Bearings and power transmission supplier Bearings International is staying up to date with emerging trends and technologies in the agriculture industry by incorporating this knowledge into its product development and innovation efforts.

This includes promptly sourcing the necessary parts to keep up with the changes made by original-equipment manufacturers, thereby ensuring that customers continue to buy from them, says Bearings International agriculture segment development leader Mike Groenewald.

“The brands we represent are very innovative and have superior technical skills in design and development. Our suppliers strive to be the first in development and, as such, we become distributors of their new technologies. We share the efficiencies gained, as well as all the benefits, with our farming customers,” he tells Engineering News.

There are, however, limitations to the design of bearings and chains in the manufacturing of agricultural equipment.

He adds that while there is a need for effective sealing to protect the bearings, the addition of too many seals can hinder the free movement of equipment. Therefore, design changes are expected.

Similarly, Groenewald notes that although efforts to reduce the weight of steel chains are ongoing, “there is a limit to how much weight can be reduced without causing excessive strain on machines”.

However, despite these constraints, he is confident that “there will always be individuals striving for improvements in agriculture-related machinery”.

Through applying this methodology, Bearings International’s power take-off (PTO) gearboxes, planter bearings and agricultural chains help farmers increase productivity and efficiency in the field.

Over the past decade, the company has improved seals for dusty environments, which Groenewald says has helped farmers reduce downtime, as a result of repairs during short farming seasons.

In addition, maintenance-free agriculture hubs also last for more than one season, owing to better sealing arrangements.

“As the bearings now last longer, metal waste is reduced, compared with the older bearing types, thus reducing the impact on the environment,” he notes.

However, maintenance is still required for products such as PTOs which need to be greased to ensure smooth running.

“We are always available for technical support and have a team available that can assist with fitment if the customer struggles. There is a fee payable to the field service team should they be called out to assist,” Groenewald comments.

Bearings International’s PTOs are supplied with a booklet that details how to use them, with safety instructions to ensure that operators are not harmed.

“Problem solving and training are available as needed. Our sales people will always strive to give the best solution to the problem,” he concludes.