Castor Mounting and Control Guide: Swivel, Fixed, Brakes and Directional Locks

Top Plate and Bolt Hole Are Mounting Methods

A top plate spreads the attachment across a defined bolt pattern. A bolt-hole castor uses a central mounting connection. Check plate size, bolt centers, hole size, fastener grade and equipment structure instead of choosing by appearance.

Swivel and Fixed Control Direction

Swivel castors maneuver in changing directions, while fixed castors track in one direction. Equipment layouts often combine both, but the correct arrangement depends on frame length, aisle space, towing direction and required turning radius.

Total, Tail and Central Brakes

A total brake generally locks wheel rotation and swivel movement. Tail brake describes a pedal arrangement used on selected swivel groups. Central-brake systems operate multiple castors through a linked control and require a compatible equipment design.

Understand Parking and Service Control

Many castor brakes are intended to hold stationary equipment rather than stop a moving loaded frame. Define slope, operating speed, stopping expectation and emergency procedure before selecting a brake. Do not use a parking brake as a substitute for a designed service-braking system.

Directional Locks

A directional lock can temporarily make a swivel castor track like a fixed castor. It can improve straight-line handling while preserving maneuverability when released. The lock position and engagement method must suit the direction of travel and operator access.

Check Overall Height and Frame Geometry

All castors in one layout need compatible overall height, mounting and load rating. Compare bracket offset and swivel radius with the frame, nearby guards and pedals so the selected castor can rotate without interference.

Validate the Complete Layout

Test the loaded equipment for starting, turning, straight tracking, braking and release on the real floor. Inspect mounting bolts and frame movement after repeated cycles, especially on long or high-load frames.

Select Compatible Variants

Choose control versions from the same product group and verify overall height, offset, rated load and mounting. Send a drawing or castor layout, loaded weight, floor, speed and quantity with the RFQ.