One of the most important parts of agricultural machinery are the bearings, which are responsible for providing smooth motion, reducing vibration and noise, and transferring power from one machine part to another. This article will discuss the common types of bearing damage and the various methods of bearing maintenance for agricultural machinery, in order to ensure the long-term effectiveness and reliability of the machinery.
What is a bearing?
Agricultural machinery bearings are one of the commonly used accessories for agricultural machinery. They are widely used in agricultural machinery such as agricultural vehicles, tractors, diesel engines, electric motors, hay rakes, balers, harvesters, and threshers. The accuracy, performance, life and reliability of the main engine play a decisive role.
Agricultural machinery bearings can continuously withstand continuous vibration and high impact loads to meet reliable operation under various weather conditions. The structural design is very simple, which can ensure the high utilization rate of the machine.
There are also many types of equipment in agricultural machinery. The occasions and purposes of use are different, so the bearings used will also be different. The commonly used bearings in agricultural machinery are: hole or nozzle), angular contact ball bearings, outer spherical bearings, needle roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, etc.
Feature of agricultural machinery bearings
Feature 1: It consists of an outer side, an inner hole, a set of bearing steel balls and a set of ball bearings.
Feature 2: It mainly bears pure axial load, and can also bear coupled load. When it bears pure axial load, its interfacial tension is zero; when it has large axial movement, it has the characteristics of angular contact bearing and can bear large radial load. Agricultural machinery bearings have small frictional resistance and high limiting speed ratio, so they have more advantages than torsion bearings when radial loads run at high speeds. However, due to its limited self-aligning performance, the coaxiality of the bearing installation must be high, otherwise it will affect its running stability, increase the stress of the bearing, and thus reduce the working life.
Feature 3: The structure of agricultural machinery bearings is simple, and it is easier to achieve higher precision than others, so it can be mass-produced. In addition to the basic model size, it also has various structural variants, such as agricultural machinery bearings with sealed covers, agricultural machinery bearings with silicone rings, and agricultural machinery bearings with stop grooves.
How to judge whether the bearing is damaged
The first step in diagnosing bearing damage is to determine the type of damage that exists. This can be done by visual inspection or by vibration analysis. Visual inspection can identify signs of wear or damage such as cracks, discoloration or corrosion. Vibration analysis is used to measure the vibration signature of machinery, which can indicate bearing damage or other failures. Once the type of bearing damage has been determined, the next step is to analyze it.This involves assessing the cause of the injury and determining the best treatment options.
Several types of agricultural machinery bearing damage
The most common types of bearing damage include corrosion, fatigue, wear, misalignment, contamination and overloading.
Corrosion is caused by environmental factors such as moisture or chemicals. It can lead to premature bearing failure due to pitting or spalling of the bearing surface. To deal with corrosion damage, bearings should be cleaned and lubricated with a corrosion-resistant lubricant.
Fatigue is caused by excessive loads or repeated cycles of stress on the bearing surfaces. This can lead to cracks or other signs of wear. To treat fatigue damage, the bearing should be replaced or the load should be reduced.
Wear is caused by friction between the bearing surfaces, which can lead to flaking or pitting. To treat wear damage, the bearing should be lubricated with a suitable lubricant to reduce friction. Misalignment occurs when the bearing is installed in a position that is not parallel to the axis of rotation. This can cause the bearing to vibrate excessively and lead to premature failure. To treat misalignment damage, the bearing should be adjusted to a parallel position.
Contamination occurs when particles such as dust, dirt, or other debris enter the bearing. This can lead to increased friction and wear. To treat contamination damage, the bearing should be cleaned and lubricated with a suitable lubricant.
Overloading occurs when the bearing is subjected to loads that exceed its design limits. This can lead to premature failure or damage to the bearing surfaces. To treat overloading damage, the load should be reduced or the bearing should be replaced.
Once the type and cause of the bearing damage have been identified, the next step is to determine the best course of treatment. This may involve replacing the bearing, adjusting the alignment, cleaning the bearing, lubricating the bearing, or reducing the load. Repairing or replacing the bearing may be necessary if the damage is severe.
Maintenance of agricultural machinery bearings
The first step in bearing maintenance for agricultural machinery is to check the bearings regularly. This should be done at least once a year, and more often if the machinery is being used heavily or if it is located in a difficult environment. The bearings should be inspected for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, dents, or discoloration. If any signs of wear are found, the bearing should be replaced as soon as possible. In addition, it is important to check the lubrication of the bearings, as this will help reduce friction and wear. If the lubricant has become dirty or excessively worn, it should be replaced.
The next step in bearing maintenance for agricultural machinery is to ensure that the bearings are properly lubricated. This should be done at regular intervals, depending on the type of bearing being used and the operating conditions of the machinery. The lubricant used should be appropriate for the bearing type and should be of a high quality to ensure its effectiveness. It is important to ensure that the lubricant is not over or under-lubricated, as this can lead to premature bearing failure.
In addition to regular lubrication of the bearings, it is also important to ensure that the bearing is properly aligned. This may require the use of a bearing alignment tool, which should be used on a regular basis to ensure the accuracy of the alignment. If the alignment is not correct, it can lead to increased friction, premature bearing failure, and increased vibration and noise.
Finally, it is important to ensure that the bearings are regularly cleaned. This should be done using a clean cloth or brush, and any dirt or debris should be removed. It is also important to ensure that the bearings are not exposed to extreme temperatures, as this can affect their effectiveness.
In conclusion, proper maintenance of bearings in agricultural machinery is essential to ensure their long-term effectiveness and reliability. This includes regular inspection and lubrication, as well as ensuring that the bearings are properly aligned and regularly cleaned. By following these steps, it is possible to ensure the long-term performance of the agricultural machinery and reduce the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs.
