longer than rubber caster wheels.

Catastrophic failures can occur due to caster overheating, damage to the caster wheel hub, or damage to the bearings. Understanding the speed at which the caster will be used in its intended application will help you choose the right caster.

Polypropylene for the least expensive mobility: water resistant, lightweight, but noisy and not easy to roll on rough surfaces or over debris. Rubber includes (TPR) for floor protection, vibration dampening, and noise reduction—step up to polyurethane for greater durability.

Iron Heavy-Duty Casters Nothing beats iron when it comes to force absorption and load-bearing. And, when you have cast iron caster wheels, you can get maximum weight-bearing. These weight casters are ideal for when you are moving large and heavy pieces of equipment.