Plastic Bearings

All right, let me throw you a question...

Is there a plastic bearing strong enough to use on an excavator or backhoe? Very low speed, high load application, plenty of contaminants around... These could be considered if they were cheap and basically throw away items...

Well,

I will be trying some cast Nylon bushing on my Compact Komatsu excavator. I will post the story as it unfolds...

It's Nylon MOS2 type of material see Cat Nylons Web Site.

Francis

Composite bearings are ideal for your excavator application. nylon bushings don't have the compressive strength to handle the loads. Composite bearings have compressive strength up to 60,000 PSI depending on the specific grade chosen. Composite bearings are used widely in Mobile Equipment, Cranes, Ship Rudder Bearings etc. Anywhere you have high loads, High Impact, slow speeds. Composite bearings are a grat way to go.
Feel free to contact me for more information if interested.

This is very interesting!

What's the cost of these composite bearings compared to metal bearings?

I'm asking because we have several machines in a rather harsh environment, with lots of contaminants (stone dust and peat dust) that kill regular bearings rather quickly - a better solution to this problem is highly appreciated.
________
Brg

TriboMan

Triboman,

I bought the cast nylon as stock, not as finished bearing. Total cost was 175 $. Just one 4 in original bearing (2 required) were 300$ at the Komatsu dealer...

However, a surgery for a groin hernia has put this repair on the back burner...

But I will certainly post my results in due time.

Email-me fbrabant at gmail dot com as I dont come to this forum very often...

Francis,

First of all thanks a bunch for your quick reply! I'll discuss this further with my superiors here at work.

And get well soon my friend!

________
Brg

TriboMan