Casters Move Industry Along
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| Casters on hand truck, early 1940s. (photo courtesy of Hamilton Caster) |
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The wheel is practically as old as history itself. The earliest known wheels, constructed in ancient Mesopotamia, date back to about 3500 to 3000 B.C. In its simplest form, the wheel was a solid wood disk mounted on a round axle, to which it was secured by wooden pins. The invention of the wheel was a major turning point in the advance of human civilization. It led to more efficient use of animal power for agriculture and other work, and became an invaluable mechanical means for controlling the flow and direction of power or force. The applications of the wheel in modern life and technology are virtually infinite.
The invention of casters was a major boost for wheels, when David A. Fisher patented the furniture caster in 1876. At the turn of the century, most of the casters were not heavy, industrial types and were primarily all made with glass and leather wheels, which allowed for easy movement on hardwood floors. Most casters were made of cast iron. Today a myriad of wheel material is available and improvements are always being developed.
Tens of thousands of different types of casters are available—and new ones are being made every day—with modern features such as brakes, direction locks, shock absorbency, anti-bacterial materials and upside-down casters.
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| Note the Caster Dolly on this portable aluminum belt conveyor. (photo courtesy of Colson Caster) |
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| A variety of casters available for view at a 1950s trade show in Philadelphia. (photo courtesy of Fred Hill & Son Co.) |
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Regardless of the type, size or material, the goal remains the same—to get from Point A to Point B as efficiently and swiftly as possible. |
