A Y bearing unit installed in a trencher that was experiencing frequent breakdowns has extended equipment uptime and added value to a local level 5CE Construction Industry Development Board-rated civil company.

The SKF maintenance-free Y bearing was fitted to a Vermeer RT650 trencher operated by Gibela Civils on a project taking place in a remote location with tight deadlines. The constant bearing failures and housing breakages were leading to excessive downtime, increased costs and time wastage for the customer, explains SKF key accounts manager: agriculture Charl Engelbrecht.

Once fitted with the Y bearing solution, the trencher completed 1.2 km of uninterrupted trench work, enabling Gibela to complete the project ahead of schedule, notes Engelbrecht. The unit consists of an insert bearing that contains a 5-lip Mudblock seal, which is paired with the SKF cast iron housing with solid base feet.

“The SKF Y Bearing Unit delivers a rugged and reliable solution that is more than a match for the punishing conditions ensuing from the extremely challenging trenching application,” concludes Engelbrecht.