What are castor wheels
Castor wheels are the simple but essential components that turn heavy, static furniture or equipment into mobile, maneuverable units. At ReadyRack, our castors are built to take loads, roll smoothly, and work reliably — whether you’re shifting a workshop workbench or wheeling a shelf from A to B. As our site puts it, these wheels bring flexibility to your workplace setup, letting you move workbenches, shelving, or storage units “whenever you need them.”
We offer a wide range to suit different applications: heavy‑duty wheels for industrial tasks, lighter wheels for trolleys or carts, and even wheels with locking brakes for when stability is a must.
Whether you need swivel castors, fixed (rigid) wheels, rubber wheels, or brake options, there’s a solution for almost every scenario.
Why choose heavy‑duty castors and “Dandenong wheels and castors” from ReadyRack
Load capacity & strength — Heavy‑duty castors are designed to hold significant weight, giving you confidence when rolling heavy equipment or shelving. At ReadyRack we prioritise load‑rated castors so heavy items move safely and smoothly. ReadyRack+1
Versatility — With swivel, fixed, and brake options, you can tailor mobility to your needs. Swivel castors are great for easy turning and manoeuvring. Fixed castors deliver straight‑line stability. Brake castors give you control — stop movement when you need to.
Mobility for industrial/workshop use — For warehouse shelving, workbenches, or heavy storage, heavy‑duty castors from ReadyRack turn bulky, static units into mobile workstations.
Local availability — Since ReadyRack is based in Dandenong South (Melbourne), our “wheels and castors” are readily available for local delivery around Victoria and Australia-wide shipping for larger orders. ReadyRack
Types of Castor Wheels We Offer
At ReadyRack, we make it simple — pick the castor style that fits your project. Castor options include:
Swivel castors — rotate 360°, ideal for trolleys, workbenches, or units that need to change direction easily.
Rigid (fixed) castors — for straight‑line movement; best for when you want stable directional control.
Brake castors — castors with locking brakes for safety and stability when equipment is stationary.
Heavy‑duty castors — for heavy loads, industrial equipment, or heavy shelving/workbenches.
Light/medium‑duty castors — for trolleys, carts, lighter equipment where heavy load capacity isn’t required.
We also supply castors mounted on base plates — handy when you’re converting existing structures (like longspan shelving) to mobile units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are castor wheels suitable for my application?
If you’re moving anything from light carts to heavy shelving or workbenches, castor wheels are often the easiest way to add mobility. For heavy-duty items or storage units, make sure to choose load-rated, heavy-duty castors (like those ReadyRack supplies). For lighter trolleys or carts, lighter-duty castors might be just fine.
Also, consider whether you need swivel castors for manoeuvrability, or fixed castors for directional stability — and whether a brake is needed for safety.
How to attach castor wheels
- On new builds (or ready-to-fit units): You can have castors pre-installed with base plates or mounting plates on furniture, shelving, or workbenches. ReadyRack offers castors on base plates for longspan frames.
- If retrofitting: You typically bolt or screw the castor plate or base plate onto the underside of the item. Ensure the mounting surface is flat and strong enough to support load + wheels. For heavy-duty units, use correct-rated bolts and baseplates.
- For swivel castors: Ensure the plate is mounted square and level so the wheel swivels freely without drag.
How to change castor wheels
- Turn the equipment upside down or safely lift so wheels are off the ground.
- Unscrew or unbolt the existing castors — make sure you keep any bolts/nuts if you plan to reuse them.
- Align the replacement castor’s mounting plate and bolt it on securely. Tighten evenly across the plate to ensure proper load distribution.
- Lower the equipment — test movement carefully to ensure wheels rotate and (if a brake) lock properly.
Because castors are separate components at ReadyRack, swapping or upgrading castors is often straightforward — no need to replace the entire frame or unit.
How to fit castor wheels
Fitting new castors is similar to changing them — but there are a few things to check beforehand:
- Confirm the total load you expect the castors to carry (unit + contents).
- Choose castor type based on need: swivel for manoeuvrability, brake for safety, fixed for directional stability.
- Use correctly rated castors (load rating, wheel material, bearing type) for your use case (heavy workbench, trolley, storage rack, etc.).
- When bolting on base plate, ensure mounting surface is clean, flat, and strong enough. For heavy-duty applications, base plates should be secured with appropriate bolts.
At ReadyRack, our castors come ready to bolt on — simple installation, minimal fuss.
How to clean castor wheels
Keeping castors clean helps them roll smoothly and lengthens their lifespan. Here’s how:
- Periodically check wheels for buildup of dust, dirt, or debris — especially around the bearing or wheel axle.
- Wipe down wheels with a damp cloth — for rubber or polyurethane wheels, avoid harsh solvents; mild soapy water usually does the trick.
- Check for any tangled hair, string, or fibres that may wrap around the axle; remove carefully.
- Inspect bearings and wheel housings for signs of wear, rust, or damage — especially if used in harsher environments (exposed to oils, acids, or outdoor conditions).
- If wheels become noisy, sticky, or hard to turn, consider replacing them rather than forcing the wheel — especially for heavy-duty castors, where bearings or load-bearing parts might be worn.
Finally
Whether it’s a heavy-duty workshop workbench, a mobile trolley, or storage shelving on wheels, castor wheels are a small but mighty addition that can make a big difference.
At ReadyRack, we supply a broad range of castors — heavy duty, swivel, fixed, brake, light duty — so whatever your project, you can get the right wheels for the job.
Need help picking the right castor for your application, or want to retrofit your existing gear? Give us a call or send a quick email — we’re always happy to help.
Because sometimes the best way to move forward… is just to roll.