Wheel Mounting Types: Plate, Bolt, Stem and Others

Choosing the right mounting type is just as important as choosing the tread material. The wrong mounting type means installation problems, inadequate load capacity, or premature detachment. This guide covers the main types — top plate, bolt hole, threaded stem, and others — explaining when each is used and what load capacities each category supports.

1. Top Plate

What It Is

A top plate is a flat square or rectangular metal piece that is bolted to the wheel fork and then fastened to the equipment base with 4 bolts.

Why It Is the Most Popular Type

• Larger contact area → better load distribution
• Easy installation on flat bases
• Available across a wide capacity range: from 50 kg to 3,000 kg per wheel
• Ideal for carts, trolleys, industrial vehicles

Standard Plate Sizes

Standard plates come in sizes 60×60 mm, 80×80 mm, 100×85 mm, 140×110 mm. For heavy-duty loads, plates of 160×130 mm and above are available.

Tip: Make sure the equipment base has sufficient wall thickness for the plate bolts. On thin sheet metal, use plates with a backing plate or reinforcement.

2. Bolt Hole (Round Plate)

What It Is

Instead of a square plate, this type has a central circular piece with bolt holes arranged in a circular pattern. Found mainly in heavy-duty applications.

When It Is Used

• At corners and edges of structures where a square plate does not fit
• On rounded equipment bases
• On heavy industrial heavy-duty carts

3. Threaded Stem

What It Is

A threaded bolt protrudes from the top of the fork and screws into a threaded insert in the equipment base. Typical sizes: M8, M10, M12, M16.

Advantages

• Fast installation without drilling
• Easy replacement
• Suitable for furniture, light-duty trolleys, medical equipment

Disadvantages and Load Capacity

The threaded stem type has lower load capacity than the plate — typically up to 150–300 kg per wheel. It is not recommended for heavy industrial loads.

Caution: Make sure the thread engagement depth is sufficient — at least 1.5× the bolt diameter. Shallow thread engagement releases under vibration.

4. Expanding Adapter (Grip Ring Stem)

What It Is

A tube inserted into a cylindrical hole in the base and locked by expansion. Used mainly in tubular-frame furniture, cleaning trolleys, and hospital beds.

Characteristics

• Tool-free installation in many variants
• Typical tube sizes: 22 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 32 mm internal diameter
• Capacity: 40–150 kg per wheel (light duty)

5. Weld-On

What It Is

The fork is welded directly to the equipment base. A permanent solution — no replacement without dismantling.

When It Is Appropriate

• Permanent equipment that does not require wheel removal
• Heavy structures (heavy-duty cast-iron trolleys, industrial pallets)
• When there is no space for a plate

Comparison Table of Mounting Types

| Type | Max capacity | Installation ease | Easy replacement | Suitable for | |---|---|---|---|---| | Top plate | Up to 3,000 kg | Moderate | Yes | Industry, commerce | | Bolt hole | Up to 2,000 kg | Moderate | Yes | Heavy structures | | Threaded stem | Up to 300 kg | Easy | Yes | Furniture, light equipment | | Expanding adapter | Up to 150 kg | Very easy | Yes | Tubular bases | | Weld-on | Up to 5,000 kg+ | Difficult | No | Permanent structures |

Compatibility with Equipment Types

Office Furniture and Household Equipment

Most office furniture uses an expanding adapter (grip ring) or M10–M12 threaded stem. Replacement is quick and tool-free.

Warehouse and Commercial Trolleys

A top plate of 60×60 mm or 80×80 mm is the standard choice. It allows easy replacement and supports loads of 100–600 kg per wheel.

Heavy-Duty Industrial Carts

Large top plate (100×85 mm and above) or weld-on for permanent solutions. Loads above 500 kg per wheel require a top plate.

Medical Equipment

Threaded stem or expanding adapter in small dimensions (M10, 25 mm). Priority: stainless steel fork, easy sterilisation.

Installation Tips

• Always use washers under plate bolts for better pressure distribution.
• For plates on thin sheet metal, apply stainless self-locking nuts.
• Check tightness after 1–2 weeks of use — new installations settle slightly.
• For heavy loads, use Grade 8.8 bolts or higher.

Conclusion

The correct mounting type ensures both the safety and the longevity of the installation. The top plate is the most versatile solution for the vast majority of applications, while the threaded stem and expanding adapter simplify mounting on lighter structures.

Find wheels in all mounting types in our catalog or contact us to help you select the right type for your equipment.