Last updated 2026-11-12
How to choose light- and medium-duty caster wheels: a 7-step guide
A practical selection process for 40–150 kg casters used on trolleys, furniture, medical equipment and other manually propelled applications.
Choosing the right caster starts with the working load, not the wheel's appearance. This guide focuses on JLS light- and medium-duty casters rated 40–150 kg per caster for manually propelled trolleys, furniture, displays, medical equipment and light industrial equipment.
Step 1 — Calculate the load per caster first
Catalogue load ratings are per caster and apply under stated test conditions. Check the product specification rather than treating the nameplate number as a guarantee for every floor and duty cycle.
- Level floor, four casters: allow a practical safety factor of 1.3–1.5 for everyday use.
- Uneven floor, four casters: divide by 3, not 4 — at any moment only three wheels may carry the load.
- Off-centre loads: size the heaviest corner, not the average.
- Impact and thresholds: allow extra margin and describe the operating conditions in your inquiry.
Step 2 — Check the floor before the wheel
Hard treads such as PP and nylon generally roll easily and resist wear, but they can be noisy and less forgiving on coated floors. Resilient treads such as PU, rubber and TPR protect floors and reduce noise, with rolling resistance that varies by compound and load. For epoxy, tile or vinyl in hospitals, hotels and offices, specify a non-marking TPR or PU tread. PP or nylon may be suitable on smooth workshop concrete.
Step 3 — Choose the wheel diameter
Diameter affects obstacle crossing and push effort, but it does not determine capacity by itself. Bracket construction, tread material, bearings and test conditions also matter. Start with the required load, then choose a diameter that clears your thresholds and floor joints within the equipment's height limit.
| JLS example | Wheel Ø | Tread | Rated load | Representative use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLS-0-DHD | 50 mm / 2" | TPR | 40 kg | Furniture, displays, light trolleys |
| JLS-3-SBPU | 75 mm / 3" | PU | 120 kg | Workshop and logistics carts |
| JLS-3-SH | 100 mm / 4" | TPR | 120 kg | Equipment and trolleys |
| JLS-3-SBP | 100 mm / 4" | PP | 150 kg | Shelving, cabinets, workbenches |
These are per-caster ratings from the current JLS catalogue, not universal values for a wheel diameter. Confirm the overall height, mounting and duty conditions on the specific product page.
Step 4 — Confirm the manual-push duty
This guide covers manually propelled equipment, not powered towing. Consider how often and how far the equipment moves, as well as thresholds and frequent starts and stops. For longer routes, prioritise an easy-rolling tread and bearing and a suitable wheel diameter. For powered movement, high temperatures or washdown duty, provide the full duty cycle instead of applying a manual-push rating.
Step 5 — Choose wheel bearings and swivel raceways
Wheel bearings support rotation of the wheel on its axle:
- Plain / bushing — simple, low-maintenance choice for light intermittent duty.
- Roller bearing — a medium-duty option that tolerates impact well.
- Ball bearing — smooth rolling and lower starting effort on many JLS light- and medium-duty models.
- Sealed bearing — helps protect against dust and debris where specified.
Swivel raceways are part of the caster bracket, not the wheel bearing. Single- and double-ball raceways affect swivelling and load distribution. Select the bracket for the required load and manoeuvring needs rather than comparing a raceway as though it were a wheel bearing.
Step 6 — Match the environment
Temperature, chemicals, washdown, hygiene requirements, ESD and floor type can restrict the tread compound and bracket finish. TPR and PU cover many indoor duties, while aggressive chemicals or conductive flooring require a specific review. Include the operating environment in your inquiry so the selected model can be checked against it.
Step 7 — Check the geometry before ordering
Overall height, top plate size, bolt hole spacing, stem thread and swivel radius must match the existing frame. Make these five checks before ordering:
| Mounting | How it fixes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Swivel top plate | Four bolts through a flat plate | Most trolleys, carts and equipment |
| Rigid top plate | Fixed plate, no swivel raceway | Paired with swivel casters for straight tracking |
| Threaded stem | Screws into a tapped socket | Equipment bases and light machinery |
| Grip-ring / expanding stem | Push into a round tube | Tube-leg furniture and OEM frames |
| Top hole (bolt-down) | One bolt through the top | Tube legs and angle-iron frames |
The five mistakes to avoid
- Dividing by four casters on an uneven floor instead of three.
- Using the nameplate load without an appropriate safety factor.
- Averaging an off-centre load instead of sizing the heaviest corner.
- Forgetting the swivel radius — the caster fits the plate but cannot turn inside the frame.
- Guessing the stem or tube size instead of measuring it.
Where to go next
The load capacity chart compares representative JLS models, while the catalogue lists full specifications. You can also send us five details — total weight, caster count, floor type, mounting dimensions and operating environment — and we will reply within 24 hours with a costed recommendation, matching drawing and MOQ.
Zehong Dong — Technical sales manager, JIELISHI
Handles OEM and distribution enquiries for casters — load and mounting selection, sample approval, custom tooling and the production follow-up in between.