Replacement Bearings

[Stumpy Grinder]

Having replaced a lot of Pillow Block Bearings now on various machines, I think it is worth voicing my opinion. I use Rayco Stump grinders which are undoubtedly excellent machines with exceptional engineering. They tend to use 'Sealmaster' bearings which are very good and robust. Unfortunately, they cost a bloody fortune for what is effectively a consumable part on a stump grinder. A recent bearing failure cost me £86 for just the sealmaster bearing inner. They are American. I thought that it was about time to see if there was an alternative......

After a few measurements and a short space of time on the internet, I soon discovered there was!

A company called 'Simply Bearings' were extremely helpful and a pair of complete high quality RHP bearings including housing and inserts cost the same a single insert delivered! Yes, two complete bearings delivered for just £86!!!

Buy 2 bolt cast iron pillow block housings online

At first glance, they are extremely well made and smooth running, although not quite as well finished on the cast iron housing as the sealmaster. However, the inner race is extremely well engineered and appears to be better sealed. Anyway, I've been running them now on the top jackshaft position for a good while and they a performing extremely well and don't seem to require much grease as they don't leak. At a quarter of the cost, they appear to be just as good!

Don't be a slave to manufacturers recommendations, as there are definitely cheaper alternatives! The same is true with belts!

SG

[inthewoods]

Nice one

[Stubby]

I have always gone to a local bearing supplier . Just take the numbers of the outer and they can usually match them up at , as you say , a good deal cheaper .

[Watercourse management]

I've used simply bearings for a couple of years now and have been very impressed with the price and service.

[Stumpy Grinder]

Even the polychain belts are about a quarter of the price! All you need is the pitch distance between teeth, number of teeth, width and length which you can generally read off your old belt. Worth having a spare at those prices?

[wadhill1]

I would use RHP bearing over anything else.

I have over the years run machinery in extreme conditions and RHP was always up to the job.