Selecting the correct heavy duty castor wheels is not only an issue of convenience but also of safety, efficiency, and long-term cost savings when you are handling goods as weighty as 1000 kg. Still, many companies make avoidable mistakes during the choosing process that result in inadequate performance, regular replacements, or even equipment breakdown.
These are the seven most common mistakes to avoid when purchasing 1000 kg heavy duty castor wheels so you can make a confident and wise purchase.
- Ignoring Load Distribution
Assuming that every castor will carry an equal share of the whole load is one of the most often made misconceptions by consumers. Actually, not all castors distribute the weight fairly depending on changing floor surfaces or moving weight. Mostly speaking, you should:
Calculate load capacity per castor using:
(Total load / Number of castors) × 1.3 safety factor
For a 1000 kg trolley with 4 wheels:
- 1000 kg / 4 = 250 kg per wheel
- 250 kg × 1.3 = 325 kg per wheel (minimum rating)
Always round up and select a castor rated slightly higher than the calculated need. For a more detailed calculation based on load type, speeds and usage please download our catalog and head to selection of the castor wheel section.
2. Choosing the Wrong Wheel Material
Not all wheel materials perform equally, especially under heavy loads. Certain materials can damage flooring or fail early on. Here is a fast comparison for applications requiring 1000 kg:
Material Best For Avoid If
Polyurethane (PU) Indoor use, smooth floors, quiet operation Extreme heat or oil exposure
Nylon Heavy loads, durable, low-cost Noise-sensitive areas, delicate floors
Rubber Shock absorption, rough surfaces Heavy static loads – rubber compresses
Cast Iron High heat, rough industrial use Smooth or tiled floors – may cause damage
Make sure the wheel material matches your flooring type and environment.
3. Overlooking Floor Conditions
If your workspace includes ramps, cracks, or thresholds, your wheels should be large and strong enough to roll over them without jamming or cracking. For example, hard wheels (such as cast iron or nylon) perform well on rough concrete..
4. Neglecting Braking and Swivel Options.
For 1000 kg applications, braking and maneuverability become critical – especially if you’re transferring the load manually.
Castors come in three basic forms:
Roll straight, for directional stability using fixed castors.
Rotate 360° and have mobility with swivel castors.
Swivel with brake: Provide locking feature for both wheel and swivel.
Mistake to prevent:
Purchasing all swivel castors can lead to equipment “drifting” or difficult control.
Best stability and movement come from using two fixed and two swivel castors.
5. Forgetting About Bearings
The bearing type inside the wheel impacts how smoothly and efficiently your load moves.
Bearing Type Pros Cons
Plain Bearing Simple, cheap, low maintenance Not great for frequent movement
Roller Bearing Good for heavy loads and frequent use Requires some maintenance
Ball Bearing Very smooth rolling, best for maneuverability Can be more expensive and delicate
For 1000 kg loads that need regular movement, roller or ball bearings are generally preferred.
6.Neglecting Environmental Elements
You could have the wheel type and weight capacity appropriate, but castor wheels can wear out quickly if you neglect your working surroundings.
Important elements of the environment include:
Temperature: PU and rubber break down under intense heat. For ovens or heat-exposed areas, pick cast iron or phenolic wheels.
Chemicals: Use cast iron or nylon wheels if you run into oil, grease, or strong cleansers.
Moisture: Choose sealed bearings and stainless-steel housings for wet or outside settings.
Always review product specs for ratings of temperature and chemical resistance.
7.Prioritizing Cost Over Quality
Budget is important, however purchasing the least expensive castor wheels usually results in:
More rapid wear and damage Regular replacements
Equipment out of commission. Safety hazards
Rather, take overall cost of ownership into account, including work hours, upkeep, and longevity. Over time, investing in a quality brand or product with warranties pays off.
Final Thoughts
One-size-fits-all is not what heavy duty castor wheels for 1000 kg loads offer. Every usage case and surroundings is unique. You guarantee safe, seamless, and long-lasting performance by avoiding these seven mistakes—from material mismatches to disregarding environment and load variables.
