Casters are typically divided into three general categories light duty casters, medium duty casters, and heavy duty casters. These three categories have a fairly broad range within them.
Light duty castes
Are considered multi-purpose casters used for relatively light weight applications. Generally they are found on the bottom of rolling chairs, carts, food service racks, laundry baskets, etc. They have a maximum capacity of 50 to 300 pounds. The wheel size ranges from 2 inches to 5 inches. They come in a variety of mounting options such as top plate, threaded stem, round post, etc. The wheels are made out of several different materials such as solid rubber, polyolefin, polyurethane, etc.
Medium duty casters
Are used in industrial applications where heavy loads are carried around. They have a maximum capacity from 200 to 800 pounds. The wheel size ranges from 3 inches to 8 inches. The mounting options are either threaded steam or top plate. The wheel is made out of semi-steel, solid rubber, polyolefin, polyurethane, etc.
Heavy duty casters
These casters are designed to carry the very heavy loads. They have a maximum capacity from 300 to 1,200 pounds. The wheel size ranges from 4 inches to 10 inches. There is only one mounting style available, top plate. The wheel is made out of steel, solid rubber, polyolefin, polyurethane, etc.
