Buying Guide of the Week: Carts, Trucks & Dollies
How do I figure out what caster capacity I need?
Divide the total loaded weight, including the cart itself, by three, then add at least 20%. A 3,000 lb cart needs casters rated 1,200 lbs each, not 750.
Why divide by three when the cart has four casters?
Because floors are never perfectly flat and frames flex. At any moment, one caster is carrying little or nothing while the other three take the load.
Which wheels are safe for an epoxy floor?
Non-marking polyurethane or soft rubber. Phenolic and cast iron wheels can mark finished floors, though phenolic is the right call in hot areas, rated to 450°F and above.
Why is my cart so hard to push?
Usually small wheels or worn bearings. Starting a cart shouldn't take more than about 50 pounds of force, and larger diameter wheels are the cheapest fix.
The full guide also covers swivel vs rigid layouts, why to ask for total-lock brakes, how a 2,000 lb wire shelf unit drops to 600 to 1,200 lbs on casters, and when powered carts make sense.
Read the full Carts, Trucks & Dollies Buying Guide
Caster sizing and push force figures are industry guidance, not regulation, and should be confirmed against the caster manufacturer’s ratings.