The bearing range includes REX and Link Belt Housed spherical roller bearing units, the Link Belt split housed spherical roller bearing range, the 200 and 300 series ball bearing unit range as well as the cylindrical roller bearing range and, according to Bearings International Product Manager, Lucas Pretorius, the range will also soon be complemented by larger size bearings.Pretorius highlights some of the range’s unique features that deliver substantial cost saving benefits: ”The products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards to deliver reliable operation, reduced equipment downtime and increased productivity through easy, quick installation, low maintenance and long service life for lowest total cost of ownership.”

The housed bearings feature a range of field interchangeable seals, both metric and imperial shaft sizes, a full range of housing styles, including an ‘SN’ compatible range, single or double locking Collar or sleeve mounting and can accommodate three degrees misalignment.  Pretorius highlights ease of installation, which reduces costly down time, as a key benefit and explains, “As the bearing is pre-set in the housing, installation or replacement is a simple drop-in solution. The rugged one-piece housing arrives pre-loaded with lubricant and the clearance is pre-set so they can be mounted immediately to the shaft.”  Pretorius points out that as the bearing being unitised is never exposed to the environment during installation, risk of contamination and clearance uncertainties are eliminated and bearing life is improved. “The units are serviceable and re-lubrication of the bearing is also very effective with the fresh grease entering directly into the bearing where it is needed and the unique seals allowing excess grease purge,” he adds.

Pretorius states that the robust design, unique patented seal and unrivalled higher thrust load carrying capacity of the Link Belt range has earned these rugged bearings wide acceptance in the mining sector. “We are also successful in numerous other industries including steel and metal, petrochemical, power generation, wood, water and water treatment as well as the materials handling sectors.” “From a growth point of view, we have seen good volumes out of the power generation and mining sectors.” While Pretorius considers coal to be a big driver of growth in the mining sector, he attributes growth in the power generation sector mainly to maintenance and upgrade expenditure, “an area where Link Belt has proved its superiority when it comes to fast, easy maintenance to keep costs and downtime to a minimum.” “Rexnord / Link Belt roller bearings offer the best range of performance options based on customers’ application needs, “ continues Pretorius. “From seal types and bore diameters to shaft locking options, this bearing family adds value in terms of selection, delivery and life span. We have assisted many customers to realise substantial savings by replacing bearings that were causing costly downtime due to regular failure with quick, easy to install, low maintenance Link Belt roller bearings that offer dramatic extension of bearing life.”

Noting the synergies between Bearings International and Rexnord, Pretorius says, “We are committed to class-leading service and continuously augment all our product ranges with value added services. Our substantial investment in stock is backed by product specialists and engineering support locally as well as manufacturer expertise from USA-based Rexnord, which boasts a worldwide reputation for supplying highly engineered products that improve productivity and efficiency in mining and industry.”

Pretorius considers stock availability to be one of the biggest challenges as the bearings are fully imported. “We address this through substantial stock holding which is essential to cater for current users and new clients. We understand that downtime is simply not an option for our customers and we always endeavour to supply the right products as quickly as possible; our turnaround times on standard items are often ex-stock or within two weeks for most items. Our nationwide network of over 50 strategically located branches makes it possible to conveniently place our vast product range, engineering expertise and service excellence close to our customers. In addition, we are available after hours for emergencies on our 24 hour hotline (083 250 9191),” concludes Pretorius.