What is the difference between swivel castors and fixed castors?

Swivel castors feature a vertical rotation mechanism that allows them to turn 360 degrees, enabling equipment to move in any direction and manoeuvre easily in tight spaces. Fixed castors (also called rigid castors or bock castors) can only roll in a straight line, providing excellent directional stability but no turning capability. Most professional transport equipment combines both types: typically two swivel castors at the rear for manoeuvrability and two fixed castors at the front for straight-line tracking stability. This configuration balances ease of steering with predictable straight-line movement, making it ideal for flight cases, equipment racks, and stage platforms in event technology applications.

What load capacity do I need for my swivel castors?

To determine the required load capacity for swivel castors, calculate the total weight of your equipment plus its maximum load, divide by the number of castors, then multiply by a safety factor of at least 1.5. For example, a 200 kg flight case on four castors requires each castor to support 50 kg, but with the safety factor you should select castors rated for at least 75 kg each. Professional practice recommends choosing 100 kg rated castors for this application to account for dynamic loads during movement, uneven weight distribution, and the impact forces that occur when rolling over obstacles. Blue Wheel and Riggatec professional castors are available with load capacities ranging from 50 kg to 700 kg per wheel, ensuring you can find the right solution for any event technology application.

Can I combine swivel castors and fixed castors on the same equipment?

Yes, combining swivel and fixed castors is the standard configuration for most professional transport equipment in event technology. The most common arrangement uses two swivel castors at the rear (the pushing end) and two fixed castors at the front. This combination provides excellent straight-line stability from the fixed castors while the rear swivel castors enable easy steering and manoeuvring. The fixed castors act as a directional guide, preventing the equipment from wandering during long straight movements, while the swivel castors allow you to change direction smoothly. For maximum manoeuvrability in very tight spaces, you can use four swivel castors, but in this configuration at least two should be equipped with total-lock brakes to ensure stability when the equipment is parked.

What are swivel castors with brakes and when do I need them?

Swivel castors with brakes feature locking mechanisms that prevent unwanted movement when equipment is parked or in use. Total-lock brakes (also called dual-action brakes) are the professional standard for event technology – they simultaneously lock both the wheel rotation and the swivel mechanism, completely immobilising the equipment in all directions. These brakes are essential for mixing console positions, lighting control desks, speaker stacks, and any equipment that must remain absolutely stationary during operation. Simple wheel brakes lock only the wheel rotation while the castor can still swivel, providing less security. Professional swivel castors from Riggatec and Blue Wheel feature foot-operated brake pedals that are easily accessible even in low-light conditions and can be operated while wearing work boots, making them ideal for fast-paced event setups.

Which swivel castors are suitable for heavy-duty applications?

Heavy-duty swivel castors for professional event technology applications require reinforced construction, high-capacity bearings, and durable wheel materials. The Blue Wheel series offers heavy-duty models with load capacities up to 700 kg per wheel, featuring extra-wide polyurethane treads (50 mm width) that distribute weight evenly and protect venue flooring. These castors incorporate double-row ball bearing races in the swivel mechanism and sealed precision bearings in the wheel hub to ensure smooth operation under extreme loads. Riggatec heavy-duty swivel castors feature welded steel fork construction with corrosion-resistant coating and shock-absorbing polyurethane wheels rated for continuous professional touring use. For stage platforms, truss transport carts, and heavy equipment racks, select castors with wheel diameters of 125–200 mm and load ratings that exceed your calculated requirement by at least 50 percent to ensure long-term reliability.

What does a professional swivel castor cost?

Professional swivel castors for event technology applications typically range from €15 to €80 per castor, depending on load capacity, wheel material, bearing quality, and brake features. Standard polyurethane swivel castors with 100 mm diameter wheels and 100 kg load capacity cost approximately €20–€30 each. Heavy-duty models with 125–150 mm wheels, 200–300 kg load capacity, and total-lock brakes range from €40–€60 per castor. Premium Blue Wheel heavy-duty castors with load capacities up to 700 kg can cost €70–€80 each. While these prices are higher than standard industrial or furniture castors, professional event technology castors offer significantly better durability, smoother operation, and longer service life under demanding touring conditions. At LTT, you benefit from competitive pricing, expert technical advice, and free shipping on orders over €69, making professional-grade castors accessible for every budget.

Which swivel castors are best for flight cases?

Flight cases require swivel castors that combine high load capacity, smooth rolling, floor protection, and durability under constant touring conditions. Polyurethane wheels with Shore hardness 92A–95A offer the best all-round performance: they provide excellent load capacity (typically 80–150 kg per 100 mm wheel), minimal rolling resistance, good shock absorption, and resistance to oils and solvents. Wheel diameter should be 100–125 mm for optimal obstacle-crossing capability over cables and threshold strips. The ideal configuration for most flight cases uses two swivel castors with total-lock brakes at the rear and two fixed castors at the front, providing both manoeuvrability and straight-line stability. Riggatec and Blue Wheel professional flight case castors feature sealed bearings, reinforced mounting plates, and non-marking wheel compounds that protect venue flooring while delivering reliable performance through thousands of load-in and load-out cycles.

How do I maintain swivel castors for long service life?

Regular maintenance significantly extends the service life of professional swivel castors. Inspect mounting bolts for tightness before each tour or major event, and check the mounting surface for cracks or damage. Clean wheels and swivel mechanisms regularly to remove accumulated dirt, cable residue, and debris that can interfere with smooth operation. While most professional castors feature sealed bearings that require no lubrication, the swivel mechanism may benefit from occasional application of dry lubricant spray to the bearing race. Check brake operation to ensure pedals return fully and brake pads engage positively. Listen for unusual noises during movement – grinding sounds indicate bearing wear, while clicking or rattling suggests loose mountings. Replace castors when wheels show significant flat spots, when bearings feel rough or binding, or when brake mechanisms no longer hold securely. Riggatec and Blue Wheel professional castors are designed for long service life, but proactive maintenance ensures they deliver reliable performance throughout their operational lifetime.

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Riggatec swivel castor 100mm BLUE WHEEL

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