A lot rides on choosing the right bearing. Make the right choice and agricultural machines will run smoother for longer. The wrong choice will lead to extra costs and lost productivity.
This guide will help you make that right choice, focusing on practical solutions that will make the difference for farmers’ machines.
3 key questions before we start
If you're deciding on a bearing, first ask yourself these questions:
- What type of machine are you maintaining?
- Does it work mostly in clean conditions, or does it regularly drive through mud, water or crop residues?
- How often can you realistically perform maintenance?
As you read on, keep these answers in mind to help you make the best bearing choice for your specific situation.
Agri Hubs: for tillage and disc harrows
Agri hubs are designed for tough tillage tasks like disc harrowing.
These units need almost no maintenance because they are sealed and pre-lubricated. This is a big time saver because they do not need to be re-greased / re-lubricated regularly.
The SKF Agri Hubs with a durable design for reliable performanceThey are also environmentally friendly. Their sealed design prevents grease from leaking into fields. They can withstand harsh conditions like mud, dust and water, which makes them ideal for farming operations where reliability matters most.
Mudblock cassette seals: for wheel-end protection
If your agricultural machines work in dusty or muddy conditions, Mudblock cassette seals will significantly reduce your maintenance needs and costs. They keep contaminants out of wheel-end bearings, extending their lifespan by up to 50% compared to standard seals. They also generate less friction, keeping machinery running more efficiently.
The SKF Mudblock Cassette Seals made for dusty or muddy conditionsThe best thing about Mudblock cassette seals? They're easy to install and compatible with most existing systems.
Shop SKF Mudlock cassette seals
Tapered roller bearings: for heavy-duty tasks
Tapered roller bearings handle heavy loads exceptionally well. They’re especially suitable if your machinery has to cope with both radial loads (acting across the line of the axle) and axial loads (acting along the line of the axle). Because of this, you will often find tapered roller bearings in gearboxes and wheel hubs.
The SKF Tapered Roller Bearings engineered for heavy loads One advantage is that these bearings allow you to adjust preload (how tight the bearing components are) to enhance precision and reduce wear. This type of bearing keeps working even under tough conditions. So again, that means less downtime and more operational efficiency.
Shop SKF tapered roller bearings
XG series bearings: general agricultural use
Dirt, moisture, chemical fertilizers – XG series bearings keep all of that out with their strong seals. Developed by SKF, they are ideal if you need general-purpose bearings for farming, especially harvesting machinery.
The SKF XG Series Bearings ideal for every purpose of farmingInstallation is easy thanks to several locking options like locking collars and grub screws. Plus, the XG series bearings have corrosion-resistant surfaces. This means they will stay rolling far longer than other bearings, making them a cost-effective choice for challenging agricultural environments.
Top tips for getting the best from your bearings
A bearing might be labelled as "maintenance-free". But always install bearings carefully and check them regularly. Knowing how to maintain bearings will maximise their service life and keep your equipment reliable.
And remember, if you’re unsure about the right bearing type, asking an expert can save you a lot of time and unnecessary costs.
