How should I choose casters for supermarket shelves?

The selection of casters for supermarket shelves should focus on four core requirements: load-bearing reliability, mobility, floor adaptability, and safety and stability. This decision should be made based on the shelf type, frequency of use, and environmental characteristics.

Primarily, accurately match the load capacity and allow for a safety margin: Plastic brackets and PU wheels are recommended for light shelves (single-layer load ≤ 100kg); cold-rolled steel brackets and reinforced PU wheels are recommended for medium shelves (100-300kg); and alloy brackets and nylon/cast iron wheels are essential for heavy shelves (≥ 300kg). The load capacity per wheel is calculated as (shelf weight + cargo weight) divided by the number of casters × 1.2-1.5, and only qualified products should be selected.

The wheel and bracket materials should balance durability and floor protection: PU wheels are quiet and scratch-resistant for tile/epoxy floors; nylon/cast iron wheels are impact-resistant for cement floors; and stainless steel brackets are used for rust protection in humid areas. Bracket thickness for medium and larger shelves should be ≥ 2.5mm. High-strength materials such as Q235 are recommended for heavy shelves.

In terms of functional configuration, all casters must have dual brakes (wheel brake + steering brake) to ensure stable locking. A "2 universal + 2 fixed" combination is recommended, and deep-groove ball bearings are preferred for universal casters to enhance flexibility. The wheel diameter should be 75-100mm to avoid small diameters that may cause binding or indentation.

Secure installation is required: Use screw-type casters for pre-hole locations; use baseplate casters for locations without holes. Choose casters with dust covers and sealing rings, and lubricate them regularly for maintenance. Prefer brands that have passed load-bearing tests to eliminate safety hazards.

In short, supermarket shelving casters must meet "load-bearing standards, be made of suitable materials, have reliable brakes, and be securely mounted" to achieve a balance between safety and efficiency.