Bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International has launched a new bearing solution for demanding applications in industries such as cement, fertiliser, power generation, steel, aggregates, mining and mineral processing.

The new Rexnord RN series of metric bearings offers ease of use, performance and durability and, as a drop-in replacement for existing SN500 bearings, customer benefits include efficiency and productivity, reduced downtime and a lower total cost of ownership.

According to Bearings International, the RN series has a misalignment capability of a full 2°, a two-piece outer race and higher radial and axial load capability with a larger roller design and seals for improved bearing life and easy fitment and removal from the shaft, owing to a Shurlok adapter mounting.

Further, with the new series, no shaft damage will occur from seal wear or the grub screw locking on to the shaft.

“The new RN series takes the guesswork out of mounting and dismounting spherical roller bearings, where it is needed the most. Unlike the conventional plumber block assembly with multiple components, the RN series unitised plumber block unit has no loose components. This, together with other technological features, reduces installation time by up to 80%,” says Bearings International product manager Lingesh Naidoo.

Applications range from elevators to screw conveyors, feeder breakers, roll crushers, conveyor pulleys and fans.

“The opportunities for the RN series are very broad, as it covers any scenario where a high load is combined with high contamination,” explains Naidoo.

Bearings International will offer the new RN series throughout its extensive branch network, with access to backup from the company’s technical department in conjunction with Rexnord South Africa.

“Although the Rexnord range has been represented locally for over 40 years, this is a first for South Africa in terms of the line of ISO-metric-sized unitised plumber block bearings available.”

The series will be supplemented by technical backup and 24/7 aftersales service, in addition to theoretical and practical training and installation supervision and installation.