Guide and Manual

Construction of the bearing in Swivel head of a Caster

Maneuverability and flexibility are the most important advantages for every caster. The swivel bearing determines how easy and frictionless it works. The offset, wheel diameter and in particular the construction of the back bearing determine the swivel properties.

Of the various constructions, these below are the 5 most common types:

Plain
Single ball
Double ball
Precision
Deep-groove

Plain bearing


The structure is just a cylindrical steel tube that can be rotated 360°.

Pros: Super low cost. Simple structure.

Cons: Super low load capacity. Weak to foreign force.

Applications: Housings with plain bearings are particularly suited for low to average loads (e. g. chair and furniture castors)

Feida 50 Plate, Twin wheel Caster

In stock

­ ­ ­
50 67 25
14.000 
Small institutional twin wheel caster. Made for light duty usage, the quality of the caster is quite acceptable. Smooth cover, the PP plastic is made thick and firm and very easy to roll. Can be used as spare parts for rolling chairs.

Single ball Collar


The plate is rotate on the spherical steel ball bearings placed in a circular groove.

Pros: Low cost. The structure is not too complicated.

Cons: Low load capacity, less durable in the event of a collision.

Applications: Used in Light duty Casters of Economical (cheap) China brands such as BIAO, PENCAL, FEIDA, YL, etc.

China 50 Plate, Affordable Rubber Caster

Out of stock

­ ­ ­
50 65 20
11.000 13.500 
Just acceptable quality: steel bracket is thin a little low load capacity. The caster is not too durable as it has only one ball bearing raceway in swivel head so if overload or by foreign force the bearing ball may fall out.

Double ball Collar


The plate is rotate on the spherical steel ball bearings placed in two vertical circular grooves.

Pros: The double ball collar reduces the friction in the housing, which occurs during tilting and makes the system run more smoothly

Cons: For Medium and Heavy duty Casters only. Price costs is higher than the Single ball Collar.

Applications: High-quality brands apply Double ball Collar structure to even the smallest casters. For example, GLOBE and SUPO (start from the smallest Ø25 mm) and Phong Thanh, Gia Cuong Thinh (Ø50 or more):

All the Medium duty and Heavy duty Casters all adopt the Double ball Collar structure.

SUPO 75 Plate, Brown TPR Caster

In stock

­ ­ ­
75 106 80
93.000 129.000 
Newer designs that focus on enhanced durability & using experience. Please be noted that with the Dust-proof ring and Upper ball race way the Caster can last longer but require less maintenance effort. A real rising rival (!)

GLOBE 150 PU on Cast iron Caster (Korea Style)

In stock

­ ­ ­
150 193 350
312.000 436.000 
6.0 mm thickness steel bracket combines with Korean style Cast-iron core PU wheel. This wheel is round so it will move and rotate much easier compare to the normal flat American version. Plastic cover hubs and grease nipple are equipped.

Precision ball bearing


Adopt a precision ball bearing inside the structure.

Pros: Smooth and quiet operation. Less friction, less noise. Durable & reliable.

Cons: High cost.

Applications: Castors for sensitive laboratory equipment and hospital beds demand maximum noise reduction and smooth running. Or in AGV because of low radius and stability.


Deep-groove ball thrust roller bearing


The swivel head is a combination of bearing ball and directional tapered ball to ensure smooth rotation even under heavy loads.

Pros: Easy to rotate, easy to operate even under maximum load. Less friction, less noise. Durable.

Cons: Very high cost.

Applications: With Extra Heavy duty Casters, the Deep-groove ball thrust roller bearing is mandatory. Because with high load pressure, even the Double ball Collar structure creates significantly high friction, which can easily cause wear and reduce operating life.


The blue print of a SUPO's Ultra Heavy duty Caster

Patent image of SUPO. Do not alter or delete sources

Globe 200 Extra Heavy Duty, Magenta PU Caster

In stock

­ ­ ­
200 250 600
753.000 913.000 
CNC-machined precision raceways and precision tapered secondary load bearings combine to make the casters rugged and easy swiveling. With PU tread wheel, the casters will create less noise and help protect your surface.

SUPO 250 Ultra Heavy duty, White PA Caster

In stock

­ ­ ­
250 330 2500
5.199.000 6.994.000 
Very thick, that is true for both steel bracket and PA wheel. The caster itself is heavy and have strength to support up to few tons per caster. The Swivel head is combined of Flat and Cone Bearing so you will have no trouble operating.