Ball bearings are the perfect way to increase the rolling performance of your casters and wheels. Not only do they improve the rolling capabilities of your wheels but they also make them maintenance free. Ball bearings are sealed and do not require re-greasing. Not having to grease your bearings decreases your maintenance costs and increases your productivity over the long run saving you time and money. Ball bearings come in several different styles that are available for your casters and wheels. These styles are typically referred to as Industrial Ball Bearings, Precision Ball Bearings, Pedestal Precision Ball Bearings and Sealed Precision Ball Bearings. Some of these titles refer to the same bearing type so we will elaborate on their specifics below. Regardless the type, all of these bearing options are fabulous choices for steering your casters toward being maintenance free.
Pedestal Ball Bearings (aka – Industrial Ball Bearings, Pedestal Precision Ball Bearings) are a sealed precision ball bearing that have a built in spanner bushing. Two bearings are used per wheel. Having this built in spanner bushing allows you to assemble these into your caster wheel and secure them in your rig without having to use an additional spanner bushing or worry about binding the wheel. These bearings provide smooth rolling capabilities and help reduce noise while the wheel is in motion. Pedestal Precision Ball Bearings are available in 1-1/2″ and 2″ wide casters and have an operating temperature of up to 250F. These are typically used on a 1/2″ axle caster design. Pedestal Ball Bearings come in both zinc plated and stainless steel options making them a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.
Sealed Precision Ball Bearings (aka – Precision Ball Bearings) come as a two piece combination. In these bearings, steel balls are held in by two sealed and lubricated raceways which have been heat treated for increased strength and durability. Known for its smooth and quite rolling capabilities, this bearing is known to be a favorite for many maintenance free applications. This bearing is the best recommendation for applications that have high speed rotations and high radial thrust exposure. Differing from the pedestal ball bearings, these bearings are used with a spanner bushing or top hat inserts for increased strength during use. Sealed Precision Ball Bearings are available in various different wheel width casters and have an operating temperature of up to 250F. Sealed Precision Ball Bearings come in both zinc plated and stainless steel options making them a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.
Upgrading your wheel bearings to any of these ball bearing options is a great way to improve your caster performance and push toward going maintenance free!
Consulting with your local caster expert will that you find the right maintenance free option for your application.
