No matter how sturdy the scaffold is, if the ‘feet’ are unstable, it is only a skeleton that can easily overturn at any time. The key to transforming scaffolding from a “fixed frame” to a “movable platform” lies in the four inconspicuous casters. Today, we aim the camera at these “feet” and reorganize how they make the construction site run fast and brake steadily.
1. Self cultivation of a caster wheel
1). Capable of carrying: High quality casters can support a single dynamic load of up to 500 kg, with four wheels capable of bearing weight simultaneously, and an overall safety factor of ≥ 2.
2). Able to run: Equipped with double ball bearings, capable of carrying loads with rolling resistance less than 1%, female workers can also push 6-meter gantry frames with one hand.
3). Stable: The wheel surface has a Shore hardness of 50A – 55D, which balances shock absorption and grip. It is suitable for cement, epoxy, and ceramic tile floors.
4). Capable of braking: Full metal pedal, dual spring reset, one step locks, braking force ≥ 300 N, no slip after 24 hours of static load.
5). Energy saving: Plug in quick installation, complete replacement in 10 seconds; Maintenance free lubricating grease, oil free throughout the entire lifecycle from -30 ℃ to 120 ℃.
2. Braking=Lifeline – Data doesn’t lie
Among the 47 scaffold slip accidents in China in 2023, 43 occurred in working conditions where brake wheels were not equipped or brakes failed. After activating the brake wheels, the additional fixing time for workers was reduced from an average of 18 minutes to 30 seconds, saving 11% of labor costs. Under the condition of a 5 ° slope and a wind speed of 8 m/s, the lateral slip of the brake casters is less than 2 mm, and the non brake group slips 47 mm in 30 minutes.
3. Typical scenario of ‘matching seats’
1). Exterior wall real stone paint: The building is 80 meters high and is pushed in three working surfaces in a cyclic manner. The brake wheels allow the frame to rise during the day and lock at night, without the need for repeated disassembly and assembly.
2). Maintenance of the hotel lobby chandelier: The marble floor is susceptible to scratches, and polyurethane seamless wheels and brakes are used for noise free propulsion and positioning without displacement.
3). Industrial plant repair: There is a small amount of engine oil on the ground, and the standard nylon wheels are prone to slipping. Rubber anti-skid pulleys and brakes have been used instead, with 24-hour uninterrupted maintenance and zero accidents.
4. Installation and Debugging 4-step Method
① See: Confirm that the gap between the diameter of the insertion rod and the inner diameter of the upright rod is ≤ 1 mm to prevent shaking.
② Step on: When unloaded, step on the brake and use a horizontal force of 5 kg to push the frame. If it does not slide, it is considered qualified.
③ Flip: Load 1.5 times the rated weight, then release the brake. The casters should rotate freely 360 ° without any obstruction.
④ Label: Attach a green “inspected” label on the side of the pedal, indicating the tester and date, and conduct a re inspection every 30 days.
5. The next stop in the market – ‘Intelligent Wheels’ are on the road
Mechanical: Equipped with a height adjustment worm, it can be leveled with a single wheel within a range of 10 mm, solving the problem of ground height difference.
Electronic: The spokes are implanted with RFID, and the usage times are automatically recorded when entering and leaving the work area, with mandatory maintenance prompts for up to 50000 times.
Hydraulic type: Foot hydraulic support foot, automatically unloads to the support foot after bearing weight, and the casters no longer bear force, achieving a “wheel rest” extension of life by three times.
Conclusion
Scaffold casters are not “supporting role”, but switches that convert “overhead risk” into “controllable operation”. Only by choosing the right wheels can the frame have “life” and the workers be “down-to-earth”. Next time you see a moving scaffold, why not look down at those four wheels – they are quietly carrying the safety and efficiency of the entire construction site.
Post time: Nov-21-2025
