Schwalb Produkte
Schwalb Produkte

Castor arrangements


There are different ways of arranging the castors because of the different requirements concerning the maneuvering ability of a transport device.

Here is an overview of the most common castor arrangements including their advantages and disadvantages.

2 swivel castors and 2 fixed castors with same overall height

This is the most common castor arrangement.
Another alternative: instead of two fixed castors, two wheels could be mounted on one axle.

Advantages:
+ good going straight ahead
+ good going around bends

Disadvantages:
- poor maneuvering ability in tight spaces


4 swivel castors with the same overall height

Advantages:
+ good maneuvering ability in tight spaces
+ on the spot rotating

Disadvantages:
- poor maneuvering ablility going straight ahead
(possible improvement: using 2 direction locks).


3 swivel castors with the same overall height

Advantages:
+ good maneuvering ability in tight spaces
+ on the spot rotating

Disadvantages:
- poor maneuvering ability going straight ahead
(possible improvement: using 2 direction locks)
- device can tilt easily!


2 swivel and 2 fixed castors, slightly higher overall height of the fixed castors

Another alternative: mounting 2 wheels on one axle instead of the 2 fixed castors.

Advantages:
+ good going straight ahead
+ good going around bends
+ on the spot rotating
+ good maneuvering ability in tight spaces

Disadvantages:
- device can tilt easily!


4 fixed castors, the 2 in the middle with a slightly higher overall height

Another alternative: instead of 2 fixed castors, 2 wheels could be mounted on one axle.

Advantages:
+ good going straight ahead
+ inexspensive

Disadvantages:
- device can tilt easily!


4 swivel castors and 2 fixed castors with a same overall height

Another alternative: instead of 2 fixed castors, 2 wheels could be mounted on one axle.

Advantages:
+ good load distribution on long devices
+ good going straight ahead
+ good going around bends

Disadvantages:
- most expensive