Prevent downtime - get insights of your bearing conditions

Vibration, temperature and noise. These are three important indicators which suggest that bearings are not functioning optimally. Good installation, regular and timely  maintenance are recommended. In the near future, monitoring the bearing conditions can offer a solution!

Combine and forage harvesters are waiting for the most part of the year for the highly demanding harvest season. Even before vibration, loud noise or high temperatures  are observed in the bearings, the mechanisation, contracting or arable farming company must take care of sufficiently and timely maintenance. Ideally, all bearings will be checked before any activity starts. This offers the opportunity to replace a possible defective part or apply specific maintenance before any failures occur. An early check not only reduces the chances of downtime when the machine has to operate, it also provides insights into the condition of bearings. 

Correct and timely maintenance is important

One of the most common causes of defects in the bearings is a wrong assembly. For instance, it is not recommended to use a hammer to get the bearing in the right place. It would, before starting any activity, cause damage either to the inner or outer ring of the bearings or to the shaft on which the bearing is fixed. It is highly advised to carefully read and use the User Manual of the manufacturer as guidance during assembly. For more information about using the correct maintenance tools and methods, take a look at our website.

Despite proper mounting and maintenance, due to the harsh circumstances of farming there always remains a risk of internal damage as a consequence of a defective seal, excessive vibration or overly high temperature. Condition monitoring will play an important role here to prevent damage.

Bearing sensors will detect risks in real-time enabling
you to take action if needed!

Andrew Bauer
SKF Machine and Application Expert for Harvesting

Sensors as the ears and eyes of the mechanic

Until now, bearing systems in the agricultural sector have not been equipped with condition monitoring systems yet, the mechanic’s and driver’s eyes and ears are mostly those able to notice problems. Consequently, problems can be noticed too late.

Behind the scenes, SKF is collaborating with machine manufacturers on the development of several bearings sensors able to detect vibration and temperature risks in real-time and making visible the data detected by the bearings sensors at the terminal of the cabin. In case of any malfunction, or in increased chances of it, this allows the mechanic to diagnose remotely and rapidly carry out the necessary repair.

Andrew Bauer, Machine and Application Expert for Harvesting at SKF: “In three to five years, the final users and the mechanics should be able to reap the fruits of these developments.”