Imported bearings and transmission products supplier Bearings International (BI) supplied the Link-Belt 5000 series bearing to a reputable Gauteng-based brick manufacturer in September.
BI Link-Belt product manager Lucas Pretorius notes that there were frequent bearing failures, including bearing housing fractures, on the company’s hammer mill. Also, the seals fitted to the conventional housings used by the brick manufacturer would blow out when the previously fitted bearing units were being lubricated. “We manufactured a solid base cast iron housing to house the 5000 series bearing and fitted it with all-steel overlap seals to better withstand the vibration of this specific application.”
He explains that Link-Belt bearings comprise a heavier-duty bearing, unlike those of most of its competitors. The bearing also offers improved sealing, resulting in no machine downtime after it has been installed. It is also easier to fit than the previous bearings and reduces grease consumption, as these bearings run significantly cooler, resulting in improved lubrication efficiency.
The Link-Belt range of bearings also offers a Shurlok sleeve-mounted bearing, which BI introduced in 2012. The Shurlok sleeve employs a visual indicator to facilitate correct bearing tightening during fitment.
Distributorship of the Link-Belt range of bearings was obtained by BI in 1997 and is ideal for use on conveyors, fans, coal wash plant screens and vertical pumps.