Caster maintenance program

Hello,

I just did a Google search online and found a couple sites with some information so I condensed what I found into the below paragraphs. Apologies if this is too much information. I wanted to make sure you find what you are looking for:

How often the following actions are taken depends on how often the equipment is used. It is a good idea to start by doing it once a week and then rely on experience to decide how often it is necessary in the future.

• Make sure that the casters are free in their movements (as clogging by debris can occur) and that the tread or caster is not damaged. Also ensure that the casters are firmly secured to the chassis.

Front Casters - Clean debris from casters and test for smooth rolling.

Rear Casters - Clean and remove debris. Check to make sure the brakes are working properly and that the wheels are firmly attached.

It is recommended that scaffold caster brakes be tested daily or before each use of the equipment. Apply brakes one at a time and attempt to move the equipment to make sure that each brake is not slipping or loose. If brakes slip due to worn or damaged wheels, replace the wheels immediately, and re-test the brakes. If the brake mechanism itself is not operating properly, repair or

replace it. Always re-test brakes immediately after repairs or replacement, before returning equipment to use.

If you have an open raceway, you're more apt to have debris collect there, and this requires more maintenance. If your casters tend to attract lint, hair and debris, this creates several different problems. R&B Wire Products introduced the "Clean Wheel System" more than three years ago, and this has revolutionized the way this problem is dealt with - and has made this caster almost maintenance-free.

Some casters have heat-treated yolks with sealed raceways that lessen the chance for debris to get inside the raceway thus minimizing friction and enhancing the life of the caster. Heat treating enhances the hardness of the steel and prevents the bearings from scoring (creating a groove in) the metal, especially as the lubricant dissipates and creates metal debris in the raceway - further complicating effectiveness and longevity.

You can use a spray lubricant such as a silicon spray to help in the short term. WD-40 is not a good solution, because it acts as a degreaser and will defeat your intent.

Last resort, you can open the raceway, clean the bearings and repack them with grease, but an open raceway will ultimately yield to the same problem again and again

Hope this helps, but let me know if it doesn't.

Jenn

I don't know of any recommended maintenance schedule for casters. I believe you could make a policy and proceedure for a department. Anybody have experience with this?