Castor manufacturer Tente Castors South Africa introduced its stainless steel 8499/8470/8477/8478 series of stainless steel castors this year, says company technical manager Steve Thomas.

The series comprises swivel, swivel with total lock, fixed and P67 plate central-locking castors, he adds, noting that industry requires castors that provide longevity in operation, smooth and problem-free performance, and environment-friendly attributes through noncorrosive features.

“The high resistance to corrosion, provided by a chromium-rich content of the stainless steel used in the construction of the castors, is the most prominent benefit, while the grade of stainless steel used to make the 8499/8470 series is tougher than commercial-quality hot-rolled steel used on nonstainless steel castors,” Thomas highlights.

In addition, the stainless steel castors also function more effectively in the bakery industry, where temperatures of 280 ºC and aggressive cleaning conditions exist, he says.
The 8499 series includes the 8499UFX160P67 Q1-11 fixed castor with central lock, while the fork is made of stainless steel, Thomas says, adding that the locking system is activated through a cam operated lever or steel cable.

The stainless steel housing can be combined with different wheel bodies and treads, such as a tread made from a thermoplastic rubber called Tenteprene or solid rubber tyres.

The stainless steel castors can also be supplied in an electrically conductive version on request, according to the company’s website.

Thomas further cites the unique features of the Tente P67 plate central-locking system.

“Traditionally, the locking pedal forms part of the castor fork, which rotates. This means that a brake pedal could rotate to a position where it cannot be activated by foot. The P67 plate system has the foot-operated brake in a fixed position; therefore, irrespective of the rotational position of the castor fork, the brake is always accessible,” he explains.