GGB's Metal-Polymer Bearings for Agricultural Applications
Bearing Application Requirements
Variable Speed Fan Drives are used on farm machinery to regulate the ventilator’s fan speed according to the demand from the engine to supply the appropriate cooling which maximizes engine efficiency.
To vary the speed, a rubber belt driving the fan runs around a split pulley whose pitch diameter can be adjusted by the separation of the two halves of the pulley. Two plain bearings support and facilitate the linear movement of one of the pulley halves.
GGB Agricultural Bearing Solution
The bearings are exposed to operating temperatures from -40°C at a cold winter start to continuous operation at +130°C . With their excellent wear and temperature resistance HI-EX® plain bearings delivered optimal service life in this demanding application.
HI-EX® plain bearing structure is comprised of a steel backing with a porous bronze sinter interlayer and a pin indented sliding layer comprised of low friction PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PEEK (polyether ether ketone) and other performance enhancing fillers.
The benefits gained from using HI-EX® plain bearings are:
- Excellent wear resistance from the PEEK filled bearing liner for extended service life
- Indented surface layer serves as a grease reservoir for optimum lubricant retention and distribution to reduce friction and wear
- Wide temperature capability from -150°C to +250°C
- Excellent dimensional stability over a wide temperature range ensuring bearing retention in the housing and reduced clearance variation