Field-tested reliability: igus® composite bearings in agriculture

17th May 2024

igutex® polymer heavy-duty bearings for agricultural equipment manufacturer Sumo UK Ltd, have allowed them to produce longer lasting, durable machinery and save on standard lubricated metal bearings.

Finding bearings that are cost-effective, tough enough to take on the most heavy-duty loads, and that minimise the impact on the environment is no mean feat. This is why igus® introduced the igutex® bearing range, designed to withstand the pressure of demanding industries such as agriculture and construction.

Renowned manufacturer of cultivation equipment, Sumo UK Ltd, produce equipment that often weighs upwards of ten tonnes and requires technical solutions that can take high loads easily and frequently. This is where igus® was able to provide the perfect solution. Sumo UK were first introduced to plain bearings in 2017 and they have been installed in their heaviest equipment. However, they wanted to go a step further and assess how igutex® compares to other options in high load applications where greased metal bearings are usually fitted. Factors such as load, wear resistance, serviceability and cost were all incorporated into their final decision to increase the number of igutex® products used in their products.

Providing lasting solutions with heavy-duty igus® bearings

As a leading motion plastics company, igus® has a constant focus on adding value for machine builders through improving all types of motion, delivering sustainable solutions that have minimal impact on the environment. These core principles are present in all igus® products, including the igutex® bearings range.

A tractor works a field with a wide tillage machine.

Red machine bracket with hydraulic components on a vehicle.

igutex® bearings are a composite material engineered with fibres and resins which are treated with high temperatures and pressures to create an exceptionally hard-wearing material. Not only can this range accommodate exceptional loads, but it also has a very wide window of operating temperatures ranging from -60 degrees up to +120 degrees. Combined, these qualities allow igutex® bearings to be used in a variety of industrial environments at reasonable prices, reducing cost for customers as well as saving maintenance and lubrication requirements.

As a result of the assessments carried out by Sumo UK Ltd, conclusions were made that for a majority of applications, igutex® TX1 and TX3 would be the best components. The bearings are primarily used in the articulation geometry on folding hinge points, running on mild steel connection pins. The igutex TX1 and TX3 materials both have excellent running characteristics in oscillating motion, exactly what is needed in their applications.

Tried and tested quality solutions

A strong relationship has formed between igus® and Sumo UK Ltd over the years as both companies prioritise quality and reliability. The testing carried out on all igus® products is thorough. With around fifteen thousand tests carried out a year, all products undergo rigorous testing, with the added transparency of allowing customers to see the products for themselves before they decide to invest. In summary, igus uses plastic technology to solve engineering problems in the toughest environments, something clearly achieved with the tilling equipment at Sumo UK Ltd.

Visiting SUMO UK on the igus:bike tour

For the igus:bike's UK leg of the tour, igus visited many of it's valued customers, highlighting the incredible work they have done in their industries. Based in Melbourne, York, SUMO UK are one such customer who have placed great importance on operational efficiency and improved performance in their agricultural tilling equipment.

They were first introduced to plain bearings in 2017 and they have been installed in some of the heaviest equipment that they manufacturer.

"The performance of the igus bush is better than any other on the market" says Tim Lord, Head of Engineering at SUMO UK Ltd

Producing equipment that often weighs upwards of ten tonnes requires technical solutions that can take high loads frequently and with ease, something that the igutex® range from igus was able to fulfill.

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