Load capacity ratings of the Gate Casters & wheels are NOT related to the springs. Load capacity ratings are offered as an idea of what the gate casters will carry without failure. They are NOT absolute, but rather depend on the usage and service.
One side of a gate is usually attached to a column which supports most of the weight of the gate. The purpose of the spring in a gate caster is only to keep the caster wheel touching the floor when the floor is not level. If the floor level from the lowest point to the highest point is more that 1″ then the gate caster will not be able to touch the floor at one end, either at the lowest point or at the highest point.
If the gate caster supports the weight when the floor is at the lowest level then the spring is not being used. As the gate goes up the incline the gate caster still supports the weight, but the spring begins to compress. How much the spring compresses depends on the slope of the floor. Spring compression has nothing to do with the weight. It depends on how uneven the floor is. If your slope of travel exceeds 1″ the gate caster will not function properly. If it exceeds 1/2″ the spring may not return to its original shape.
Mount the ( Spring Loaded ) Caster at the lowest point so that the spring compresses as the caster moves up to the high point.
1″ deflection: There can NOT be more than 1″ difference between the lowest and the highest points on the floor surface.
You should never select on the basis of load capacity alone. There is no industry standard for load capacity ratings and they may not include a factor for abuse. Our capacity ratings are below what the casters are capable of carrying because most applications have less than perfect conditions. Please refer to the information shown at the bottom of this page. If you have any doubt as to which wheel or caster is the BEST choice for your application contact us for a recommendation.