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Quick answer The overall height of a swivel caster is the total vertical height, measured from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the mounting plate. This dimension determines whether a caster will fit under your object and directly affects the stability and mobility of your application. |
If you are looking for swivel casters for a project, overall height plays an important role in your choice. If you choose a caster with the wrong overall height, it may not fit under your object, or you may lose stability and mobility. In this guide, we explain exactly what overall height is, why it matters, and how to measure it yourself.
What is the overall height of a swivel caster?
The overall height of a swivel caster is the vertical distance from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the mounting plate. In other words, it is the total height measured from where the wheel touches the floor to the point where it is mounted to the object. This height is essential, especially when you use swivel casters for applications with limited space, such as under furniture, transport wheels, or industrial carts.
Why is overall height important?
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Clearance and fit If the overall height is too large, the caster will not fit under your furniture, equipment, or cart. Always measure the available space before ordering. |
Stability An overall height that is too high raises the center of gravity of your object. With heavy loads, this can lead to an unstable situation. Choose an overall height that matches the weight and the application. |
Mobility If the overall height is too low, the wheel diameter will also be small and the caster will roll less smoothly. Especially with heavy objects, a larger wheel diameter, and therefore a greater overall height, provides better rolling performance. |
How do you measure overall height?
Measuring overall height is simple. Follow these two steps:
| 1 | Place the swivel caster upside down with the mounting plate or fixing point resting on a flat surface |
| 2 | Measure the vertical distance from the surface to the top of the caster |
This measured value is the overall height of the swivel caster.
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Tip: At Logihub, you do not need to calculate this yourself. The overall height is listed in the specifications on the product page for all our swivel casters. |
Frequently asked questions about overall height
Do you still have questions about the overall height of swivel casters? Below we answer the most frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between overall height and wheel diameter?
Wheel diameter is only the size of the wheel itself. Overall height is the full height of the complete swivel caster, including the swivel fork and mounting plate. Overall height is always greater than wheel diameter.
How do I know which overall height I need?
Measure the free space under your object, the distance between the bottom of the object and the floor. The overall height of your swivel caster must be smaller than this free space. Leave a small margin so the caster can swivel smoothly.
Does overall height affect load capacity?
Indirectly, yes. A greater overall height usually means a larger wheel diameter, which leads to a higher load capacity and lower rolling resistance. You can read more in our guide Which swivel casters do I need?
Can I combine swivel casters with different overall heights?
No, that is not recommended. Always combine casters with the same overall height, otherwise your object will stand unevenly and the weight will be distributed unevenly across the casters.
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Need help finding the right caster? Whether you need swivel casters for furniture, trolleys, or industrial applications, we have the right solution. Browse our range or use the selection guide to filter directly by the correct overall height. Furniture casters Industrial wheelsProduct finder |