Blog | Casters, Conveyors, Pallet Rack | Conveyer & Caster - Equipment for Industry

Merry Christmas from Conveyer & Caster

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:18:00 +0000

As the holidays descend upon us, and we look forward to a new year, I find it appropriate to extend a hearty thank you for a wonderful year.

We celebrated quite a milestone this year, our 50^th anniversary. And as part of that celebration we felt it important to give back to the community that has supported us. We challenged our associates to give as much as they could. We provided a match of their gift to a charity of their choice. Also, as a team, we chose the Salvation Army Harbor Light Complex to be the recipient of our corporate and team gift. On December 9, 2011, we presented Beau Hill, Executive Director of Salvation Army Harbor Light, a gift of $5,000.

I hope that this holiday season finds you and your family happy, healthy, and warm; and that the New Year brings you happiness and success.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,

Jeff Stohr

P.S We're encouraging all who can to give a little to the Salvation Army Harbor Light Complex.

Donate Now

New Catalog!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:12:00 +0000

We've been working hard on our new catalog. It's finally done. It's off to the printer right now for a press proof and then it's off to the races. But for now, you can grab a sneak peek through our Issuu copy below:

To download the entire catalog in one big old pdf, click here.

Hard Wheels, Soft Wheels; Round Wheels, Flat Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Fri, 13 May 2011 19:14:00 +0000

Last month we talked about wheel size in relationship to rollability. Big wheels, assuming they are sized properly for the application, are easier to roll than small wheels. Today we’ll look at the tread material, where the rubber meets the road. (I apologize for that).

Wheels come with a variety of tread materials: Forged Steel, Cast Iron, Phenolic, Polypropylene, Polyurethane, Thermoplastic Rubber, Neoprene Rubber, Mold-on Natural Rubber, just to name a few. We could spend days going over the advantages, disadvantages, concerns, and general properties of each tread material; we like wheels. But to spare you, and hopefully keep your attention, we’ll stick to the basics. For most caster users, it’s not important to know each wheel and each wheels unique characteristics. We can group this in two ways: Tread Hardness and Tread Flatness.

First let’s talk about hardness. A hard wheels is much easier to push than a soft wheel; this is due to deflection. As the load on a soft wheel tread increases, the tread material flattens out. When this happens a greater surface area of the wheel comes in contact with the floor. In order to break static friction you have to push pretty hard. A hard wheel doesn’t deflect under load, and therefore the added force required due to an increased load is reduced. But don’t go out and buy forged steel wheels right away. There are other implications of a hard tread material, like a lack of floor protection. We’ll cover that in the next issue.

Now let’s get to tread flatness. Our casters come with flat, crowned or round tread wheels. A flatter tread, generally speaking, is harder to push than a rounder tread. This follows a similar principle to tread hardness. A flat tread has more surface area in contact with the ground than does a round tread. A round tread caster, more or less, has a single point contact. With a single point of contact, overcoming the force of friction is nearly effortless, even under a heavy load. But that being said, a round tread wheel has a lower capacity than a flat tread wheel. That’s why we have crowned tread wheels. They offer small surface contact but similar capacities to flat tread wheels.

Each application is different, and has different requirements. But for most a crowned tread, harder wheel, will perform excellently. Consult our caster experts with your application to get the right caster the first time.

Bigger is better, right?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:31:00 +0000

The Right Wheel Size Matters

I’m sure you can remember a time when this happened to you:

You’re at the grocery store getting soda for the big family picnic, you’ve got 8 cases in the cart and you are ready to head to the checkout line. Hands on the handle bar, feet firmly against the ground, you push and nothing. The cart doesn’t budge. You pull back, it starts to roll, finally, and you are on your way.

This story is repeated day in and day out all over the place. Not just in grocery stores, but in factories, warehouses, and offices. The reason for it is simple, the wheels just aren’t big enough for the load. This month’s tip focuses on wheel size selection in respect to application.
Wheel size selection is critical when specifying a caster. A wheel has many dimensions by which we measure it, but for today’s discussion we’ll focus on one: diameter. We could keep this short and sweet by saying, “A big wheel is easier to push than a small wheel.” But that isn’t the entire story. It’s true, but it’s not the right answer.
It is true that a bigger wheel is easier to roll than a small wheel. But, if that were the only consideration, you wouldn’t be seated on a chair with 2” or 3” diameter wheels; you’d be sitting on 12” diameter wheels. Imagine getting in and out of your chair! It would most likely end up on the other side of your office. Beyond that it would weigh getting on a couple hundred pounds! What this tells us is that application matters just as much as our rule of thumb. A small office cart does not need 8” x 2” medium duty industrial casters with polyurethane on iron wheels. It most likely needs a 3” or 4” diameter wheel in an institutional rig.
The size of the cart matters as well. A small cart needs small wheels, a big cart needs big wheels. That’s a rule of thumb we can go with. It’s pretty true and correct most of the time. An office mail cart, as stated before, needs 3” or 4” wheels. An 8’ long cart for moving aluminum automotive wheels will probably need 8” or bigger wheels. There is another size that matters too, height. If you have a high cart that is on a narrow or short base, consider smaller wheels. A larger wheel will raise the center of gravity up from the ground. A higher center of gravity increases the likelihood of the cart tipping over.
So when selecting your wheel for an application, consider that wheel size should be in proportion to load and cart dimensions. There rarely is one right answer for a caster application, but some answers are more right than others, just think of the 12” diameter wheels you are not sitting on right now. When you’re faced with selecting casters for a cart, give us a call at 800-836-0630, we’re here to help make this simple and easy. Our trained sales staff has experience with nearly every kind of caster and cart.

Check out our new online Caster Store

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:28:00 +0000

Earlier this week we turned on our newest addition to our web presence, www.casterspecialists.com. With new functionality, added information, and a whole new look and feel, we think it’s ready for the world.

To celebrate the launch, we are offering 15% off your first order from Caster Specialists, now through April 30,2011! Just use promo code LAUNCH15OFF at checkout.

Let us know what you think of it by using the Contact us link at the top of every page. We appreciate any and all feedback.

Boy is that cart hard to push!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:26:00 +0000

We’ve all had it happen, a cart is loaded up, you go to push it, and nothing. It ended up taking a lot more force to get the cart rolling than you thought it would. It’s not an incorrect estimation on your part; it’s most likely that casters on the cart are misapplied. There are a few quick ways to solve this problem.

First things first, try to lighten the load. Sometimes this is easier said than done. But, when you consider the consequences of pushing too hard, it may be worth two trips. If that’s not an option, we have some alternatives.

If you can’t lighten the load, consider changing the casters, if it is an ongoing problem. Generally speaking, there are two rules of thumb with casters and wheels regarding what we call “rollability”. First, the bigger the wheel - the easier it is to push. Second, hard wheels roll better than soft wheels. So, if you’re cart has, say 4” wheels, consider going to a 6” wheel. If it has thermoplastic gray rubber wheels, consider a polyurethane tread wheel.

If you already have a big, hard wheel in the caster, it may be the bearing. Bearings, in relation to rollability, fall in this order (best to worst):

Precision Ball Bearing
Roller Bearing
Delrin Bearing
Plain Bore
Tapered Bearing

A precision ball bearing is incredibly easy to roll, sometimes too easy. So if your casters have roller bearings, a change to a precision ball bearing may help you out.

Finally, your rigs may be over loaded; specifically the swivel rigs. Swivel sections have ball bearings and when the load is too high, the ball bearings cut into the raceway, making it hard to move; also it can permanently damage the rig. Heavier applications require heavier duty rigs.

Take a look at our whitepaper on the Ergonomics of Material Handling in our Technical Library.

If you are experiencing these problems, give our trained sales team a call at 800-836-0600. We’ll be happy to help you figure out a quick solution that will fit your budget.

Spiffy New Product in Stock from MedCaster!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:25:00 +0000

We’ve partnered with MedCaster to stock some great products, which are just now arriving at our warehouse. MedCaster’s product was originally developed for the Medical Industry, as their name might suggest. But, they have been found to be an excellent fit in institutional, office, food service and light manufacturing.

Take a look at this handy brochure!

You can buy them online today, as well!

A Stunning Victory by the Cavs

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:48:00 +0000

This afternoon, Detrick Payne, our warehouse manager took pleasure in crossing off Number 11 on our Countdown to the Championship banner. “It was an awesome game LeBron, Shaq and the team really came together!” said Detrick.

Although this victory was tempered by Sundays loss, it was a great game for the Cavs, with a final score of 124-96.

Go Cavs!

5 Down, 11 to Go! Go Cavs!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:25:00 +0000

This morning, Mike Hudak of Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry had the pleasure of marking off Number 12 on our Countdown to the Championship banner.

It was an impressive game Saturday night, a come from behind victory, sparked by Mo Williams first dunk as a Cavalier!

And to boot, LeBron James was named MVP that same day!

Go Cavs!

All Together with the Cavs

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:52:00 +0000

The Cleveland Cavaliers are working hard to clinch the NBA Championship title. To help them along their way, Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry, with help from the Cavaliers and Central Graphics Group, have put up a countdown to the win banner.

We caught Jeff Stohr, the President of Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry crossing off number 13.“With the slogan for the playoffs run being ‘All Together’ this year, we thought it would be great to throw our support behind the Cavs and the community,” said Jeff.

Mike Hudak, who came up with the idea said, “I really hope we can cross out all the numbers this year, it would be great for the Cavs and it would mean so much for the community!”

All it takes is 16 games to bring the Championship to its rightful home in Cleveland! Drive or stop by our offices at 3501 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio to take a look.

Thanks again, QC Industries!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:48:00 +0000

As the reigning firsties champion of the material handling world, QC Industries once again beat us to the punch in publishing a post about an article in which we were featured. Maybe it’s better that way, letting some one else send the praises.

The article is from the MHEDA Journal, an online publication put out by the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association, or MHEDA. The article, entitled “The Rules Have Changed”, (we are number 4, so about 1/2 the way down) discusses how old business perceptions are changing as we move forward. Our President, Jeff Stohr, wrote the article, and a highly unflattering picture of this author is featured. Jeff wrote on social media, the internet, and blogging. We take pride in our online presence, our Facebook page, twitter feed, this blog and our website are all part of our new marketing strategy.

We are glad to have partner’s like QC Industries out here with us.

Technical Article: Why Kingpinless Swivel Casters?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:19:00 +0000

In heavy duty applications, the single biggest cause of caster failure is failure of the kingpin. Kingpinless casters have been around for a while, and the subject of a previous blog post, but we decided it would be a good idea to go more in depth. We produced a technical article that does just that. Take a read!

New Article - How to Measure a Caster Stem

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:38:00 +0000

We've heard from our customers that one of their biggest frustrations is ordering the wrong caster stem. You know how it goes, you get the box from the delivery driver, open it up, they look right. Then you take off the old ones and they don't fit. You know how this story ends.

So to help, we've created a new guide to help get the right measurements, the first time. Using two common tools, an adjustable wrench and a ruler, you will be able to get the right dimensions of a grip ring or threaded stem (by far the most common types).

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to let us know.

A Polish Lunch and Polka

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:08:00 +0000

We’d like to extend a special thanks to two of our employees, Ed Glynn and Mike Hudak. Our spirits needed lifting, and they rose to the occasion. They put together an unofficial Poland Day lunch. We weren’t quite sure why they chose Poland, but it all became clear this afternoon. Ed’s father, Tom Glynn, is a proficient player of the Accordion, he studied under Ed Stefani! An excellent lunch, and a great time, indeed.

Thanks again!

Rallying behind John Marshall

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000

In December, Dave Colbert, the Coach of the Boys Basketball Team at John Marshall High School, passed suddenly. Alfrado Jackson, a former employee and nephew of Colbert, took over coaching the team. He has been assisted by Tyrone Williams and Detrick Payne, both current employees of Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry.

Upon hearing this news, the staff at Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry began raising funds to help the team.

Read the article for more

IT/Marketing Manger in MHEDA EDGE

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Gable) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Brian Harrington, our IT/Marketing Manager, was featured in the latest edition of MHEDA EDGE in the Meet a Young Leader section of their monthly newsletter. At Conveyer & Caster-Equipment for Industry, we are very fortunate to have somebody with his abilities and talents available to us on a full time basis. Having Brian as part of our team puts us in a great position to have success going forward as we deal with the everchanging marketplace.

Lyon Tool Storage on Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:57:00 +0000

We’ve partnered with our friends at Lyon Workspace products to bring some great deals on Tool Storage. We have 6 great products available including:

Cart Style Tool Storage (Pictured Left)
Mobile Work Centers
Shop Tool Storage
Industrial Roller Tool Cabinets

Click here for more details.

Weatherhead 100 – 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:43:00 +0000

Recently, Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry was named to the Weatherhead 100 as one of the fastest growing companies in Northeast Ohio. The Weatherhead 100, a joint project of the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE), recognizes companies for outstanding sales growth over a five year period. Last year we ranked 95th, this year we are at 63rd! Not to brag, but for a nearly fifty year old firm, we think its pretty good.

Without the support of our customers, suppliers and employees, this would never have been possible.

Thanks!

Weatherhead 100 List of Winners

Our Press Release

Thanks Wire-NET: CIRI

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry was recently featured in the Cleveland Industrial Retention Initiative’s email newsletter for being named two years in a row to the Weatherhead 100. Take a read!

Some Pictures from the Open House

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:22:00 +0000

We’d like to thank all of you who attended. It was a great time for us, and we hope for you.

Ergonomic Furniture Helps Tech Firm

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:18:00 +0000

We have a new case study up at the website, titled “Data Firm Approaches Speed of Light”.

Data Firm Approaches Speed of Light

Computers cause a lot of grief. Working on two thousand a day, can be an actual pain in the neck.

MCPc, Inc., a technology service provider based in Strongsville, Ohio, has been growing over the past ten years. MCPc provides service to some of the largest companies in the region with everything from desktop imaging to network design and implementation. Their production facility processes nearly two thousand desktops, laptops, servers, switches, and printers on any given day.

Thanks for making it a great Open House!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:39:00 +0000

We’d like to thank all who made it out to our Open House on Friday. It was a great time and we hope that all who attended walked away more aware of the services we can provide.

It took a lot to put together. Indeed we must thank our vendors, whose participation was essential to the event’s success. Providing our customers a great insight into the products and services they may not know that we offer.

Further, a very special thank you to the people at The City of Cleveland and Kehn Brothers’ Catering, who made putting on the event as simple and easy as possible!

Congratulations QC!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:50:00 +0000

QC Industries recently announced that their new Automation Series Conveyors finished 4th in the IMPO Innovation Awards voting!

Congratulations indeed to the entire team at QC Industries! Our customers, and us as well, are consistently pleased with the quality of QC Industries’ products.

Check out QC Industries’ Blog post for more details.

Our Doors are Open!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:27:00 +0000

Tomorrow, September 25, 2009 we are having our open house and table top trade show. We are excited about the estimated turnout. It should be a great time.

On the schedule are two speakers:

Morning Session - 11:30 AM - Mike Reinerth on BWC Safety Programs, Services, and Grants
Afternoon Session - 1:30 PM - France Burrows on Compliance with OSHA and Federal and State Laws and Guidelines.

Further, our table top trade show, being held in our ware house includes the following manufacturers:

QC Industries – Low Profile Conveyors
Albion Casters – Industrial Casters
Shepherd Casters – Light Duty Casters
Roach Conveyors – Industrial Conveyors
Steel King – Pallet Racking
Presto Lifts – Lift Equipment
Harrington Hoists – Hoists and Accessories
Gorbel – Workstation Crane Systems
Akro-Mils – Storage Products
Lyon Workspace – Workspace Equipment
Starrco – Modular Office Systems
Ergonomic Specialists, LLC – Self leveling carts

If you’ve already RSVP’d thank you! If you are interested in attending, please contact us.

B & P Manufacturing – Hand Trucks and Dock Products

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Harrington) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:41:00 +0000

We’re proud to announce that we are now partnering with B & P Manufacturing for hand trucks and aluminum dock products.

B & P is known for making the best quality hand truck on the market, bar none. Their Liberator Series Convertible Hand Truck, pictured to the right, comes with an industry leading two (2) year warranty! Their quality in construction is noted by the use of aircraft grade rivets, closed aluminum tube, and extruded aluminum wheel brackets.

In the coming weeks we will be adding information regarding B & P and their exciting line of products. Currently you can purchase their aluminum Dock Plates and Dock Boards from the website.