Bearing Technology for Planting Machines

The company was looking for a cost-effective bearing that could permanently withstand high pressure and was free from maintenance and lubrication to be used on a wide precision seed sowing machine in the agricultural industry. These machines are sold in large markets such as the USA, South America and Eastern Europe. The component also needed to be able to withstand the heavy loads permanently and safely, whilst being wear-resistant.

The Italian manufacturer of agricultural machinery, Maschia Gaspardo, sometimes builds such attachments and was looking for a suitable bearing solution for the suspension of the large wheels on the sides of the trailer. The wheels can be swivelled freely and allow for easy manoeuvring at the end of the field. High pressure is exerted on the bearing point of the wheels as they have to bear the weight of the machine. Various systems were proposed and considered for the bearing assembly: however, a thrust bearing is too expensive, is difficult to protect against the high levels of dust and requires time-consuming adjustment of the housing. A steel washer with lubricant was also out of the question as an alternative. Although this is a cost-effective solution, the washers would have to be replaced annually and relubricated daily.

A simple solution to the problem was found in an iglidur thrust washer, which offers the perfect conditions for use in this area thanks to its material specifications. The thrust washers made of the material iglidur Z (more specifically, the ZTM-6590-020 thrust washers) were primarily selected due to their wear resistance. As they are lubrication-free, they make the seed drill considerably easier to use and reduce running costs. We offer thrust washers with a wide range of dimensions from stock in our product range. Other shapes and dimensions according to your specifications can be manufactured from iglidur bar stock using both injection moulding and by being machined.