In industrial environments, choosing the right caster brake is not a minor accessory decision. It directly affects equipment positioning stability, operator safety, and the long-term reliability of the caster system. In this article, we introduce brake selection based on the brake designs and configurations used across EDL Casters’ product series, focusing on structure, compatibility, and real-world use conditions.

Many users see a brake simply as “something you step on to stop movement,” but in real applications, brake selection is closely tied to the caster’s structural design.

In practice, brake suitability is influenced by:

• Wheel size and load range

• Caster housing and swivel structure

• Bearing type and axle interface

These factors determine where a brake can be installed, how braking force is transmitted, and what is ultimately locked.

What Gets Locked

Casters have two basic motions:

• Wheel rollin & Swivel rotation

• Wheel brake: stops rolling only; swivel remains free

• Direction lock: restricts swivel only; wheel can still roll

• Total lock: locks both rolling and swivel

Some brake designs transmit force through the wheel axle or bearing structure. If the wheel or bearing design does not match the brake structure, braking performance can suffer.

Mini & Entry Series (20 / 26)

In the 20 Series (Mini Duty), only axle brakes are configured. They lock wheel rolling only and do not restrict swivel movement.

The 26 Series supports both axle brakes and plastic total locks. Axle brakes are compatible only with bolt-type bearing wheels.

Light to Medium Duty

From light-duty series onward, EDL transitions to side wheel brakes, which apply braking force on the wheel tread and work across different bearing types.

Heavy Duty & Extra-Heavy Duty

The 73 Series is EDL’s flagship caster line, offering the most comprehensive brake configuration options currently available. It supports iron total locks, plastic total locks, iron wheel brakes, plastic wheel brakes, side wheel brakes, and direction locks,      allowing it to cover a wide range of applications—from precise equipment positioning to long-distance material transport. Learn more about the 73 Series

Unlike total locks, a direction lock is not intended to stop movement completely. Instead, it improves straight-line travel by locking swivel rotation while allowing the wheel to roll freely. This reduces drift, lowers pushing resistance, and improves directional control, making it especially suitable for logistics carts and heavily loaded equipment that must travel long distances.

As load capacity continues to increase, braking strategies begin to prioritize reliability over functional variety. At this stage, the 77 Series offers three brake options:side wheel brakes, side total locks (Japanese-style brakes), and front brakes. The side total lock simultaneously locks both wheel rolling and swivel rotation, providing strong braking force and high stability, and is well suited for workstations and equipment that require secure positioning.Front brakes, operated from the front of the caster, are easier to engage in tight spaces or when equipment is placed close to walls, making them ideal for applications requiring frequent braking.

At even higher load levels, EDL typically avoids locking swivel rotation and instead focuses on wheel-only braking. Under extreme loads, swivel locks are subjected to significantly higher structural stress, which may affect long-term durability. In contrast, wheel brakes provide a more direct and reliable force path, and in most heavy-duty applications, preventing wheel rotation alone is sufficient to maintain equipment stability.

Based on this design logic, the 78 Series offers multiple wheel brake options—includingside wheel brakes, plastic wheel brakes, and iron wheel brakes— to suit different operating environments and strength requirements. For extreme load conditions, the 93 Series adopts a side ring brake. This design applies braking force through a ring that contacts the side of the wheel over a large surface area, delivering stable, evenly distributed, and exceptionally high braking torque. It also helps reduce localized wheel wear, making it suitable for heavy machinery and applications with the highest safety requirements.

Other Brake Tipe:Our brand Naidi has launched new AB brake casters featuring a dual-locking mechanism that secures both the wheel and swivel for maximum stability. They offer easy operation, enhanced safety, reduced equipment drift, and long-lasting performance. Ideal for warehouse carts, precision medical equipment, laboratory instrument tables, and industrial assembly line workstations, they excel in applications requiring accurate positioning and reliable braking. Learn more about Naidi AB Brake

Summary