Product Information

Anatomy Of A Caster

anatomy of a caster
Base & Bracket Assembly

A. King Pin
The essential ingredient. Can be nut and bolt, riveted, or staked.

B. Top Plate
Sometimes referred to as the base plate. Usually has four mounting holes.

C. Top Cup & Raceway
With double ball bearing swivels, the upper raceway carries the load and the wider the better.

D. Bracket
May be stamped, cast, welded, drop forged, etc. Referred toas the yoke, rig, horn, etc.

E. Lubrication
A fitting may be provided for greasing the raceways.

F. Lower Cup & Raceway
The lower raceway allows for more ball contact, absorbs side thrust, and affords better swiveling action.

G. King Pin Nut
Can be tightened for lower tolerances on nut and bolt style kingpin.

H. Size & Tread Width
For example, a 6 x 2 wheel is 6” diameter, with a 2” tread width or wheel face.

I. Lubrication, Hub
A fitting is sometimes located in the hub for anti-friction bearings.

J. Wheel Bearing
Can be Plain, Delrin, Oilite, Anti-Friction: Roller, Ball, or Timken.

K. Spanner Bushing
Round, cylindrical. Spans between the bracket legs, within the bearing and over the axle, allowing the wheel to rotate.

L. Lubrication Axle
If desired, lubrication can be applied through the axle, through the spanner, and into the antifriction bearing.

Nut and bolt axles can be replaced. Shouldered types do not necessarily require a spanner.

Mounting Arrangements

4 Swivel

4 Swivel

Great Maneuverability. Ideal for confined areas.

2 Swivel, 2 Rigid

2 Swivel, 2 Rigid

Super Steering. Trails well and corners easily.

Diamond Pattern (4 Rigid)

Diamond Pattern (4 Rigid)

Tilt type. No swivels necessary. Turns on center wheels. Economical.

Diamond Pattern (2 Swivel, 2 Rigid)

Diamond Pattern (2 Swivel, 2 Rigid)

Turns easily. Can be mounted level or tilted.

6 Wheeler (4 Swivel, 2 Rigid)

6 Wheeler (4 Swivel, 2 Rigid)

Ideal for heavy loads. Turns on a dime.

Wagon Style (2 Rigids, 2 Wheels Only)

Wagon Style (2 Rigids, 2 Wheels Only)

Wheels mounted to steering gear for trailer-type loads.

Caster Brakes

'SK' Super Lock Brake

‘SK’ Super Lock

The “SK” brake locks the wheel and the swivel simultaneously with a touch of the toe. A cam-actuated spring mechanism engages the serrated lower swivel area and also applies pressure on the wheel surface. Quick release. Super positive braking action. Available with the Light Medium 050 and 060 Series, the Medium Duty 070 Series, as well as the Medium Heavy Duty 200 Series. Stem models in the series listed above are also available with this super locking mechanism.

‘WK’ Brake

‘WK’ Brake

This is a simple and effective wheel brake design. Press one lever with a touch of the toe, and pressure is applied against the hub of the wheel in order to lock securely. Press other arm of lever to release.

‘WB’ Brake

‘WB’ Brake

The “WB” Brake has been designed for heavier duty casters, affording positive locking action against the wheel. By pressing “Down” on the handle, the cam action locks the brake shoe positively against two pressure points— the wheel surface and a specially contoured steel bar. Release “Up” and you’re ready to roll.

Axle Bearing Assembly Instructions

Shouldered With Plain, Delrin, or Oilite Bearings

Shouldered With Plain, Delrin, or Oilite Bearings

Shouldered part provides its own spanner.

Straight Axle For Flange Ball Bearings

Straight Axle For Flange Ball Bearings

No spanner necessary.

Zerk through hub or axle.

Shouldered For Butt Ball Bearings

Shouldered For Butt Ball Bearings

Has self-contained spanner.

Grease through axle only.

Shouldered With Roller Bearings

Shouldered With Roller Bearings

Spanner is virtually always used. Zerk through axle.

Straight Axle With Roller Bearings

Straight Axle With Roller Bearings

Spanner used. Zerk through hub or axle.

Straight Axle With Timken Bearings

Straight Axle With Timken Bearings

Bearing rides directly on axle.

Zerk through hub only.

Shouldered Axles Catalog Number
Shoulder x Length Plain Axles Fits Caster Size Category Classification
1/4 x 5/16 x 1-1/8 040518-AP 760-2, 020-2 & 3"
1/4 x 5/16 x 1-9/32 040521-AP 020-4, 5"
1/4 x 5/16 x 1-19/32 040526-AP 760-2-1/2, 050-2-1/2
1/4 x 5/16 x 1-29/32 040528-AP 760-2-1/2-WK, 050-2-1/2-WK Shouldered Axles
1/4 x 5/16 x 2-5/32 040535-AP 020-2-DW, 020-3-DW
1/4 x 5/16 x 2.47 040640-AP 020-2-DW-WK, 3-DW-WK Plain Axles
5/16 x 3/8 x 1-25/32 050628-AP 760-3, 050-3 to 6, 060-3 to 6"
5/16 x 3/8 x 1-13/16 050629-AP 061-3 to 6"
5/16 x 3/8 x 3-23/64 050654-AP 050-4-DW, 060-3-DW
5/16 x 3/8 x 1-25/32 050628-AZ 760-3, 050-3 to 6, 060-3 to 6" Shouldered Zerked
5/16 x 3/8 x 1-13/16 050629-AZ 061-3 to 6" Axles Axles
Straight Axles Catalog Number
O.D. x Length Plain Axles Fits Caster Size Category Classification
3/8-16 x 2-1/2 060040-AP 760-4, 070-4
1/2-13 x 2-11/16 080043-AP 070-5, 6", 080-3
1/2-13 x 3-1/16 080049-AP 200,290 Straight Plain
3/4-10 x 3-3/4 120060-AP 300
3/4-10 x 4-1/2 120072-AP 400, 400-8UW
3/4 - 10 x 5-1/2 120088-AP 10,12" Full Pneumatic Axles Axles
1 - 8 x 5 160080-AP 500,600,700
1-1/4-12 x 6-1/2 200104-AP 800, 900
Straight Axles Catalog Number
O.D. x Length Zerk Axles Fits Caster Size Category Classification
3/8 - 16 x 2-1/2 060040-AZ 760-4, 070-4
1/2 - 13 x 2-11/16 080043-AZ 070-5, 6", 080-3 Straight Zerked
1/2 - 13 x 3-1/16 080049-AZ 200,290 Axles Axles

Important Safety & Maintenance Tips

Important Notice!

You must advise and pass this information along to those who will use the casters. Place the proper instructions on your product to relay this information to the user of your product.

Casters are a consumable item. Just like any other consumable item, when they wear down their life is over and they should be replaced. Material handling equipment users, in general, are responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment they use.

  • DO NOT overload or drop heavy loads on carts or trucks.
  • DO NOT use on rough or obstructed floors.
  • DO NOT use at speeds over five miles per hour.

For the proper operation of your Payson casters, we recommend you develop a regular maintenance schedule for the following:

Casters (Base & Bracket Assembly)
  • Check the swivel assembly to see if excessive play exists due to wear. If the swivel assembly is loose, it should be replaced. If the caster has a king bolt nut, do not retighten. If it is loose, it is worn and should be scrapped. If the swivel assembly does not turn freely, replace it. If the rigid or swivel bracket is bent or distorted, replace immediately.
  • Caster brakes or swivel locks should be checked at each use to ensure proper working order. Damaged or inoperative parts must be replaced immediately.
  • Tighten loose bolts and nuts, and look for broken welds.
  • Always use lock nuts or lock washers.
  • Examine the frame, platform, legs, or equipment for any distortions, bending, or other damage. Discontinue use and replace immediately.
Check wheels and replace at the first sign of any problem including:
  • Flat spots—may be caused by a build-up of string, thread, etc., which bind the wheel (Use thread guards to delay build-up of these materials.)
  • Badly worn or “chunked out” tires can also cause erratic steering and a very rough ride.
  • Fractured or cracked hubs caused by sudden shock or overload.
  • Relubricate on a regular schedule according to the environment of the application.
  • Frequent cart washings may require lubrication after each washing.
  • Regular lubrication adds to the life and performance of wheel and swivel bearings.

Contact Us

Payson Casters provides precision-engineered casters, wheels, and material handling solutions you can trust. Partner with us to keep your equipment and teams moving efficiently.

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