Why Buy Casters Made In The USA

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In today’s globalized marketplace, it’s not uncommon to find products from various countries on store shelves. However, when it comes to purchasing casters for your equipment, there are many reasons to choose those made in the USA. Let’s look into the benefits of investing in casters manufactured in the USA.

When you choose casters made in the USA, you can expect exceptional quality. Colson Group’s Albion brand takes pride in crafting their casters with precision and attention to detail. The use of high-quality materials and stringent manufacturing standards ensures that these casters are built to last. Some of their most popular made in the USA caster series include the Albion 16 Series, Albion 310 & 410 Series, Albion 315 & 415 Series, and their newly launched Maintenance Free 28 & 38 Series. By opting for USA-made casters, you can experience longer-lasting mobility, resulting in reduced maintenance and repair costs over time.
 
One of the key advantages of purchasing casters made in the USA is the faster turnaround time. Shepherd Casters offers the Regent High Volume program which provides shipping of up to 10,000 made in the USA units in 2 weeks. By eliminating the need for international shipping, you can significantly reduce the lead time for receiving your casters. Made in the USA casters not only allows for more efficient production processes but also ensures that you can quickly resume your operations without unnecessary delays.

When you invest in casters made in the USA, you gain the confidence that comes with a trusted brand. Albion has been a leader in the material handling industry for over 74 years, earning a solid reputation for delivering innovative, heavy-duty caster products. Albion stands behind the performance of their casters by offering a remarkable 3-year warranty. This level of assurance allows you to have peace of mind, knowing that you’re purchasing from a reliable and trusted source.  

Choosing American-made casters goes beyond the benefits to your business; it also contributes to the overall strength and vitality of the domestic economy. By supporting local manufacturing, you help create job opportunities, foster economic growth, and ensure that the skills and expertise required for producing high-quality casters remain within the country. Buying American-made products is a tangible way to invest in the future of your community and the nation as a whole.  

Investing in casters made in the USA brings numerous advantages. From superior quality and reduced maintenance costs to the trust instilled by a reputable brand, American-made casters offer exceptional value. Additionally, supporting domestic manufacturing bolsters the local economy and secures jobs for the future. When it comes to mobility solutions for your equipment, choose casters made in the USA to ensure durability, reliability, and contribute to the growth of American industry. If you need help finding a Colson Group brand USA made caster for your application, visit https://colsongroupusa.com/contact/.

Introducing HYDROTECH: The New Innovative TPE Alloy

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Colson Group USA is excited to introduce their latest innovation: the HydroTech wheel. These water-resistant wheels are essential for industries where water, moisture, and humidity are present. The HydroTech wheel is formulated to withstand continuous exposure to moisture, significantly increasing its life expectancy compared to TPU wheels.

One of the standout features of the HydroTech wheel is its ability to withstand moisture. Many wheels crack, fall apart, or become unusable with continuous exposure to water, but HydroTech’s TPE alloy ensures the wheel maintains its strength and durability, even in wet or humid environments.

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that occurs when water molecules break down the chemical bonds in a material. The TPE alloy used in the HydroTech wheel is specifically formulated to resist hydrolysis due to its unique formulation and fusion-bonded construction. This makes it a great choice for a variety of applications, including box stores, medical facilities, and industrial settings.

The HydroTech wheel has the same load capacity and rollability as TPU, making it an ideal choice for applications that require high-performance wheels. It also features a design that prevents tread separation and reduces noise related to mechanical interlock failures, ensuring durability and reliability in tough conditions. With an excellent abrasion-resistant 40D (±5) durometer, this wheel can handle heavy loads and provide smooth, efficient movement.

Businesses that choose HydroTech wheels can be confident that they are investing in a reliable and durable product that is designed to last. The wheel comes with an industry-leading 3-year warranty, making it a top choice for industries that require high-performance wheels that can withstand tough conditions, including moisture and hydrolysis. Contact Colson Group today to learn more about HydroTech wheels and how they can benefit your business.

5 Caster Brakes and Their Best Applications

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Caster brakes provide stability and control when moving heavy loads, ensuring that they remain stationary when necessary. There are several types of caster brakes available, each designed to serve a specific purpose. The brake that’s best for you depends on the type of caster and application. In this blog post, we will explore the various types of caster brakes and their uses.

Total Lock Brake

Total lock brakes lock both the swivel and the wheel of the caster, providing the highest level of stability and control. These brakes are commonly used in medical equipment, furniture, and machinery that require complete stability. Total lock brakes are especially useful when transporting fragile or sensitive items that require careful handling.

Directional Lock Brake

Directional lock brakes lock only the swivel of the caster, allowing the wheel to rotate freely. These brakes are commonly used in machinery and equipment that require controlled movement in a specific direction. Directional lock brakes are especially useful when maneuvering heavy loads in tight spaces or when working with sensitive materials.

Side Lock Brake

Side lock brakes lock the wheel of the caster, providing stability and control when moving heavy loads. These brakes are commonly used in industrial equipment, such as dollies, carts, and material handling equipment. Side lock brakes are especially useful when working with heavy loads that require precise positioning and stability.

Face Brake

Face brakes apply pressure to the wheel, locking it in place when necessary. These brakes are commonly used in machinery and equipment that require precise positioning and stability. Face brakes are especially useful when working with delicate or sensitive materials that require careful handling.

Top Lock Brake

Top lock brakes apply pressure to the top of the wheel which creates friction and prevents the wheel from moving. This brake provides stability and control when moving heavy loads. These brakes are commonly used in industrial equipment, such as dollies, carts, and material handling equipment. Top lock brakes are especially useful when working with heavy loads that require precise positioning and stability.

Caster brakes are a key component of many types of equipment and machinery, providing stability and control when moving heavy loads. There are several types of caster brakes available, each designed to serve a specific purpose. Understanding the different types of caster brakes and their uses can help you choose the best brake for your equipment or machinery. If you’re in need of new casters or brakes and have questions about what’s right for you, get in contact with Colson Group today by visiting our contact page.

4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Casters

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In the busy world of your business, casters play an important role in meeting the needs of your customers. Is your equipment not functioning as well as it used to? Do you know whether the casters you use are functioning ergonomically? Let’s look into 4 signs you can watch for that tell you it’s time to replace your casters.

Noise Issues

If you’ve noticed your casters are making loud noises whenever they move, this could be a sign that they need to be replaced. Not having the right wheel tread can cause debris to build up which can result in increased resistance, damage your floors, and create unwanted noise. Noise could be caused by a failure of the ball bearings or the use of incorrect caster wheels. To avoid these noise issues, it’s important to pick a caster that is built for your line of work.

Hard to Move

Has it become more difficult to push your equipment? If you notice resistance to push and pull the equipment manually, it may be time to upgrade the casters and wheels. If you’ve tried applying grease but it hasn’t helped, a replacement may be necessary. If your casters are putting employees at risk of overexertion injuries, it may be good for you to consider investing in a more ergonomic caster.

Corrosion

It’s important to monitor the condition of your casters in case signs of corrosion occur. If you see rust, it’s time to act fast and address it. Corrosion occurs in many environments, but more frequently in environments with chemical exposure and moisture. Read our blog post about preventing corrosion in your casters to learn how you can stop corrosion from occurring before it happens.

Damage

There are many ways a caster can get damaged. Improper use can easily damage the caster due to using the caster in a manner it was not intended to. Overloading the equipment can result in too much strain and can cause damage to your equipment. Damage to the floor such as cuts, scratches, or chips could mean that your caster wheel is damaged or that you are not using the correct one for the job. Check your wheel and casters regularly to look for any noticeable damage like dents or loose pieces.

A functional and well-maintained caster will allow your equipment to operate at its best. This allows workers to do their jobs more efficiently and in a timelier manner. Choosing the right caster is unique to your business. If you are having issues with ergonomics, noise, corrosion, damage, or just figuring out which caster is best for your application, get in contact with Colson Group to find the right solution for you.

Toe Guard Protection

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In the business of day-to-day workplace operations, it’s easy for an employee to have a foot injury due to a heavy cart rolling over a foot.  Heavy carts and wheels can cause serious injuries, but with the help of toe guards this can be prevented.

What Are Toe Guards

Toe guards are a safety accessory that are added to a caster to minimize the risk of injury to the toes, heels, and feet. Toe guards can be made from a variety of different materials including plastic or steel and come in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate different size casters. Casters can be equipped with integral factory installed toe guards or can be installed on existing casters in the field. Toe guards are normally mounted around ½ inch off the floor but can be customized to different heights to fit any application if needed. Toe guards allow the caster to spin freely and the wheel to move within the toe guard without interfering with its movement.

How Do Toe Guards Work

There are different types and designs of toe guards, but their end goal is always to create a cage like barrier around casters that prevents the caster from rolling over objects. Toe guards help to prevent injuries because instead of rolling over your toes, the toes just bump into the toe guard attached to the caster.

Albion Field Installable Toe Guards

If your workplace rolls heavy objects around, toe guards may be a great option for you. Albion’s field installable toe guards are easy to install and there’s no drilling or modification needed to fit existing casters. The guards are available on various wheel diameters and tread widths, making it easy for you to find the perfect guard for your application. Albion’s field installable toe guards are sold as a kit with everything you need for an easy installation, making the installation process simple.

Toe Guards are an important safety feature that can help prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Albion’s Toe Guards are easy to install, no drilling or tapping required, and provide a simple and effective way to improve the safety and performance of your casters. If you want to learn more about the toe guard selection at Colson Group, get in contact today and we’ll find the right solution for you.

Selecting a Heavy Duty Caster

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When it comes to transporting heavy loads, having the right heavy duty equipment is essential. Heavy duty casters are a critical part of many industrial and commercial applications, providing a reliable and efficient means of moving heavy items. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at heavy duty casters, uses, and what to look for when choosing the right caster for your application.

What are Heavy Duty Casters

Heavy duty casters are designed for use in both industrial and commercial settings where heavy loads need to be moved quickly and efficiently. These casters are made from high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand significant loads without breaking or wearing out over time.

Various heavy duty casters are available to fit every application from single wheel swivel and rigid casters, to dual wheel casters for high capacity applications and spring loaded for when protection of equipment is important. Swivel casters are designed to rotate 360 degrees, allowing for easy maneuvering in tight spaces, while rigid casters are fixed in place, providing stability and support for heavier loads. Additional accessories such as swivel lock brakes and toe guards can be added to fit all of your caster needs.

Uses of Heavy Duty Casters

 Heavy duty casters are used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including:

  1. Manufacturing: Heavy duty casters are used to transport heavy equipment, machinery, and raw materials in manufacturing facilities.
  2. Aviation: Heavy duty casters are used to move aircraft and airport equipment, such as baggage carts, fuel tanks, and maintenance equipment.
  3. Warehousing: Heavy duty casters are used to transport large and heavy items, such as pallets, in warehouses and distribution centers.
  4. Automotive: Heavy duty casters are used to transport vehicles in automotive manufacturing and repair facilities.

Choosing the Right Heavy Duty Caster

 When choosing a heavy duty caster, there are several factors to consider. These include:

  1. Load Capacity: A caster will need to be selected that can handle the total weight of the loaded cart. To determine the weight of the caster and the number of casters being used, the capacity needs of the caster is determined by dividing the weight of the loaded cart by one less of the casters used to provide additional safety on uneven floors. For example, if the total cart weight is 1,000 pounds and 4 casters will be used, you’d do 1000/3 = 334 pounds per caster is needed.
  2. Wheel Material: The wheel material should be chosen based on the application. Capacity, temperature, and floor surface are all important when choosing a wheel.
  3. Bearing Type: The bearing type should be chosen based on the speed and frequency of use.
  4. Brake Type: The brake type should be chosen based on the application, such as if the caster will be used on a slope or mainly stationary use.
  5. Swivel vs. Rigid: The choice between a swivel or rigid caster depends on the application. Swivel casters are best for maneuverability, while rigid caster provide greater stability and support for heavier loads.

In conclusion, heavy duty casters are an essential tool for moving heavy items in industrial or commercial settings. When choosing a caster, it’s important to consider that the caster is suitable for your application. A popular heavy duty caster is Albion Maintenance Free casters which offer a best-in-class experience for no hassle casters and provide a long-lasting solution to meet your needs.

With the right caster, you can improve efficiency, safety, and productivity in your workplace. If you need help choosing the best caster for your application, get in contact with Colson Group today and we’ll help you find the right solution.

How Maintenance Free Casters Mean Less Work for You

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No one enjoys spending time and money on maintenance. Many businesses can’t afford to have downtime when a caster isn’t working properly, don’t have the ability to perform regular maintenance on equipment, and need a caster that’s able to withstand tough work environments. It’s in these scenarios maintenance free casters thrive and can provide your business with immense cost saving benefits.

In the industrial caster industry, the term “maintenance free” refers to casters that have a sealed precision ball bearing. The sealed precision bearing makes it so the casters never require a preventative maintenance schedule, which reduces downtime and increases efficiency. These bearings are sealed to keep grease locked in, while keeping contamination out.

Standard casters can last many years with proper maintenance and consistent greasing, the issue at hand is that many facilities don’t have a good maintenance program put in place for wheels and casters. Maintenance free casters eliminates this problem as there is no need for routine maintenance. Maintenance Free casters are designed to be ergonomic, meaning they require minimal start force to be set in motion. For workers, ease of use helps to prevent employee injuries.

Maintenance-free casters are designed for harsh industrial environments and have a long service life. The consistent performance of these casters makes a great choice for industries like automotive, warehousing, tow-lines, AGV’s, Hospitals and more. The new Albion brand launch of Maintenance Free 28 and 38 Series casters are designed for improved ergonomics, long life, and quiet mobility. They also feature wheel options such as polyurethane, rubber, and nylon, to fit your specific hand push or towing requirements.

Colson Group is the global leader and distributor of wheels and casters. Colson Group always wants to continue to innovate and develop products with unparalleled performance and quality that meet our customers’ needs. Reduce your replacement costs and injuries, all while enhancing your manufacturing efficiency with maintenance free casters.

Learn more about our maintenance free casters and their cost saving benefits by getting in contact with us today.

Colson Group’s New Jonesboro Facility

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Colson Group’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Jonesboro is now completely operating at full capacity. While the old plant is being used for distribution, everything else has been transferred to the new building. Through investments made toward the new facility and its capabilities, Colson Group has expanded its production, standards, and improved the working environment for its employees.

More Products Made in the USA

The new 146,640-square-foot manufacturing facility now offers more production capabilities in the United States. Popular casters can now be produced even faster, and the new facility can assemble a wider range of low-volume and special caster products. This has given Colson Group new delivery capabilities with shorter delivery times for products manufactured and shipped directly from the U.S. rather than internationally.

Increased Internal Zinc Plating

There was a huge investment in a new line for zinc plating making it an expansion of the last plant. This investment allows Colson Group to have more product offerings, production lines, and an increase in the internal plating of main products in Jonesboro. It has even given them the capability to plate all Colson Group USA components at the new facility.

Advanced Robotics and Technology Advancements

Over the past year, there was an influx of investments in three new welding robots. Their technological advancements have helped to increase efficiency and product quality. With the addition of new robots and automation, the Jonesboro plant now has the capacity to weld over 2.3 million pieces annually with a 2-shift operation.

Expanded Stamping Production

Three additional manual presses and heavy-duty stamping press lines were added upon the new facility build. This, along with the latest technology in steel stamping lines, has expanded production capabilities. Additionally, the new facility now has a tool and die repair and maintenance area next to the stamping department which is capable of both tool maintenance and quick changeovers.

More Suitable Work Environment

The new plant has given employees a more work suitable and up-to-date environment. There was the addition of an environmentally controlled air system in the new facility. This was designed to maintain the air from various production lines such as capturing smoke and fume handling systems to ensure air quality. Aside from the air system, the lighting is more efficient for visibility purposes, there was a new temperature system installed which heats and cools the production area, and all other amenities are brand new.

In the future, they are looking into investing in enhancing assembly capabilities. Assembly was mainly transferred over from the old facility without much advancement. The goal is to expand and enhance it for efficiency. In terms of output, Colson Group hopes looking forward with investments in production capabilities, they will be able to drastically increase their product outputs in large amounts. This way they can continue to meet demands and exceed the standards expected by customers.

Corrosion Prevention on Your Casters

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When you see rust, you’ve got a problem. Corrosion in casters can occur in a variety of elements and for many different reasons. Moisture in the air, swinging hot and cold temperatures, chemical exposure, and other harsh environmental factors can cause your caster or wheels to corrode. Caster corrosion can leave your caster useless or in need of repair, which can lead to downtime, loss of productivity, unnecessary strain, and sometimes injury. 

Given that most casters are made of metal, from the plate or stem to the wheel bearing or wheel, if any parts of the caster become corroded, it can have a significant impact on its function. Knowing how to prevent corrosion from the start can keep your casters functioning longer and your business productivity moving efficiently.

Various environmental factors can wear casters down quickly and it’s important you monitor the condition of your casters to act fast in the event of corrosion. When there is corrosion in a caster it can lead to failure faster, and failure can lead to injury. For this reason, there are specific casters and wheels designed and carefully tested to withstand severe conditions without wearing down or corroding.

Stainless steel casters are the best option to prevent caster corrosion. Regular steel or zinc-plated metal casters work in traditional applications, but these are far more vulnerable to corrosion in demanding environments. In applications, where there are wide temperature changes in the facility, stainless steel casters are best to withstand these intense temperatures. They are also great for marine environments that encounter salt water. In the medical field, stainless steel casters resist damage from sterilizing chemicals they may meet, and they resist bacteria due to their lack of oxidation.

We understand there may be hesitation with paying more upfront for stainless steel, but in the long run, it will pay off. There’s no sense in buying new casters that will need replacing in a short amount of time. Paying upfront for a caster that can withstand harsh environments will result in better productivity and less downtime in the end. Such as with the Colson D4 Defender Series, designed for customers requiring lasting performance and corrosion resistance.

If you need a replacement or are looking to purchase for the first time, you can trust the knowledge and expertise of Colson Group to provide you with the best casters and wheels for your business, no matter the application or environment. 

Learn more about our stainless steel casters or other options for your business to prevent corrosion by contacting us today.

National Distribution Center Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

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Facility paves the way for expanded U.S. manufacturing capabilities and distribution services

Colson Group USA is celebrating the one-year anniversary of opening its national distribution center (DC) in St. Joseph, Michigan. Opened in 2016, the 170,000-square-foot facility is Colson Group’s first national DC supporting all of its brands of products and is an important part of the company’s One Colson initiative to best position itself for continued growth as the global leader in casters and wheels.

The DC was created and optimized for the distribution and common assembly of Colson Group USA’s broad product offering – functions previously supported within its manufacturing plants. The shift in distribution responsibilities allows the manufacturing plants to further enhance their operational and service responsibilities and better support the group’s leading mix of USA-made products, customer-direct production orders, and regular feeds to the DC. It also allows the company to better leverage significant plant investments for additional made-in-the-USA manufacturing, including the recently released Albion 310 & 410 family of casters.

“Our vision for the DC is to enhance our customers’ experience through faster and more reliable fulfillment, dependable inventory planning and the ability to consolidate shipments from our various brands,” said Colson Group Chief Operating Officer Christopher Cummins. “We continue to advance our systems and procedures daily and have seen great progress – reducing some lead times by as much as 70 percent. We will continue to optimize the DC throughout 2017 with the goal of achieving world-class distribution, exceeding customer needs.”

“Under Cummins’ leadership, the new DC has provided a bright outlook for Colson, as we drive continuous improvement and bring world-class manufacturing to the U.S.,” said Colson Group Chief Executive Officer Tom Blashill. “We are extremely proud of his efforts and of all the hard-working employees at the facility, as this would not be possible without them.”