In the wild world of wheels and casters, the v-groove wheel stands out. Also known as a track wheel, this special caster wheel has a v-shaped groove along its tread -- like a train wheel. This groove enables movement along a guided course and evenly distributes load weight on its designated track.  The V-groove caster wheel excels anywhere a track is used to guide a load -- at home for DIY sliding barn door projects and on a manufacturing production line. 

When To Use V-Groove Wheels

V-groove wheels are the perfect caster wheel when you need to control load flow or have an application that requires precise movement, like a sliding drawer or door. For production facilities or tow-lines where a load is moved across long distances, v-groove wheels are unmatched in performance.

Limitations of V-Groove Wheels

It is worth mentioning that the biggest limiting factor to v-groove wheels are the very tracks on which they are rolled.  For best results, it is important that:

• The track's surface is smooth and stable
• V-groove wheels are only used on tracks

V-groove wheels are typically installed on the side(s) of the load that will use a track to guide the load.

We highly recommend using a track on only one side of a load.

Using a track on both sides should be used with caution because if the two tracks are not parallel and level, the v-groove wheels may slip off the track or bind up and prevent movement altogether.

Tips for Ordering V-Groove Caster Wheels

When ordering v-groove caster and wheel products, it is important to pick the option best suited to meet your needs. This can be difficult if the caster wheel hasn't been specified by an engineer. If you have uncertainty in which v-groove wheel will meet your needs, don't hesitate to reach out.

How to Choose a Bearing for V-Groove Wheels

When choosing a caster wheel bearing for a v-groove wheel, there are two commonly used bearings -- all-metal roller bearings and tapered bearings.

Roller Bearings:  Rated for large radial loads
Tapered Bearings: Handle large thrust loads and large radial loads

Tapered bearings are often the best choice for towline and track applications. However, keyways are often used for drive wheels in place of a bearing as a low-maintenance alternative when v-groove wheels are used. Keyways are highly customizable.

How to Choose the Best V-Groove Wheel

The hub length of v-groove wheels can be cut or lengthened by using spacers. Metal v-groove wheels come standard with a zerk lubrication fitting. Bore size options are available and typically dependent on the wheel dimensions. V-groove wheel sizes vary from 4" up to 12" in diameter -- and wheel tread width ranges from 2" to 4".

CasterDepot offers a wide selection of v-groove wheels that can meet every heavy duty caster and wheel need, with a huge selection of options and customizations available.

Take a look at some of our more commonly used v-groove offerings in the PDFs below.

• Colson V-Groove Caster Wheels
• Albion 16 Series Casters
• Albion 410 Series Casters
• Hamilton V-Groove Caster Wheels
• Blickle V-Groove Caster Wheels
• Darcor V-Groove Caster Series

Let CasterDepot help you select a reliable and durable v-groove caster and wheels to meet your needs and keep your project on track.

Contact us to get started.