The Schaeffler Group is launching a complete bearing system for agricultural seed discs, under its INA and FAG brands.
Providing high load carrying capacity and tilting rigidity, the angular-contact needle roller bearing unit also provides a multi-lip cassette seal that reliably protects the bearing against contamination and prevents loss of grease. The clearance-free units are therefore supplied with a ample grease, ensuring maintenance-free operation without any downtime.
In addition, the bearing unit is protected against extreme dirt and heavy shock loads by Schaeffler's Corrotect coating, which increases bearing life significantly.
Corrotect is a relatively low-cost, 0.5-5um thick zinc alloy coating with cathodic protection, which is effective against condensation, rainwater, contaminated water and weak alkaline or weak acidic cleaning agents. Under load, the coating is compacted into the surface roughness profile and is partly worn away. The chromate coating and the passivation increase anti-corrosion protection and contribute to the optical appearance of the component.
The ready-to-mount bearing unit enables faster installation and easier seed disc removal. Attachment screws for the seed discs are already integrated in the flanged bearing. The seed disc is initially attached to the bearing. Afterwards, the entire unit is screwed to the machine quickly and easily via a central screw. Changing the seed disc simply involves loosening the screws.
Following successful test rig trials and field tests, prototypes are now available for testing. The seed disc bearing unit can be individually adapted to specific customer requirements.
For more information on Schaeffler's seed disc bearing units, please visit www.schaeffler.co.uk.