Bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International is distributing a ‘hybrid’ bearing, developed in conjunction with global bearing supplier KML.

Bearings International CEO Tony Patten says that the bearing was tested rigorously on motor vehicle parts manufacturer Henred Fruehauf’s 50 000-km ‘Congo run’.

He says that the reason for the development of the bearing was largely due to rising costs within the bearing market.

“The answer was to come up with an affordable, yet reliant, product,” he explains.

Patten says KML was chosen, because of the consistent quality of the company’s products.

“KML worked with local engineers to include the best features from local bearings and created the ‘hybrid’ bearing for Bearings International,” he says.

The bearing was tested under controlled conditions, and with a wide variety of other bearings, on the test run which spans about 50 000 km and covers rough terrain.

“Because of the rigours of the journey, the hybrid bearing could only be removed for examination after 80 000 km. “However, after it had been taken out, under strict testing conditions, the bearing performed better than the other bearings fitted,” Patten points out.

He says that, although bearings are safety-critical products, there is a trend in the market to shave costs on truck bearings.

“If the wrong bearing type is fitted, it means that the bearing has to perform beyond its work specification and this could mean unnecessary costs to the company, because of problems such as tyre wear. “The local consumer should choose the right bearing without compromising on cost,” Patten comments.

He says that it creates a false sense of economy if bearing costs are shaved. Maintenance on bearings is very important and, to this end, training personnel in the maintenance of bearings is imperative.

“Bearings International has seen instances where maintenance personnel removed the bearing cone from its fitting, but left the cup behind. “When the bearing is then replaced, only the cone is replaced, compromising 90% of the bearing’s lifespan,” Patten adds.

Meanwhile, brand copying is becoming a problem in the local market, but Patten says that the local consumer is discerning enough to differentiate between a copied product and the real thing.

“There is currently a shortage in the bearings market and this has led to a wide variety of bearing brands being offered. “However, the South African consumer is quite discerning when it comes to consumable products and tends to purchase proven brands,” Patten concludes.