Caster Wheel
A caster wheel is a simple driven non-flammable wheel which is commonly used in a variety of applications, to facilitate movement of heavier objects. Caster wheels are generally made of iron or steel, and are attached to a frame on the back of a moving vehicle. As the name suggests, the wheel on a caster has a caster at one end, and a socket at the other end, so that it can be used to apply traction to an object while it is being moved.
Caster wheels are available in two basic styles: the semi-pneumatic type, which have a spring-loaded rolling component attached to a fixed spindle; and the flat-free casters, which have no rolling components. (The former type is also sometimes known as the semi-pusher.) The design of both types of casters is almost identical, with the exception of some minor details that may affect operation. Generally, however, both types of caster wheels have the same benefits and drawbacks.
The most common types of caster wheels are the roller and the semi-pneumatic. While both types of wheels are suitable for standard road use, the roller tends to be more popular because it is simpler to use. In addition, it is easier to find rolling style casters in most colors, since manufacturers tend to produce them in white, gray and black, rather than the traditional blue, red and silver that are more common with polyurethane wheels. For this reason, many recreational vehicles (RV's) are fitted with semi-pneumatic caster wheels.
Another popular type of wheel is the swivel caster. The swivel caster consists of two circular pieces, which spin in unison when the handlebar is pressed. The design of most swivel casters is suitable for most common loads; the disadvantage is that they tend to slip and cause brake drag during heavy acceleration. Because the design is simple, this makes them more susceptible to jamming or stalling. If the vehicle has a gas engine, the driver can use a power converter to increase the pressure inside the engine compartment, which could prevent the tires from slipping during high-grip conditions.
Many racetrack operators prefer to use non-swivel Caster wheels, as these are less likely to slip on the track. They are also preferred because of their weight and thickness, which give the operator more steering control. Non-pneumatic casters also tend to offer more caster clearance on straightaways and straights.
In addition to straight and curved paths, there are also inclined roads, which are ideal for single wheel Casters. A majority of these inclined roads are in public parks, and so they usually have some sort of guardrail on the path to prevent vehicle falling off. However, even with these precautions, driver and vehicle should still be cautious around curves and turns as they can cause a skid. Twin wheel casters may even be used for off road applications, though it is not recommended.
