Trailer load rotator ?

[CompoSimmonite]

A few years ago I bought one of these (cheap in sale) -

Before use I removed the roller balls as not suitable for my needs and put them "in stock".
Roller ball -

This morning I thought of a use for the rollers (to make a swivel platform that will attach to my little Erde 102 trailer so I can turn the platform 90 degrees when my mobility scooter loaded) but wonder about how much weight they would carry.
There would be pins or similar at corners to locate when stationary to stop rotation.
I have 9 ball rollers so would they be sufficient to safely carry 175kg (scooter 150 kg plus est max weight of swivel platform etc) ?

 

[cumbriasteve]

A total guesstimate on my part but I should imagine they will be quite a strong little unit as far as supporting direct weight, it will of course be dependant on how the ball is supported underneath, if the unit is a 'pressed together' cup system there is always the risk of exceeding the limits and the base popping out, if it's a flat base coming into contact with the frame of the trailer then that would not happen of course

Could you put 4 or 5 of them on the floor and load a bit of ply to test them, if they can support the weight then 9 will manage easily.

 

[bigegg]

I found a website that lists something similar -
http://www.omnitrack.co.uk/lightduty/base-flange-mounted-ball-units-LF-m.php

the least weight rating for the steel bearings is 55kg EACH.

so I think you;ll be ok

 

[Justme]

They will soon rust up & seize.

Once fitted a liberal coat of grease would help.

 

[colnerov]

Hi, they are very tolerant to weight, they are used on trailers at the airport for turning bins full of luggage round to go in the aircraft hold. Even if they do seize they offer little resistance because of the small contact area.

Colin

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I have the same roller support and I found after I left it outside for a week that each cup had filled with water rusting the ball quite badly, it has never run smoothly since even after trying to clear the rust as the balls are pitted.