Prevent damage to bearings by implementing the right lubrication

Whenever the best lubrication practices are implemented, the bearings and machinery have better performance and last longer.  This is why SKF delivers pre-greased bearings to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and as spare parts and recommends proper relubrication for bearings and other parts (like joints), which are not lubricated for life. 

The grease used in Agri bearings has various roles: 

- Separates the rolling surfaces with a lubricating film to keep internal wear to a minimum.

- Lubricates the seal lips surface by creating a protective film to minimise friction and corrosion on the sealing. 

- Protects the bearing from some contaminant ingress.

Additional barrier against dirt and humidity

Most of the SKF bearings used for agricultural applications have a much higher grease fill compared to general purpose bearings. Though this would be bad practice in most other industries, it is usually acceptable in agriculture thanks to moderate speeds in agricultural machines (as abundant greasing does not generate overheating). Furthermore, when a bearing is completely full of grease, the grease provides a second line of defense after the specifically designed SKF seals: there is much less space for water, dust and other aggressive contaminants. This seal and grease barrier has often been found to add significant bearing life in agricultural machines where there is high contamination, such as combines, balers, tillage and seeding equipment.

Download SKF Agri solutions brochure for more information

For some agricultural machines, bearings without relubrication features can be used successfully. In these cases, bearings don’t need to be relubricated. In other agricultural applications, bearings may be designed with relubrication features and it is up to the end user to take care of the maintenance. It is important to follow the OEMs instructions for relubrication intervals to keep the machine performing as designed. Typically, there may be a regreasing interval specified after a specific time of operation and/or prior to off-season machine storage. Regreasing bearings in these instances introduces fresh grease into the bearing and can help purge contaminants and coat rolling surfaces with a fresh oil film to help avoid bearing damage. Purged grease also typically coats sealing surfaces with an oil film and can help delay corrosion and prolong seal life. 

There are different methods for the relubrication of bearings. Bearings can be relubricated manually with a grease gun as well as with the help of a lubrication system. Within our product range, you can find all necessary tools for the lubrication of bearings.

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SKF Battery Driven Grease Guns TLGB 1262-E and TLGB 1886-E are designed to meet the tough conditions of agriculture, effectively lubricate all components of agricultural machines and make the lubrication job faster and easier.

Reliable and automatic relubrication of multiple lubrication points with the TLMP series

Use the right grease

Last but not least, make sure to use the right lubricant. A high-quality grease with excellent water resistance, advanced rust inhibiting properties and high mechanical stability is necessary to protect the bearings and many other mechanical components against wear and corrosion. If you need help to choose the right lubricant: go to SKF LubeSelect