At a 30,000 foot level, there are two main categories of plate casters: swivel and rigid.  Swivel casters are further divided by the way the rig’s raceway is constructed.  Let’s take a closer look at the most common types.

Kingpin - Kingpin casters rely on a kingpin to hold the upper and lower raceways together. Designed to rotate 360°, they can respond immediately to changes in direction. Kingpin casters are a great choice if working in tight spaces or when maneuverability is needed.

Kingpinless casters rely on load bearings to hold the outer and inner raceways together rather than on a traditional kingpin. The ergonomic kingpinless design reduces caster failure and allows for heavier loads, more abusive applications, and higher towing speeds.

Maintenance free rigs feature sealed precision ball bearings that never require preventative maintenance. And because debris is kept out of the upper bearing, maintenance free casters often last longer and reduce downtime. They offer a smooth, consistent swivel, and can be an excellent choice for both towline and ergonomic applications.

Rigid casters are fixed (do not rotate).  They are excellent for straight-line travel and can typically hold more weight than equivalently sized swivel casters.  Rigid casters are often used in conjunction with swivel casters to allow directional change.