Introducing HYDROTECH: The New Innovative TPE Alloy

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Colson Group USA is excited to introduce their latest innovation: the HydroTech wheel. These water-resistant wheels are essential for industries where water, moisture, and humidity are present. The HydroTech wheel is formulated to withstand continuous exposure to moisture, significantly increasing its life expectancy compared to TPU wheels.

One of the standout features of the HydroTech wheel is its ability to withstand moisture. Many wheels crack, fall apart, or become unusable with continuous exposure to water, but HydroTech’s TPE alloy ensures the wheel maintains its strength and durability, even in wet or humid environments.

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that occurs when water molecules break down the chemical bonds in a material. The TPE alloy used in the HydroTech wheel is specifically formulated to resist hydrolysis due to its unique formulation and fusion-bonded construction. This makes it a great choice for a variety of applications, including box stores, medical facilities, and industrial settings.

The HydroTech wheel has the same load capacity and rollability as TPU, making it an ideal choice for applications that require high-performance wheels. It also features a design that prevents tread separation and reduces noise related to mechanical interlock failures, ensuring durability and reliability in tough conditions. With an excellent abrasion-resistant 40D (±5) durometer, this wheel can handle heavy loads and provide smooth, efficient movement.

Businesses that choose HydroTech wheels can be confident that they are investing in a reliable and durable product that is designed to last. The wheel comes with an industry-leading 3-year warranty, making it a top choice for industries that require high-performance wheels that can withstand tough conditions, including moisture and hydrolysis. Contact Colson Group today to learn more about HydroTech wheels and how they can benefit your business.

Toe Guard Protection

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In the business of day-to-day workplace operations, it’s easy for an employee to have a foot injury due to a heavy cart rolling over a foot.  Heavy carts and wheels can cause serious injuries, but with the help of toe guards this can be prevented.

What Are Toe Guards

Toe guards are a safety accessory that are added to a caster to minimize the risk of injury to the toes, heels, and feet. Toe guards can be made from a variety of different materials including plastic or steel and come in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate different size casters. Casters can be equipped with integral factory installed toe guards or can be installed on existing casters in the field. Toe guards are normally mounted around ½ inch off the floor but can be customized to different heights to fit any application if needed. Toe guards allow the caster to spin freely and the wheel to move within the toe guard without interfering with its movement.

How Do Toe Guards Work

There are different types and designs of toe guards, but their end goal is always to create a cage like barrier around casters that prevents the caster from rolling over objects. Toe guards help to prevent injuries because instead of rolling over your toes, the toes just bump into the toe guard attached to the caster.

Albion Field Installable Toe Guards

If your workplace rolls heavy objects around, toe guards may be a great option for you. Albion’s field installable toe guards are easy to install and there’s no drilling or modification needed to fit existing casters. The guards are available on various wheel diameters and tread widths, making it easy for you to find the perfect guard for your application. Albion’s field installable toe guards are sold as a kit with everything you need for an easy installation, making the installation process simple.

Toe Guards are an important safety feature that can help prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Albion’s Toe Guards are easy to install, no drilling or tapping required, and provide a simple and effective way to improve the safety and performance of your casters. If you want to learn more about the toe guard selection at Colson Group, get in contact today and we’ll find the right solution for you.

Selecting a Heavy Duty Caster

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When it comes to transporting heavy loads, having the right heavy duty equipment is essential. Heavy duty casters are a critical part of many industrial and commercial applications, providing a reliable and efficient means of moving heavy items. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at heavy duty casters, uses, and what to look for when choosing the right caster for your application.

What are Heavy Duty Casters

Heavy duty casters are designed for use in both industrial and commercial settings where heavy loads need to be moved quickly and efficiently. These casters are made from high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand significant loads without breaking or wearing out over time.

Various heavy duty casters are available to fit every application from single wheel swivel and rigid casters, to dual wheel casters for high capacity applications and spring loaded for when protection of equipment is important. Swivel casters are designed to rotate 360 degrees, allowing for easy maneuvering in tight spaces, while rigid casters are fixed in place, providing stability and support for heavier loads. Additional accessories such as swivel lock brakes and toe guards can be added to fit all of your caster needs.

Uses of Heavy Duty Casters

 Heavy duty casters are used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including:

  1. Manufacturing: Heavy duty casters are used to transport heavy equipment, machinery, and raw materials in manufacturing facilities.
  2. Aviation: Heavy duty casters are used to move aircraft and airport equipment, such as baggage carts, fuel tanks, and maintenance equipment.
  3. Warehousing: Heavy duty casters are used to transport large and heavy items, such as pallets, in warehouses and distribution centers.
  4. Automotive: Heavy duty casters are used to transport vehicles in automotive manufacturing and repair facilities.

Choosing the Right Heavy Duty Caster

 When choosing a heavy duty caster, there are several factors to consider. These include:

  1. Load Capacity: A caster will need to be selected that can handle the total weight of the loaded cart. To determine the weight of the caster and the number of casters being used, the capacity needs of the caster is determined by dividing the weight of the loaded cart by one less of the casters used to provide additional safety on uneven floors. For example, if the total cart weight is 1,000 pounds and 4 casters will be used, you’d do 1000/3 = 334 pounds per caster is needed.
  2. Wheel Material: The wheel material should be chosen based on the application. Capacity, temperature, and floor surface are all important when choosing a wheel.
  3. Bearing Type: The bearing type should be chosen based on the speed and frequency of use.
  4. Brake Type: The brake type should be chosen based on the application, such as if the caster will be used on a slope or mainly stationary use.
  5. Swivel vs. Rigid: The choice between a swivel or rigid caster depends on the application. Swivel casters are best for maneuverability, while rigid caster provide greater stability and support for heavier loads.

In conclusion, heavy duty casters are an essential tool for moving heavy items in industrial or commercial settings. When choosing a caster, it’s important to consider that the caster is suitable for your application. A popular heavy duty caster is Albion Maintenance Free casters which offer a best-in-class experience for no hassle casters and provide a long-lasting solution to meet your needs.

With the right caster, you can improve efficiency, safety, and productivity in your workplace. If you need help choosing the best caster for your application, get in contact with Colson Group today and we’ll help you find the right solution.

Why Are Ergonomic Casters Important

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A lot of people don’t think twice about the kind of casters they use as long as they work. However, ergonomics is crucial to many caster and wheel applications. By utilizing ergonomic casters, your business, your workers, and your wallet can benefit tremendously.

 

What Are Ergonomic Casters

Ergonomics is defined as the science of designing things that people use to make them as safe and effective as possible. In the case of caster ergonomics, it refers to the force required in pushing and pulling a cart. Ergonomic casters are designed to be as efficient as possible by reducing the amount of force required in the start or maintain rolling process of the cart. This is especially important in warehouses or plants where operators push, pull or tug carts every day.

Safer Work Environments

The easier a cart is to use; the less likely injury is. Poor ergonomics can create dangerous work environments because workers are exerting more force, fatiguing more quickly, and becoming more susceptible to injury. Injuries may be caused by excessive stress to the wrists, arms, back or shoulders. Treating workplace injuries can be very costly and the money saved from reducing your potential injury costs can be huge. When employees aren’t injured, they’re working, and that means less downtime and increased productivity.

Higher Productivity

When an application is more easily moved, employees can move it quickly and with less energy exerted. Push, pull, and towed movements are completed faster instead of slowing down as workers tire of strenuous motions. Providing your employees with an ergonomic caster makes the job easier, more enjoyable, and more productive.

Long Term Cost Savings

Often, ergonomic casters come with a slightly higher price tag than their less ergonomic counterparts. But consider that over time the ergonomic advantages will pay for themselves by bringing new efficiencies into your business and having a longer life. Like with the Albion 28 and 38 Series Casters which are designed for improved ergonomics, long life, and quiet mobility. These casters have a 5-year warranty to back their durability and long-lasting quality.

 

Casters vary in quality and their ability to improve ergonomics. Many qualities make up an ergonomic caster such as swivel lead, the wheel type and size, and bearings. But you don’t need to be an expert at identifying an ergonomic caster for your application, let the experts at Colson Group do it for you.

Contact Colson Group today to learn more about our selection of ergonomic caster options that can provide you with a more productive and cost-effective workplace. Colson Group offers a variety of casters and wheels to help you achieve ergonomic efficiency and provide safer work environments, higher productivity, and long-term cost savings.

How Maintenance Free Casters Mean Less Work for You

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No one enjoys spending time and money on maintenance. Many businesses can’t afford to have downtime when a caster isn’t working properly, don’t have the ability to perform regular maintenance on equipment, and need a caster that’s able to withstand tough work environments. It’s in these scenarios maintenance free casters thrive and can provide your business with immense cost saving benefits.

In the industrial caster industry, the term “maintenance free” refers to casters that have a sealed precision ball bearing. The sealed precision bearing makes it so the casters never require a preventative maintenance schedule, which reduces downtime and increases efficiency. These bearings are sealed to keep grease locked in, while keeping contamination out.

Standard casters can last many years with proper maintenance and consistent greasing, the issue at hand is that many facilities don’t have a good maintenance program put in place for wheels and casters. Maintenance free casters eliminates this problem as there is no need for routine maintenance. Maintenance Free casters are designed to be ergonomic, meaning they require minimal start force to be set in motion. For workers, ease of use helps to prevent employee injuries.

Maintenance-free casters are designed for harsh industrial environments and have a long service life. The consistent performance of these casters makes a great choice for industries like automotive, warehousing, tow-lines, AGV’s, Hospitals and more. The new Albion brand launch of Maintenance Free 28 and 38 Series casters are designed for improved ergonomics, long life, and quiet mobility. They also feature wheel options such as polyurethane, rubber, and nylon, to fit your specific hand push or towing requirements.

Colson Group is the global leader and distributor of wheels and casters. Colson Group always wants to continue to innovate and develop products with unparalleled performance and quality that meet our customers’ needs. Reduce your replacement costs and injuries, all while enhancing your manufacturing efficiency with maintenance free casters.

Learn more about our maintenance free casters and their cost saving benefits by getting in contact with us today.

Colson Group Launches New Line of Maintenance Free Casters

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., November 30, 2022— Colson Group, the leader in caster and wheel products, announces their Albion brand launch of a new line of Maintenance Free casters. The new 28 and 38 Series casters are designed for improved ergonomics, long life, and quiet mobility.

The new Maintenance Free casters are equipped with a sealed precision swivel bearing. This makes it so they never require a preventative maintenance schedule, which reduces downtime and increases efficiency. They also feature wheel options such as polyurethane, rubber, and nylon, to fit your specific hand push or towing requirements.

The 28 and 38 Series casters extended leads significantly reduces push / pull force. This increases the safety and effectiveness of equipment operators. Their ease of use helps to prevent employee injuries and provides the performance customers require to keep their business rolling safely and easily.

“With the newly designed 28 and 38 series, maintenance free also means worry-free and helps provide an injury free workplace,” said Scott Fisher, Director of Heavy Duty Vertical Sales.

As a world leader in design and production, Albion is proud to manufacture some of the highest quality made in the USA casters in the market. To stand by their quality and performance, Albion brand’s new line of Maintenance Free 28 and 38 Series casters are backed by a 5-year warranty guarantee.

Maintenance-free casters are designed for harsh industrial environments. The consistent performance of these casters makes a great choice for industries like automotive, warehousing, tow-lines, AGV’s, hospitals and more.

Reduce your replacement costs and injuries, while enhancing your manufacturing efficiency with Maintenance Free casters. Learn more about Maintenance Free casters and their ergonomic and economic benefits by getting in contact with Colson Group today.

About Colson Group: Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands, such as Albion, provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and global value chain deliver unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

About Albion: Since Albion’s founding in 1947, they have become The Caster Experts and are one of the most recognized names in the material handling industry. Albion does more than just sell wheels and casters; they deliver custom-engineered, reliable solutions for the most challenging material handling problems. As a brand of Colson Group, you can be sure Albion will have the resources to service and supply your needs.

U.S.-Manufactured 310 & 410 Casters Meet Heavy-Duty Customer Needs Quicker Than Ever

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Albion has made major advancements in its heavy-duty manufacturing capabilities. The 310 and 410 Series of casters are now manufactured in Michigan, laser cut and assembled within days. Learn more about the enhancements made to this kingpinless caster series.

Read more

Albion Launches Improved and Expanded Full-Line Caster Catalog

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 Catalog marks launch of newly-redesigned USA Made 310 & 410 Kingpinless Series casters

 

ST. JOSEPH, Michigan – October 10, 2016 | Albion, the leading heavy-duty caster brand of Colson Group USA, has just published its newest full-line catalog, which features a portfolio of over 60 unique product series designed to handle even the most challenging of applications. The catalog, which includes an industry-leading offering of industrial casters and wheels along with cutting-edge custom designs and expert advice, is available in PDF and enhanced eCatalog formats. Hard copies of the catalog can also be ordered.

The refreshed Albion catalog offers engineers, designers and purchasing agents a comprehensive and detailed professional reference library of heavy-duty and material handling caster solutions and specifications. There are helpful icons designating key features and applications and a visual table of contents for easy viewing. The interactive online version of the catalog provides quick page links and is mobile ready. The new catalog also includes the addition of new maintenance free and stainless steel sections as well as expanded spring loaded and dual wheel sections featuring a variety of new series.

“For more than 70 years the Albion brand has been a problem-solver to industry mobility challenges for customers worldwide,” said Colson Group USA Director of Marketing and Communications Brad Kish. “We believe that this new Albion catalog, with an improved and expanded portfolio including new products such as our USA-made 310 & 410 Kingpinless Series casters, is a reflection of that ongoing commitment.”

The release of the Albion Catalog marks the official launch of the company’s newly-redesigned 310 & 410 Kingpinless Series casters, which are now built in Colson Group’s two Michigan manufacturing plants following a series of advanced manufacturing investments. The new designs are laser cut and feature a variety of product improvements, including: new innovative brakes and toe guards, weld eliminations for a stronger more integrated part, smoother edges, industry leading zinc finish with clear coat, and thicker 3/8” AISI 1045 heat treated steel leg construction – all backed by an upgraded three-year warranty.

To request your new Albion catalog and start utilizing the online version today, click here.

About Albion

As material handling and heavy-duty experts for over 70 years, Albion’s proven mobility solutions are capable of the most challenging applications. From the largest offering of industrial casters and wheels handling over 30,000 lbs. per caster, to cutting-edge custom designs – Albion’s experience and technology ensure that every solution meets the performance and safety requirements unique to each customers’ needs. For more information, visit albioncasters.com.

About Colson Group USA

Colson Group USA is a subsidiary of Colson Group, the largest global manufacturer and supplier of caster, wheel and mobility solutions. For over 350 combined years, the drive and experience of Colson innovators have led to some of the most trusted and advanced mobility solutions in the world, including some of the most renowned brands: Colson, Albion, Shepherd, Jarvis, MedCaster, Pemco, Faultless and Bassick. Colson Group’s products and solutions are backed by its unmatched customer service and supply chain optimization strategies. For more information, visit colsongroupusa.com.

Investing in the USA: Albion Advances Popular 310 & 410 Kingpinless Caster Series

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USA-made, laser cut and upgraded three-year warranty

ALBION, Michigan – Sept. 15, 2016 – Albion, the leading heavy-duty caster brand of Colson Group USA, has made a major new advancement in its product offering, which reinforces its commitment to U.S. manufacturing. After significant capital investments in its two Michigan manufacturing plants, Albion has unveiled a series of product advancements to its already popular 310 & 410 Kingpinless Series, which leverages the new investments to deliver added customer value and create new opportunities.

Recent purchases and installations of a new laser cutter, computer numeric control (CNC) bender, multiple robotic welding cells and CNC machining equipment paved the way at their Michigan plants for a laser cut redesign of the 310 & 410 Series steel components and accessories. The products’ transition to USA-made also allows Albion to deliver and respond to the market needs faster than ever, reducing lead times by as much as 70 percent.

“Investing in U.S. manufacturing to produce the quality heavy-duty products the industry has known Albion for is an important strategic initiative at Colson Group,” said Heavy-Duty Product Director Scott Fisher. “We have an aggressive heavy-duty growth plan and we are excited to deliver the new product improvements on the USA-made 310 & 410 Series as the first step of our plans.”

The new designs and technology allowed for a variety of product improvements, including 3/8-inch thick legs on the 310 Series; weld eliminations for a cleaner part, smoother edges for safety; an industry leading zinc finish with a clear coat; and newly designed innovative brakes and toe guards – all backed by an upgraded three-year warranty. The 310 & 410 Series is constructed of high quality, heat-treated AISI 1045 laser cut steel and features a precision-machined raceway for improved ergonomics and superior strength in rugged and towed applications. The legs are fully welded inside and out to handle the shock impact and higher load capacities traditional casters might not withstand. With a large variety of 2-1/2” and 3” wide wheels, brakes and accessory options, the 310 & 410 Series offers load capacities of up to 5,400 pounds per caster, depending on the selected rig, wheel and bearing combination.

“We are committed to our initiatives to optimize our heavy-duty segment, including product portfolio and all support services. We are continuing to invest heavily in our USA heavy-duty team and manufacturing plants,” said Colson Group CEO Tom Blashill. “Through the combination of competitively manufacturing the best product close to our customers and providing world-class support, we will continue to expand our value proposition to the market and generate growth with our strategic partners.”

The new USA-made, laser cut 310 & 410 Series brochures are available online and in the new Albion catalog that will be available for shipment late this September. Multimedia files can be accessed here.

Watch the Installation of the new laser cutter machine:

About Albion

As material handling and heavy-duty experts for over 65 years, Albion’s proven mobility solutions are capable of the most challenging applications. From the largest offering of industrial casters and wheels handling over 30,000 lbs. per caster, to cutting-edge custom designs – Albion’s experience and technology ensure that every solution meets the performance and safety requirements unique to each customers’ needs. For more information, visit albioncasters.com.

About Colson Group USA

Colson Group USA is a subsidiary of Colson Group, the largest global manufacturer and supplier of caster, wheel and mobility solutions. For over 350 combined years, the drive and experience of Colson innovators have led to some of the most trusted and advanced mobility solutions in the world, including some of the most renowned brands: Colson, Albion, Shepherd, Jarvis, MedCaster, Pemco, Faultless, and Bassick. Colson Group’s products and solutions are backed by its unmatched customer service and supply chain optimization strategies. For more information, visit colsongroupusa.com.