A buyer receives two quotations for a 5-function electric hospital bed. Both suppliers describe the bed as having medical casters. One quotation says: 4 pcs casters with brakes. The other says: Central locking caster system. Are these the same thing? No. The difference is not simply the appearance or diameter of the wheels. A central locking system is a coordinated mobility and braking configuration designed so that multiple casters can be controlled through a connected operating system. For buyers comparing an electric hospital bed, the correct questions are not only: “Does the bed have casters?” or: “What is the caster diameter?” Buyers should also understand: Caster Type → Brake Architecture → Pedal Control → Wheel Modes → Directional Function → Bed Maneuverability → Installation → Product Verification. This guide explains ten technical details buyers should verify when a hospital bed specification includes a central locking system. On a hospital bed equipped with a central locking system, the caster assemblies are connected to a mechanical control arrangement according to the bed design. Operating a designated pedal can change the state of multiple casters through the central system. With independent brakes, each caster may need to be controlled separately. From a product photograph, they may appear similar. Ask the manufacturer to demonstrate the actual pedal and caster behavior. The specification should clearly identify whether the offered hospital bed uses: The video should show the pedal being operated and the resulting caster condition. On many central locking hospital-bed designs, the brake control is mechanical. This allows the caster states to be controlled in a coordinated way. A 5-function electric hospital bed may use electric actuators for mattress-platform and height movements. The five adjustable functions and the caster-control system are separate specification categories. The buyer should identify where the central brake pedals are positioned. A product image taken only from the front may hide the operating pedals. The operator should understand where the control is located and how the manufacturer intends it to be used. If the sample uses one system and production uses another, operation may differ. The exact modes depend on the caster and bed design. When the system is in the appropriate movement position, the casters can swivel according to their design. Pedal positions and operating logic can differ. A directional function can help control the orientation of a designated caster or caster arrangement according to the system design. The buyer should ask: Two beds can both have central locking while using different caster dimensions. Do not estimate it from photographs. Caster diameter describes a physical wheel dimension. Central locking describes the brake-control architecture. A tender might define a required caster diameter and separately require central braking. It should not be evaluated as four unrelated replacement wheels. Changing from individual-brake casters to a central locking system may require more than replacing the wheels. If the buyer requires central locking, include it in the technical specification. The manufacturer should confirm feasibility before production. A hospital bed mobility system should be assessed as a complete configuration. Therefore, “all wheels look the same” should not be used as the only verification method. Hospital-bed maneuverability also depends on: Many buyers test the electric functions but never move the bed across the showroom. During a product demonstration, buyers can observe normal maneuvering according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the tender requires defined performance criteria, use the appropriate technical documentation and test evidence. Operate the pedal on the physical sample where possible. Confirm that the bed can again be moved according to the design. If the system behaves abnormally, do not apply excessive force. The objective during procurement is to verify operation. If the project requires central locking, the production beds should use the approved system unless an authorized change has been made. Each applicable caster is controlled independently according to its design. The caster states are coordinated through a central mechanical control architecture. Different hospital-bed categories and projects can use different braking systems. A project requiring central locking should receive the specified central locking configuration. Buyers may assume the brake is operated by the bed's electric control system. The electric actuators perform the bed's powered adjustment functions. A common configuration may include: Do not advertise a bed as “6-function” simply because central locking is added unless the manufacturer's function definition legitimately includes another adjustable movement. Trendelenburg changes the longitudinal angle of the mattress platform. The other belongs to the mobility and braking system. A 5-function electric hospital bed can include: Electric positioning system + control system + structural frame + side rails + caster and brake system. Two 5-function beds can have different: Use a more complete requirement. The video should show the actual quoted hospital bed. A loose caster does not prove how it is integrated into the hospital bed. Confirm that the sample is the same model and configuration being quoted. Do not create an improvised load test that exceeds the product's defined conditions. Where a project or tender specifies testing requirements, verify the applicable documents. Central locking should remain part of the product inspection if it is part of the approved configuration. During a large order, buyers should control unapproved component changes. Consider: A replacement component needs to match the intended system. After delivery, the buyer may eventually need technical support or replacement components. These can include the bed model and applicable caster-system reference. Caster diameter is relevant, but maneuverability depends on the complete system. Project specifications may define particular requirements. Describe the actual technical configuration. Central locking medical caster system with model-specific pedal control. Do not imply that every central locking system automatically provides the same directional function. A clear datasheet can identify: These are different operating systems. The bed may be electric while the brake system remains mechanically controlled. Mobility and positioning are different specification categories. Wheel size alone does not define the system. Confirm the exact caster system. Central locking is an operating feature. A central locking system is integrated with the bed base and brake-control architecture. A central locking system is not simply a premium wheel added to an electric hospital bed. It is part of the bed's complete mobility architecture. A useful technical evaluation follows: Caster Specification → Brake Architecture → Pedal Layout → Operating Modes → Directional Control → Bed Maneuverability → Sample Verification → Production Consistency → Replacement Compatibility. For buyers of a 5-function electric hospital bed, this distinction is especially important. The electric actuators control bed positioning. The handset or nurse panel controls the available electric functions. The central locking system controls the caster and brake behavior according to the product design. These systems work on the same hospital bed, but they should not be confused with one another. When comparing suppliers, do not ask only: “Does this bed have central locking?” Ask the manufacturer to show exactly how the system works on the quoted model. Hebei Heyuan Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. manufactures electric hospital beds, 5-function electric hospital beds, 3-function electric hospital beds, ICU beds and related medical furniture for international distributors and hospital projects. Buyers can review our electric hospital bed range for different technical configurations and project requirements. For 5-function electric hospital beds, central locking configurations, OEM and ODM requirements or bulk quotations, please contact Heyuan Medical with your required functions, caster configuration, quantity and destination market.“Central Locking Casters” Is More Than Four Wheels Under a Hospital Bed
What Is a Central Locking System on a Hospital Bed?
It Is a Coordinated Caster-Control System
The Operator Does Not Need to Lock Each Wheel Individually
This Is Different From Four Independent Brake Casters
Central locking changes the operating architecture of the complete mobility system
Why Do Buyers Confuse Central Locking With Individual Brakes?
Both Configurations Can Have Four Medical Casters
The Difference Becomes Clear During Operation
Do Not Identify the Brake System From Wheel Appearance Alone
A continuous video is more useful than a close-up caster photograph
1. Confirm Whether the Bed Has True Central Locking
Start With the Complete System
Do not treat these descriptions as interchangeable
Ask the Supplier to Demonstrate One Operating Cycle
This helps verify that “central locking” describes an actual system rather than a generic marketing phrase
2. Understand the Central Brake Linkage
The Pedal Does Not Electrically Lock the Casters
The Exact Linkage Architecture Depends on the Product Design
The Operating Input Is Transferred Through the Bed's Brake System
Buyers do not need to disassemble the system to verify its basic operation
Central Locking Is Separate From the Electric Adjustment System
This Is an Important Technical Distinction
The Caster Brake System Can Still Be Mechanically Operated
Do Not Count Central Locking as One of the Five Electric Functions
This prevents function-count confusion during procurement
3. Check How Many Pedals Are Provided
Pedal Layout Can Differ Between Hospital Bed Designs
Do Not Assume Every Central Locking Bed Uses the Same Pedal Arrangement
Ask for Photographs From Both Sides of the Bed
Side-view photographs and video make the system easier to evaluate
Why Pedal Position Matters
The System Must Be Accessible During Normal Bed Handling
Evaluate the Actual Bed Rather Than a Generic Caster Drawing
For Bulk Procurement, Pedal Layout Should Remain Consistent With the Approved Configuration
Record the central brake configuration in the approved specification
4. Understand the Available Caster Modes
Central Locking Systems Can Provide Different Operating States
Buyers Should Ask the Manufacturer to Explain the Specific System
Typical Concepts Can Include
Do not assume every central locking system provides all three modes
What Is the Free Movement Mode?
This Mode Allows the Bed to Be Maneuvered
This Supports General Bed Positioning and Maneuvering
Always Follow the Manufacturer's Operating Instructions
Do not transfer operating assumptions from one hospital bed model to another
What Is a Directional Caster Function?
Directional Control Is Different From Braking
This Can Support More Controlled Straight-Line Movement
Not Every Central Locking Bed Has the Same Directional Configuration
Verify these points on the exact quoted model
5. Confirm Caster Diameter
Central Locking Does Not Define Wheel Size
Caster Diameter Should Be a Separate Specification
Ask the Manufacturer to State the Actual Diameter
Use model-specific technical data
Why Caster Diameter and Central Locking Should Be Separate RFQ Items
They Describe Different Things
A complete specification may need both
For Example
Confirm both requirements rather than answering only “medical casters”
6. Check the Caster Mounting and Bed Base Architecture
A Central Locking System Is Integrated Into the Bed Base
The Bed Frame, Mounting Points and Brake-Control System Work Together
This Matters When Buyers Request Customization
Ask the manufacturer whether the complete bed structure supports the requested configuration
Do Not Assume Central Locking Can Always Be Added After Production
The Mobility System Should Be Defined Before the Order Is Finalized
Do Not Treat It as a Minor Accessory
Late Changes Can Affect the Bed Base and Related Components
Configuration decisions should be made before mass production begins
7. Check Whether All Four Casters Match the Intended System
Do Not Evaluate Only One Visible Wheel
Ask for Photographs or Technical Information Showing the Complete Caster Arrangement
Directional Functions Can Make Individual Caster Roles Different
Confirm the manufacturer's intended caster layout
8. Evaluate Bed Maneuverability With the Complete Bed
A Good Caster Specification on Paper Does Not Describe the Entire Handling Experience
Evaluate the complete bed rather than the caster alone
Push the Sample Bed During Evaluation
This misses an important part of the product
Test More Than Straight-Line Movement
A Hospital Bed Must Also Be Positioned and Turned
Check Different Intended Caster Modes Where Available
Do Not Use an Uncontrolled Demonstration as a Substitute for Formal Testing
A showroom demonstration and formal compliance evidence serve different purposes
9. Verify Brake Operation on the Actual Sample
Do Not Approve Central Locking From the Specification Sheet Alone
Observe the Resulting Caster State
Then Return the System to the Intended Movement Position
The complete operating cycle should be demonstrated
Do Not Force a Brake Pedal
Pedal Operation Should Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions
Report the Condition for Appropriate Inspection
Technical Evaluation Is Not the Same as Improvised Repair
Service procedures should follow manufacturer guidance
10. Verify Production Consistency Before Bulk Shipment
The Approved Sample Defines the Expected Configuration
Record the Caster and Brake Configuration Clearly
Useful Records Can Include
This reduces ambiguity during bulk inspection
Central Locking vs Individual Brakes: What Is the Technical Difference?
Individual Brake System
The Operator May Need to Access Several Brake Controls
Central Locking System
The operating workflow is therefore different
Does Central Locking Automatically Mean Better?
The Correct Configuration Depends on the Product Requirement
Do Not Convert a Technical Difference Into an Automatic Quality Judgment
Instead Ask Whether the Offered System Matches the Intended Application and Tender Specification
A different project may define another brake system
Central Locking Is Not the Same as an Electric Brake
The Word “Central” Can Cause Confusion
That Is Not Necessarily the Case
Many Hospital-Bed Central Brake Systems Use Mechanical Pedal Operation
The caster-control system is a separate subsystem
Central Locking Is Not One of the Five Functions
A 5-Function Electric Hospital Bed Refers to Adjustable Bed Movements
Central locking is a mobility and braking feature, not an additional electric positioning function
This Distinction Is Important in Quotations
Keep movement functions and safety or mobility features in separate specification sections
Central Locking Is Also Different From Trendelenburg
These Systems Serve Completely Different Purposes
Central Locking Controls the Bed's Caster State
One Is a Positioning Function
Separating these technical concepts improves specification accuracy
How Does Central Locking Relate to the 5-Function Bed Architecture?
The Systems Coexist on the Same Product
Each System Should Be Evaluated Separately
This Is Why “5-Function” Does Not Fully Describe the Bed
Function count is only one layer of the technical specification
What Should Buyers Put in an RFQ?
Avoid Writing Only “Central Brake”
For Example, Define the Required System and Ask the Manufacturer to Confirm
The RFQ Can Request
This creates a clearer technical response
What Should Buyers Ask for Before Ordering a Sample?
Request a Complete Mobility-System Video
Ask the Supplier to Demonstrate
Do Not Accept Only a Component Photograph
Verify the complete system
What Should Buyers Check on the Physical Sample?
Start With Product Identification
Then Test the Central Locking System
A Practical Sample Check Includes
Follow manufacturer instructions during all testing
Should the Bed Be Tested With a Load?
Use the Manufacturer's Approved Test Procedure
Formal Performance Testing Requires Controlled Methods
For Procurement Demonstration, Ask What Test Evidence Is Available
Do not infer formal compliance from an informal showroom demonstration
What Should Buyers Check During Pre-Shipment Inspection?
Do Not Inspect Only the Electric Movements
Confirm the Correct Caster and Brake System Is Installed
Inspection Can Include
Inspection requirements should follow the project's approved quality plan
Why Component Substitution Matters
Casters Can Look Similar While Having Different Specifications
Do Not Rely Only on Visual Similarity
If a Different Caster System Is Proposed, Review the Technical Difference
Changes should follow the agreed project process
Can a Central Locking Caster Be Replaced With Any Similar Wheel?
No Assumption of Interchangeability Should Be Made
Diameter Alone Is Not Enough
Compatibility Can Involve
Use manufacturer-confirmed replacement information
Why Buyers Should Ask for Caster Identification Information
Hospital Beds Can Remain in Service for Long Periods
Clear Component Identification Makes Communication Easier
For a Bulk Project, Keep Technical Records
This is more reliable than identifying replacement parts from photographs years later
Does a Larger Caster Automatically Mean Better Mobility?
Do Not Judge the Complete Bed From One Dimension
Evaluate Wheel Size Together With Caster Design and Bed Architecture
The Intended Hospital Environment Also Matters
Use the application and technical specification rather than a simple “larger is better” rule
How Should Distributors Present Central Locking to Customers?
Avoid Vague Claims Such as “Luxury Wheels”
For Example
If Directional Control Is Included, State It Separately
Accurate product descriptions reduce buyer misunderstanding
How Should a Technical Datasheet Describe the System?
Separate Mobility Specifications Into Their Own Section
This is clearer than writing only “four medical wheels”
Common Central Locking Specification Mistakes
Mistake 1: Calling Individual Brakes “Central Locking”
Verify the pedal behavior
Mistake 2: Assuming Central Locking Is Electric
Separate the two systems
Mistake 3: Counting Central Locking as One of the Five Functions
Keep function definitions clear
Mistake 4: Checking Caster Diameter but Ignoring Brake Architecture
Record both specifications
Mistake 5: Assuming Directional Control Is Always Included
Do not generalize across products
Mistake 6: Approving the System From a Photograph
Ask for a functional demonstration
Mistake 7: Treating Casters as Unrelated Accessories
Evaluate it as a system
10-Point Central Locking Checklist for Electric Hospital Bed Buyers
Before Confirming the Configuration, Verify
This turns “central locking casters” into a verifiable technical specification
Central Locking Should Be Evaluated as a Complete Hospital Bed System
