5 Reasons Why You Should Inspect Your Heavy Duty Casters Regularly

5 Reasons Why You Should Inspect Your Heavy Duty
Casters Regularly
Heavy duty casters come in a wide range of styles and types, and some offer unique benefits that can improve
production and revenue in specific industries, keep employees safe, or even withstand extreme conditions. However,
casters can only live up to these claims when they are inspected regularly. Here are five of the top reasons to inspect
your heavy duty casters regularly.
#1 – Reduced Downtime
One of the most important reasons to inspect your casters regularly involves reducing downtime caused by preventable
issues and failures. Inspections and maintenance should be scheduled in such a way that they do not impact
production/productivity, such as on a rotating schedule or when the specific department is not operating. By keeping
casters clear of debris, tightened, and lubricated during these times, you can greatly reduce the amount of downtime
unexpected failures can cause.
#2 – Fewer Employee Injuries
Regular caster inspections allow employees to catch potential issues that could lead to employee injuries. These issues
might include things like a loose top plate, a broken swivel, or a brake that does not properly hold a load in place during
loading. Reducing employee injuries not only keeps productivity at its peak, but it also reduces your costs and improves
workplace morale a great deal. Employee injuries lead to significantly higher insurance premiums, which can cost you a
great deal depending on your industry and your payroll.
#3 – Less Frequent Replacements/Longer Lifespan
Though today’s casters are designed with state-of-the-art materials like steel and polyurethane, failing to maintain them
will cause excessive wear. In turn, this will lead to more frequent replacements due to failure and/or unsafe operating
conditions. When you take the time to regularly inspect your casters, you extend their lifespan a great deal, which can
save you a great deal of time and money in the long run.
#4 – Reduced Floor Damage
Aside from preventing injury, inspecting your casters regularly can also reduce floor damage. As the tread on casters
wears down, the metal it covers becomes closer and closer to the flooring below. Eventually, the tread will wear away
completely and leave the metal in direct contact. This can lead to scratches and scrapes that can be unsightly or even
dangerous in certain environments.
#5 – Less Noise and Vibration
Noise exposure is an important consideration in every industry, particularly in large, wide-open production areas filled
with machinery and numerous carts or racks on the move at any given time. Inspecting your casters for things like
excessive play, worn tread, and loose bolts is important for reducing the amount of noise they create. Though one noisy
caster may not seem like a significant issue, when numerous casters, pieces of equipment, forklifts, and more are all
making noise at the same time, it can quickly exceed noise limits and lead to permanent hearing loss.
Inspecting your casters frequently may seem like an annoyance, but in truth it’s one of the best ways to prevent
employee injury, save money, and improve your company’s production. Schedule your inspections on a rotating
schedule or during scheduled downtime in order to reduce the impact such inspections might have on your operations.