Overview of caster brakes types and applications

The type of caster brakes you use should fit the application and increase safety in your operations. Caster brakes do more than just stop a transport unit, they help to secure and stabilize the unit and cargo. There are several different types of brakes available. Here is an overview of the main types and their usual applications.

The wrap around brake

The wrap around brake uses a steel box frame that surrounds the entire caster wheel. It is suspended from the caster unit and the frame is narrow and wide enough that it does not interfere with the operation of the wheel, nor will this brake style add to the width of the overall transport unit. The main advantage of this style of brake over other types of caster brakes is it allows for the manipulation of the braking mechanism from any side. The brake moves with the caster so the orientation of the wheel does not affect the braking capability. When your transport areas need quick and sure brake control, this wrap around style can be the best to choose.

The single side brake

Very common on most of the medium duty caster sets, this is what most people imagine when they think of caster brakes. The single side brake is mounted on the outside of the caster wheel and is toed for on or off operation. It adds minimum width to the entire castor unit. It is not dependent on wheel orientation, but it can be hard to use if the wheel is turned. These are common on the 6 to 12 inch diameter medium duty caster wheels and found in most facilities or plants where braking is more of a controlled event.

Polyurethane Cam Brake

This is one of the most popular caster brakes styles. It features a polyurethane cam roller attached to a steel brake shoe pad that is activated by toe control. With the wheel straight, the cam and control are located to the rear of the tire so there is no additional width added to the transport unit. The full pressure of the brake shoe allows for highly secure stopping of the unit as well.

Pneumatic Poly-Cam Brake

This is the standard poly cam caster brakes system with a difference. It offers the same single motion positive brake application, but it is designed specifically for use with pneumatic tires. This means there is more pressure applied to seat the brake shoe against the softer tire of the caster to ensure adequate stopping. This is a single direction brake, which means the brake lever is located to the rear of the tire requiring the wheel to face so the lever is accessible for toe control.

Heavy Duty Tread Brake

As the name implies these caster brakes are appropriate for heavy duty wheels. They have a broad toe control lever and are mounted to the caster wheel set. The lubrication and threads are managed in the manufacturing facility, but can also be serviced on site. This is the highest level of brake control you can have for heavy loads. It is rear mounted to the caster brake assembly so there is no additional width added to the transport unit too.

Face Contact Brake

This brake can provide a highly secure stopping power for heavy loads. It is ideal for units that experience shifting during on and off-loading as it is capable of providing added security. The caster brakes are controlled by a hand turned wheel to lock and unlock the braking system.

Dual side brake

One of the more cost effective braking systems, these caster brakes use toe control levers mounted on each side of the wheel axle. Both levers must be operated for the unit to be in the fully stopped position.

Cam Brake

Simple and effective, these caster brakes use a wide mounted toe control lever on the outside of the axle that can effectively secure lighter loads. They do add to the width of the overall transport unit so care must be taken in narrow access areas. These are very common on light duty transport units in open environments. These caster brakes are also cost effective solutions for companies with lighter transport loads.

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Author is an expert article writer who has written many articles related to production and industries.Currently he is writing an article on casters and wheels.