Which casters are suitable for different types of supermarket carts?

Caster Compatibility Guide for Different Types of Supermarket Carts
The selection of casters for supermarket carts should be based on the cart's functional positioning, usage scenario (such as flooring and load requirements), and customer experience. Caster compatibility varies significantly for different cart types, as follows:

1. Conventional Flatbed Carts (Core Requirements: Lightweight, Quiet, and Durable)
Applicable Scenario: Supermarket dry goods and daily necessities areas, primarily carrying lightweight items such as snacks and daily necessities (usually ≤50kg per cart), typically on smooth tile or epoxy flooring. Caster Compatibility Standards:
Type: Preferred is a swivel + fixed wheel combination (usually two swivels + two fixed wheels). The swivel wheels should have brakes, allowing customers to temporarily stop and organize items, preventing the cart from sliding.
Material: Wheels should be made of polyurethane (PU) with a moderate hardness (65-75 Shore A hardness) to prevent scratches on tile floors and reduce noise levels (≤50dB), enhancing the in-store experience.
Specifications: Wheel diameter 80-100mm, width 25-30mm, with a cold-rolled steel frame (1.5-2mm thickness). Lightweight and capable of bearing sufficient weight, the trolley should not be noticeably jerky when pushed.

2. Double/Multi-Decker Basket Trolley (Core Requirements: Stable load-bearing capacity and anti-rollover)
Applicable Scenario: Suitable for use throughout a comprehensive supermarket, with tiered storage for food, fresh produce, and daily necessities. Single trolleys should have a load capacity of ≤100kg and require frequent maneuvers (such as moving between shelves). Caster Compatibility Standards:
Type: A combination of 4-inch universal wheels (with double ball bearings) and fixed wheels. The universal wheels offer enhanced flexibility, and the dual-bearing design reduces steering resistance, making them suitable for frequent directional adjustments in narrow aisles.
Material: Wheels are made of highly elastic polyurethane (TPU), which offers superior impact resistance compared to standard PU, preventing wheel deformation caused by the concentrated weight of multiple layers of merchandise. The wheel frame is galvanized steel (rust-resistant) for use in humid supermarket environments (such as those near fresh produce areas).
Structure: Casters with an anti-tangle design are preferred to prevent shopping bag strings, hair, and other items from tangling around the wheel axle, leading to jamming and reduced maintenance.

3. Fresh Produce/Cold Chain Carts (Core Requirements: Rust-Resistant, Low-Temperature Resistance, and Slip Resistance)
Applicable Applications: Supermarket fresh produce and cold storage areas (temperatures 0-10°C), carrying meat, fruits, vegetables, and frozen foods, where the floor is prone to accumulation of water or ice. Single-cart load capacity ≤ 80kg. Caster Compatibility Standards:
Type: Choose universal wheels with brakes (with anti-slip treads). The anti-slip treads enhance grip and prevent slipping on wet surfaces. The brakes must be low-temperature resistant (applicable from -20°C to 50°C) to prevent failure.
Material: Choose low-temperature resistant polyurethane wheels (temperature range -30°C to 80°C) to prevent hardening and cracking in low-temperature environments. Choose 304 stainless steel (fully rust-proof) for the wheel frame to prevent rust caused by moisture in the fresh produce area.
Specifications: Wheel diameter: 100-120mm. This increases the contact area with the ground, reduces pressure on wet surfaces, and prevents the wheels from getting stuck in gaps.

4. Heavy-Duty Carts (Core Requirements: High load capacity and wear resistance)
Applicable Scenario: Transporting replenishment from supermarket warehouses to stores, or transporting large items (such as rice, flour, and appliances). Single-cart load capacity ≥ 150kg. Floors are typically concrete or wear-resistant. Caster Compatibility Standards:
Type: Choose a swivel caster with a secondary swivel caster (e.g., 3 swivel casters + 1 swivel caster). The swivel casters enhance linear stability, while the swivel casters are used solely for steering adjustments to prevent damage from overloads under heavy loads.
Material: Wheels are made of a nylon (PA) + rubber composite. The nylon core enhances load-bearing capacity (single wheel load ≥ 80kg), while the rubber outer layer reduces wear and noise on concrete floors. The wheel frame is constructed of thickened cold-rolled steel (3-4mm thick) with reinforced welds to prevent deformation under heavy loads.
Structure: The axle is constructed of thickened 45# steel (diameter ≥ 12mm) with deep-groove ball bearings to enhance bending resistance and accommodate frequent heavy-load transport.