1. Proper selection is the foundation. 
Load-bearing capacity matching: 
The load-bearing capacity of casters is one of the key factors affecting their service life. When selecting casters, be sure to ensure that their load-bearing capacity exceeds the actual load they will bear during use. Using casters beyond their rated capacity will accelerate wear and may even cause them to break. 
Wheel surface material matches the ground: 
Hard surfaces (epoxy flooring, tiles): Polyurethane (PU), nylon, or rubber wheels are recommended, as they produce low noise and protect the floor. Avoid using excessively hard cast-iron wheels, as they may damage the floor or cause the wheels themselves to crack. 
Rough surfaces/outdoors: Solid rubber or high-elasticity polyurethane is recommended, as they offer superior shock absorption and wear resistance. 
Workshops with iron filings and debris: Avoid using soft wheel surfaces (such as ordinary rubber), as iron filings can become embedded in the wheels, increasing rolling resistance and even causing them to jam. Instead, opt for harder materials like nylon or phenolic resin. 
2. Standard installation 
Improper installation can directly lead to uneven wear on the casters or distortion of the bracket. 
Vertical installation: Ensure that the caster bracket is perpendicular to the ground. If the mounting surface is uneven or the screws are tightened in the wrong sequence, causing the bracket to tilt, the wheels will bear force unevenly, leading to rapid wear. 
Tightening Inspection: Use appropriate washers and lock nuts. During the initial period of equipment use (the first 24 hours), recheck and tighten the screws once to prevent loosening due to vibration. 
Steering Clearance: If using caster wheels, ensure there is sufficient clearance between the top turntable and the equipment mounting surface. Do not allow the equipment baseplate to rub against the turntable, as this could result in steering failure or wear on the turntable. 
3. Daily Usage Habits 
Avoid hitting obstacles: Casters are vulnerable to impacts from steps, thresholds, or potholes in the floor. Such impacts can instantly damage the wheel core, bearings, or cause the bracket to deform. If necessary, install ramps at passageways. 
Push rather than drag: Always push the device in the direction the casters are rolling. Dragging laterally or forcibly twisting a stationary heavy object can severely damage the universal joint structure and wheel surfaces. 
Keep it clean: Regularly remove debris such as hair, thread ends, plastic film, and other foreign objects that may become entangled around the wheel axle. Such debris can increase rolling resistance, burn out bearings, or cause the wheels to seize up. 
4. Regular maintenance and servicing 
The key lubrication points are the wheel axle bearings and the universal swivel bearing. Be careful not to over-lubricate, as this could attract dust and lead to the formation of sludge. 
Once a wheel is found to be damaged, it is recommended to replace them in pairs (at least on the same side or all of them) to maintain equipment balance and ensure smooth operation. 
Brake Maintenance: If the casters are equipped with brakes, regularly check the wear condition of the brake pads and the spring tension to ensure that the brakes function effectively and do not rub against the wheel surface, causing unnecessary resistance.