A wheel is a circular object that can rotate around a central axis.

The wheel is composed of the following elements:
1. core
2. coating
3. hub
4. support

Wheels can be made of different materials both for the core and for the coating. They also differ in size, type of sliding and load capacity. For each individual need it is essential to identify the most suitable wheel, with any support.
In this choice it is necessary to take into account the type of use, the environment of use and the load it will have to support.

THE SUPPORT
The support is a connecting element between the wheel and the trolley/machinery/equipment etc. Manually operated wheels are usually not drive wheels but are only intended for towing or pushing operations with manual or mechanical means at reduced speed (max 4 km/h).

There are different types of support depending on the type of rotation and movement that allow:

Rotating supports
Rotating supports rotate around their vertical axis as the direction of travel changes. They can be with a plate, with a through hole, with a smooth pin or threaded pin. All these types of supports can have a built-in brake.

Fixed supports
It cannot rotate, it serves to keep the wheel along a guide line and is only available in the plate version.

On the same trolley/machinery/equipment it is possible to use wheels with different supports to maximize its performance.

For wheels with fixed and rotating supports, it is necessary to securely fasten the wheel to the trolley/equipment/machinery.

The fixing elements present in our wheels are the following:

Plate fixing

to screw, it is recommended for all machinery or flat surfaces. They are used for both light loads and high capacities usually for industrial applications.
Particular attention must be paid to the dimensions of the plate, the fixing hole spacing as well as the diameter of the fixing holes.

Fixing with central hole

This type of fixing has a central hole to screw onto the trolley.
Particular attention must be paid to the diameter of the plate and the diameter of the central hole.

Fixing with threaded shank

The shank is screwed directly into the carriage and secured with a nut. Pay attention to the diameter of the threaded shank and the length of the shank.

Fixing with smooth shank

the shank is fixed directly into a tube or hole. It is used in the case of light-duty wheels.
There is also a version with a clip-on shank: the shank is inserted into a special tube and secured with a spring ring.
Wheels with this type of fixing are quick to mount and are usually used for furniture wheels.
When choosing a shank fastening, the shank diameter and length must be considered.

Installation

• Secure the supports securely at the designated points on the trolley with suitable hardware; use washers or distribution plates where necessary.
• Reinforce the trolley structure at the fixing points.
• Assembly must not deform or alter the functionality of the support.
• Rotating support: axis perfectly perpendicular to the plane of the trolley.
• Fixed support: mount the wheels in pairs while keeping the axes parallel to ensure linear guidance.
• It is possible to use wheels of the same model with different fixings (plate, pin, central hole) if they are compatible with the frame and load capacity.

Correct use

• Observe the load capacity , speed and operating temperature indicated for the wheel and support.
• Distribute the load evenly; avoid specific overloads and impacts against edges or obstacles.
• Use on surfaces suitable for tread diameter and material.
• For mechanical towing or long distances, check the suitability of wheels and supports for the intended use.

Periodic checks and maintenance

• Regular inspections: check the tightness of bolts and nuts, and ensure there are no cracks, deformations, or abnormal play on brackets and plates.
• Check the condition of the wheel (tread, body, bearings/bushings) and replace it in case of uneven wear, cuts or flat spots.
• Lubricate, if applicable, the pivot points of the rotating support and the sliding parts of the wheel according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep rotation areas and mounting holes clean; remove debris that may become caught.
• After impacts or sudden maneuvers, carry out an extraordinary check of the supports, wheels and fixings.
• In humid or aggressive environments, increase the frequency of checks on the finish and evaluate additional protections or versions in more suitable materials (e.g. stainless steel).

Following these instructions improves smoothness and safety, reduces wear and extends the life of wheels and castors.