Extended Life Plain Bearings Reduce CO2 Emissions and Total Cost of Ownership

SKF (UK) launches a new range of SKF Extended Life spherical plain bearings and rod ends. These bearings, which are aimed primarily at applications in the farm, forestry and construction sectors are virtually maintenance-free, which means that they do not need to be relubricated. This product is a part of the SKF BeyondZero portfolio. 

SKF Extended Life spherical plain bearings help reduce the cost of ownership and reduce environmental impact because they last longer and do not require relubrication. For example, a single bearing with a 100 mm bore can save up to 876 g of grease per year. A tractor with six bearings of this type and size can save up to 5.2 kg of grease per year. This translates into a savings of 7.7 kg of CO2e per year. The calculations are based on grease savings and do not include the 37 percent reduction in frictional losses.

“The tribological system, which includes special surface treatments, grease and seals, combined with the internal geometry of the bearing is what makes these bearings so robust and energy efficient. Furthermore SKF Extended Life plain bearings are phosphated and undergo treatment to practically eliminate corrosion and reduce wear. Afterwards, the bearings are greased and sealed,” says Juergen Scholer, SKF Plain bearings Product Manager. 

SKF Extended Life plain bearings are equipped with heavy-duty triple lip seals which are the key to reducing total cost of ownership. These seals virtually eliminate the ingress of contaminants and the resulting poor lubrication condition that causes premature bearing failure.

SKF Extended Life plain bearings fill the gap between standard steel/steel plain bearings and maintenance-free SKF TX-plain bearings. Until now steel/steel spherical plain bearings have required re-lubrication as part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program.