Light Duty Castors
Australian Wheel & Castors stocks light-duty castors for furniture, display equipment, office trolleys, and domestic applications. Load ratings typically range from 40kg to 150kg per wheel, with wheel diameters from 50mm to 100mm. Swivel, fixed, and braked options are available in nylon, rubber, and polyurethane wheel materials. All orders ship fast across Australia.
Light Duty Castors: Selecting the Right Wheel for Low-Load Applications
Light duty castors cover a wide range of everyday applications, from office chairs and display stands to domestic trolleys and retail fixtures. Getting the specification right means the castor rolls smoothly, protects the floor, and lasts the full service life of the equipment it is fitted to.
Load Rating and Wheel Diameter
Light duty castors are rated from around 40kg to 150kg per wheel. For a four-castor trolley carrying 200kg, each castor needs to handle at least 50kg, with a buffer added for uneven floors. Larger diameter wheels roll more easily over floor joins and thresholds, which matters for trolleys that move frequently across different surfaces.
Wheel Material Options
Nylon wheels are hard-wearing and suit smooth concrete and tile floors. They roll with low resistance and handle moderate loads well. Rubber wheels absorb vibration and grip better on ramps and wet surfaces, though they wear faster under heavy use. Polyurethane combines the durability of nylon with the floor protection of rubber, making it the most versatile choice for indoor commercial environments.
Swivel, Fixed, and Braked Configurations
Swivel castors allow full directional control and suit trolleys that need to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Fixed castors track straight and work best at the rear of a trolley paired with swivel castors at the front. Braked castors lock the wheel or the swivel to hold the equipment in place, which is useful for display stands and service trolleys that need to stay stationary during use.
Mounting Options
Plate-mount castors bolt to a flat surface using four fixing points and suit most trolley and furniture frames. Stem-mount castors insert into a pre-drilled socket and are common on office chairs and lighter display equipment. Matching the mounting type to the existing frame avoids modification work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What load rating do I need for a light duty castor?Divide the total weight of the equipment and its contents by the number of castors. Add at least 20% as a buffer for uneven floors and dynamic loading. For a 120kg trolley on four castors, each castor should be rated for at least 36kg, so a 50kg-rated castor is a practical minimum.
Which wheel material is best for timber floors?Soft rubber or polyurethane wheels are the safest choice for timber floors. They distribute load without concentrating pressure on a small contact point, which prevents denting and surface marking.
Can light duty castors be used outdoors?Some models suit outdoor use on smooth paving, but most light duty castors are designed for indoor surfaces. For outdoor applications, check that the wheel material and bracket are rated for UV exposure and moisture.
What is the difference between a single and double ball bearing swivel?A double ball bearing swivel rotates more smoothly under load and lasts longer in frequent-use applications. Single ball bearing swivels are adequate for lighter loads and less frequent movement.
How do I stop my trolley from rolling on a slope?Fit at least two castors with a total lock brake, which locks both the wheel and the swivel simultaneously. For steeper slopes or heavier loads, brake all four castors.