Product / Technical Questions

How do I choose the right caster or wheel for my application?

You should consider load capacity, floor or surface type, wheel material, caster size (diameter/width), swivel vs. rigid design, mounting type, environment (temperature, chemicals, moisture), and whether you need brakes or locks.

If you don’t know exactly what caster would fit: contact us, give us as much of the above information that you have, and we will recommend you your perfect caster or multiple options that might fit your application.

How do I calculate the load that each caster must support?

Estimate the total weight (equipment + contents), add a safety margin of 10%-20% for example, and divide by the number of casters used. In many cases, uneven floors or loads mean not all casters carry equal weight, so you should choose casters that can carry more than your calculated minimum.

What are the different wheel materials, and when should I use each?

Common materials include polyurethane, rubber, nylon, phenolic, cast iron, steel, etc. Each has tradeoffs in wear, impact resistance, noise, floor protection, chemical resistance, and cost.

What mounting options are available for casters?

Typical mounting styles include:

  • Top plate (bolt-on)
  • Stem (threaded or grip)
  • Bolt-hole / hole mount
  • Hollow-kingpin style
    Some casters have slotted mounting holes to allow for slight placement adjustment.
What is a swivel caster vs. a rigid/fixed caster?

Swivel casters rotate 360° and allow directional changes.

Rigid (fixed) casters only roll forward/backward.
A typical configuration uses two swivels and two rigid casters to balance maneuverability and control.

Do you offer custom or specialized casters (non-standard sizes, materials, etc.)?

 Yes — if your application doesn’t match our standard catalog of available casters, we can design custom casters (adjusting height, bolt pattern, wheel type, mounting, solve for load capacity, etc.).

Why do my casters shimmy or flutter when the load is being pushed or towed?

Shimmy (flutter) often occurs when only a few casters are carrying the load or when the swivel offset (lead) is too short. Extending the lead or adjusting alignment may reduce this effect.

What environmental conditions should I consider (e.g. temperature, chemicals, moisture)?

Harsh conditions can degrade certain materials or bearings. For example, phenolic wheels resist many chemicals, oils, and water. For high temperatures, cast iron/steel may be used, though their load ratings may degrade at very high heat. For the best approach, consider the application needed first, then identify the size and load capacity, followed by the material type to address the surface and environmental impact.

Do you provide CAD or 3D models of your casters?

Yes- we can often supply CAD/STEP files for design integration and evaluation before purchase.

How do I maintain and prolong the life of my casters?
  • Clean regularly to remove debris
  • Lubricate bearings and swivel mechanisms periodically
  • Check for damage (flat spots, cracks, loose hardware)
  • Replace worn-out parts before failure
  • Don’t overload with weight beyond target capacity as certain treads, fork assembly’s, and or raceways may achieve an accelerated fail rate

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

How Soon Will You Ship My Order?

The next business day! Weekday orders processed before 2 PM ET will be shipped out to you the next business day.

If you place an order after 2 PM ET on Friday or over the weekend, we will ship it out by Tuesday. We designed our inventory to be extensive, with plenty of variations and stock. That way, we’re able to not just build your order in a hurry but get it on its way to you as well.

This can change depending on the size of your order. For example, if you place a significantly large order, it might take longer to prepare your order. This is the case for most freight shipments. In the event that we believe there’s even a chance that your order is so large we can’t fulfill it in the next business day, we’ll reach out to you to provide further options.

What is your lead time / delivery time for standard vs custom orders?

Depends upon your location. Once your order ships, you’ll be provided with shipping tracking details in a manner you chose. 

Typically, orders in the south, the northeast, and the central states get there within one to three days after we ship it. Orders in western states tend to take four to five days.

Can I Get My Order Faster? 

If you’re in a time crunch, contact us! We recommend contacting us either right before placing your order or moments after. That way, we can get right to work helping you meet your deadline.

Doing so makes it possible for us to tell you your options. If we have to provide you with further options, we can also let you know.

As business owners ourselves, we understand how tight your deadlines are. It’s just one more reason that we treat your business like it were our own.

Who Are Your Shipping Carriers? 

All major carriers as well as local courier partners. If there’s a carrier that can help us get our casters to our customers, we use it. Primarily, we use UPS and USPS. We’ll pick the carrier in the event your order qualifies for free shipping. When you check out, you’ll select a delivery method, and we’ll take it from there.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! We also ship to Canada and Mexico. At checkout, pick the appropriate options for your location. We primarily use DHL and UPS as our international carrier. 

If you are experiencing issues with the international shipping options, contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What is your return, refund, or warranty policy?

Please refer to the return/ refund/ warranty policy on the website.

How do I request a quote or place a bulk order?

You can submit a request via the Contact Us section and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Can I order spare parts (e.g., wheels, axles, bearings)?

Yes- we stock replacement wheels, forks, housing, brakes, bearings, spacers, etc. Contact us and we can let you know the pricing and shipping information in order to purchase them.

How do I verify that the caster I want fits my machine or equipment?

Our listings all include the caster’s specifications. Please confirm the following parameters when verifying fit: fastening type (bolt hole pattern or stem specs), plate size, mounting dimensions, overall height limit, swivel radius clearance, load capacity, surface type needs, movement directional needs, and any other pertinent details that aid in the verification process.)

Application / Use-Case Questions

Are these casters suitable for my floor type (concrete, tile, wood, etc.)?

Yes- some wheels are more floor-friendly (softer materials) to prevent scratching or marking; harder materials roll easier but may damage delicate floors. Always match wheel hardness/tread to floor material. Please refer to the floor type filter on our website.

Can these casters handle heavy-duty or industrial usage?

Yes- we offer heavy-duty and ultra heavy-duty casters starting with our 6600 Series (including PRO-Teck, Phenolic, and Steel Wheels) rated for high loads and industrial environments.

Can these casters be used outdoors or in wet environments?

Many of our materials resist moisture and many chemicals. We can choose corrosion-resistant finishes or stainless steel parts for outdoor or harsh use.

Can I lock or brake the casters?

Yes- we offer locking mechanisms (wheel brakes, total-lock, and direction locks) to prevent rolling or swiveling when needed.

What happens if a caster gets damaged in service- can it be repaired or replaced?

In many cases, parts can be swapped (wheels, bearings, hardware, etc.). If the damage is severe, we can help you replace the unit or custom-design a replacement to meet your mobility needs. Icon Caster Wheel stands behind its products with a 3-year limited warranty to ensure you keep rolling.

How do I raise or lower the height of my equipment using casters?

We offer different wheel diameters and spacers or lifting accessories to adjust height, as long as there is clearance and proper design considerations. For example, our leveling casters are ideal for lifting, lowering, and leveling equipment with the ease of a hideaway ratchet to set the exact placement with a single side click.