Soil ingress on equipment in agricultural applications can create significant problems for farmers in terms of machine performance and longevity. Bearings in particular are susceptible to failure from exposure to harsh environmental operating conditions – and when every minute of uptime counts, it’s important to choose the right bearings for the job, says Nick Hems, Motion’s category manager for bearings.
“Soil, dust and water ingression is an ongoing threat to equipment, particularly in New Zealand where farmers contend with extreme weather conditions – from hot and cold to dust and heavy rain,” says Hems. “This is why investing in bearings built to withstand the harshest of conditions is critical, particularly when there is huge demand for food product. No one wants to experience downtime especially during harvest season.”
Hems explains that the latest iteration of the Schaeffler FAG Black Series have features specifically built for harsh agricultural applications.
“The FAG Black Series of radial insert ball bearings and housing units from Schaeffler are robust, ready-to fit, self-contained units that provide simplified mounting, smooth running and high reliability. These bearings and housing units have superior sealing and corrosion protection. This is especially important as rust leads to flaking and premature failure. And bearing failure is one of the most common – and preventable – causes of farming equipment breakdowns.”
The Black Series take its name from their matte black surface coating. The black coating is Schaeffler’s Durotect BS surface treatment formulated to inhibit rust on external surfaces and to reduce fretting corrosion between bearing and shaft.
“These bearings will still perform well despite harsh conditions – they are durable and reliable.” The Black Series housing units consist of high strength graphite cast iron precisely machined to provide a tight J7 fit with the self-aligning bearing insert.
“They’re particularly suitable for applications with light to medium radial loads. The housing units also allow for relubrication to increase longevity of the bearings and prevent build-up of dust, sludge and static contaminants that can slow down equipment,” says Hems
The Black Series radial insert ball bearings are available with three shaft locking options being grub screw lock, eccentric collar lock and tapered adapter sleeve lock. Housing configurations include several options of pillow block and flanged types plus a take up housing option.
The insert bearings are based on single row deep groove ball bearings and comprise a solid section outer ring and an inner
ring extended on both sides. The bearings have low friction plastic cages and are sealed on both sides by single piece seals with a vulcanised lip and outer flinger shield.
“Because of the way they are designed, they have reduced frictional torque, so they are more energy efficient and generate less heat which also extends grease life,” Hems says.
“Importantly, the ball bearings and housing units are particularly easy to install. Housing units are supplied with a lubrication nipple with integrated seal cap as well as an Allen key for bearings with grub screw lock.”
Hems recommends that customers call on Motion before changing over or installing bearings because a local Motion branch can draw on the nationwide expertise of engineers and experts and provide highly localised service and support.
“If customers are having difficulties with their equipment and bearings, we’re here to help. Whether that’s about supplying the right bearing to their application, or questions about installation and best practices, we’re available around the clock.”
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