Shipping container wheels

Optimal swivel caster system with a focus on user-friendliness

Our heavy-duty swivel casters are designed to move heavy loads with ease. The casters feature specifications that improve swivel rotation, rolling resistance, and mounting options. The swivel fork consists of a welded 10 mm steel construction with a play-free turntable housing an axial tapered roller bearing, with a twistlock welded on top. The turntable also has a four-position directional lock, allowing a swivel caster to be converted into a rigid (fixed) caster. In addition, each wheel contains four ball bearings combined with a cast-iron core and a polyurethane tread. The 3,000 kg and 4,500 kg variants are fitted with twin wheels, creating lighter swivel action along with better maneuverability. In short, all specifications have been carefully refined and tuned for user-friendly handling of a freight container. For a complete overview of all specifications, accessories, and mounting options, you can read our comprehensive guide on shipping container wheels.

Application possibilities across various sectors

Whether in warehouses, ports, or factories, our container wheels are versatile for a wide range of sectors. Thanks to their robust construction, they can easily cope with different surfaces such as outdoor yards, concrete, asphalt, and resin floors. A 20- or 40-foot container can, depending on total weight, be pushed by two people. The container can also be towed with a drawbar, which is attached to two corners and to the rear of a forklift.

How are container wheels installed?

1. An Even Surface

For trouble-free movement of shipping containers, a careful inspection of the surface is essential. It must not only be level but also free of obstacles. Irregularities in the terrain can cause complications during the moving process. It is advisable to smooth out any unevenness before starting the container move.

2. Lifting the Container

Using appropriate equipment is crucial when moving heavy shipping containers. Various options are available, such as a container jack, forklift truck, or crane. The choice of the most suitable tool depends on the specific situation and the weight of the container.

3. Securing the Twistlock System

Correctly securing the container wheels is very important when moving shipping containers. This is typically done from underneath, placing the container wheel together with the support wheel under the corner of the container. The twistlock system can then be locked into the corner casting for a firm connection. Our shipping container wheels fit perfectly in any ISO 1161 corner casting, making them suitable for various container models.

Which load capacity should I choose?

Determining the load capacity of shipping container wheels is crucial for safe and efficient operation, as it indicates how much weight the wheels can carry without overloading. Selecting the correct load capacity is essential to prevent wear, damage, and potential failures, thereby minimizing accidents, losses, and downtime for businesses.

The calculation for the required load capacity of shipping container wheels is straightforward and requires a few basic steps. You must consider both the total weight of the load and the tare weight of the container. This sum is then divided by three using the following formula:

• Divide the total weight of the application by 3 = Desired load capacity per wheel

Example:

For example, consider an empty 40-foot container that weighs 4,000 kg and needs to be loaded with 5,000 kg.

Load capacity = (4000 + 5000) / 3 = 3000 kg per wheel

This calculation assumes rolling conditions at a speed of 4 km/h and includes a safety margin for possible uneven loading or irregular surfaces. In cases of higher speeds or more complex loads, we recommend contacting us for expert, tailored advice.

Tailored advice or custom adaptations?

Interwiel offers a standard range of container wheels that are broadly applicable to shipping containers, ISO tanks, and corner castings. Nevertheless, we recognize that our container wheels may not fully match your specific needs. That is why we offer custom-made wheels, precisely tailored to your required specifications and situation. For more information, please feel free to contact us via [email protected], +31 (0)26 383 5988 or live chat.