Choosing a Base for Heavy Duty Frames

Having trouble deciding on which kind of base to use for your Heavy Duty Frame? Consider the following information:

Casters are not required if you do not move the frame. You may chooses a Flush Frame Base or a Recessed Pontoon Base, which has 4″ of toe space in front. Both bases will add 3.5″ to the height of the frame. Also, both bases are available plain or with a combination of duplex outlet, levelers or anti-tip legs. (Levelers and anti-tip legs must be ordered separately.)

If the frame must be moved, casters are required. You will need to consider how much weight will be loaded and the type of surface the frame will be moved across before you choose the base.

You can select a Caster Base if the equipment and frame weight 800 lbs. or less and will be moved over smooth surfaces. Otherwise, you will need a Caster Dolly or Cabinet Truck. Select an Extended Caster Dolly or Extended Cabinet Truck if heavy equipment will be extended from the front of the frame. Extended Dollies and Trucks protrude 7″ to 16″ in front of the frame face, providing extra stability. Anti-tip legs also work well in this situation.

Caster Dolly vs. Cabinet Truck

A Caster Dolly is made of heavier material that a Cabinet Truck – 11 gauge as opposed to 12 gauge steel. The Caster Dolly accommodates locking casters rather than floor locks. A floor lock will raise the front of the frame about 1/8″, which makes the frame slightly less stable than a a comparable frame on locking casters. For demanding applications, it is best to use a Caster Dolly and locking casters instead of a Cabinet Truck with floor locks.

Below is a table listing features and options for bases. For more information, including drawings, see the Bases section of the Technical Manual. If you have any questions, please contact our Engineering Department via e-mail or at 800.204.7225.

Environment Base Type Features and Options
Standard Caster Base
  • 16 gauge steel construction
  • 2″ diameter dual wheel caster (rated at 200 or 400 lbs. per caster)
  • Provisions for levelers, anti-tip legs or duplex outlet
  • Adds 3 1/2″ (with 200 lb. casters) or 3 7/8″ (with 400 lb. casters) to height of the frame
Heavy Duty Flush Cabinet Truck
  • 12 gauge steel construction
  • 4″ diameter casters, swivel or rigid (300 or 500 lb. capacity)
  • Floor Locks
  • Adds 6 /12″ to height of frame
Extended Cabinet Truck
  • 12 gauge steel construction
  • 4″ diameter casters, swivel or rigid (300 or 500 lb. capacity)
  • Floor Locks
  • Adds 6 /12″ to height of frame
Extreme Flush Caster Dolly
  • 11 gauge steel construction
  • 4″ diameter casters, swivel or rigid (300 or 500 lb. capacity)
  • Locking casters
  • Adds 6 /12″ to height of frame
Extended Caster Dolly
  • 11 gauge steel construction
  • 4″ diameter casters, swivel or rigid (300 or 500 lb. capacity)
  • Locking casters
  • Adds 6 /12″ to height of frame