Clamshell Bearings

BEARING BALL WITHOUT BUSHING

This bearing type is a plain spherical bearing offered in different material options including sintered bronze, sintered iron, molded nylon, chrome plated steel and cast iron. Each of these bearings have a specific benefit per application. Learn more about each in the Bearing material info icon.

BEARING BALL WITH BUSHING

This bearing type has a stamped steel housing around a bronze bushing. Benefits of this type include self-alignment, high load-spread capability, constant lubrication on the shaft and is a low-cost solution. You also have the option of many different lubrication apparatus and type options. Please see info icon for Lubrication apparatus or type of lubricant for more information.

SINTERED BRONZE

Bronze bearings are oil impregnated with SAE30-Non-Detergent oil. This results in a quiet operation, longer-life span and reduces the amount of dirt and dust that can get caught between the bore and shaft. You can find bronze bearings in many applications including lawn mowers, solar panels, food machinery and lawn tractor attachments.

SINTERED IRON

Iron bearings have similar benefits as our bronze bearings and they are oil impregnated with SAE30-Non-Detergent oil as well. Having an oil-impregnated bearing allows for a longer-life span and quiet operation. Sintered iron bearings are best suited for a low load. Common applications include lawn tractors, solar trackers, lawn and garden equipment, packaging machinery and more.

MOLDED NYLON

Plastic nylon bearings are able to endure extreme temperatures, heavy loads and high speeds. They have a high wear resistance and can reduce costs. The main benefit of plastic bearings is that they are suitable for wash-down and sterile applications and are resistant to both salt water and harsh chemicals. Water can act as a lubricant for plastic bearings, which is a huge advantage as most bearings are unable to function, let alone excel in a damp or wet environment. Common applications include food production equipment and machinery, health care equipment and lawn and garden equipment.

CAST IRON

Cast iron bearings are an inexpensive choice for applications utilizing low speed and high loads. Benefits of cast iron include gall-resistance and high heat tolerance. They can also be run dry due to the presence of graphite that acts as a lubricant. Common applications include heavy duty equipment machinery, agriculture equipment, combines and more.

WOOD

Wood bearings are tolerant of dirt and good for high shaft rotation; they are also resistant to wet conditions and are used when the equipment is fully submerged; such as in paddle boats and other aquatic machinery. Wood bearings are also resistant to acids, such as those that are found in animal manure. This resistance leads to wood bearings being used in agricultural means, such as manure spreaders and other applications. Wood bearings are vacuum impregnated with oil or wax that leads to a low coefficient of friction and helps to seal the wood.

CHROME PLATED

This bearing material type is a steel material with a chrome plating. Its aesthetic appearance is not the only benefit it has. Other benefits include a smooth operation, reduced end-play and is wear-resistant. Common applications include lawn mowers, light-vehicles, fitness equipment and more. 

LUBRICATION APPARATUS

TYPE A – OIL CUP

Oil Lubricated | Ex: H12A

TYPE G – GREASE FITTING (ZERK)

For grease lubrication | Ex: H12G

*Triangle does not lubricate the bearing with grease in the manufacturing process. Customer must apply.

TYPE F (LUBE FITTING)

Closed smooth ball, no openings or protrusions Ex: H12F

TYPE K – ANGLED OIL CUP

Oil Lubricated | Ex: H12K

TYPE J – ANGLED GREASE FITTING (ZERK)

For grease lubrication | Ex: H12J

*Triangle does not lubricate the bearing with grease in the manufacturing process. Customer must apply.

TYPE OF LUBRICANT

GREASE LUBRICATION 

Bearings with grease fittings are NOT factory lubricated. Grease should be applied with a pressure gun at the time of installation, filling the ball unit and bearing until grease appears at the shaft surface.

Grease for a lubrication is recommended for applications with lower speeds and loads. Because the grease restricts contaminants from entering it is preferred for dusty and dirty applications.

PLASTIC E LUBE

Gulf Plastic Petroleum “E” feeds slowly through the bushing by capillary action, replacing dissipated lubricant. Factory-lubricated ball units may be closed balls or equipped with removable plugs for relubrication.

SAE 30 NON-DETERGENT OIL

FOR BEARING BALL WITH BUSHING

Triangle Steel Bearing Ball Units have large oil retaining felts for substantial lubricant capacity. Once the bearing is in use and the ball and felt saturated with oil, long bearing life may be expected under proper operating conditions. The standard oil supplied is a good grade of industrial mineral oil, NON-DETERGENT, SAE 30 viscosity. Bearing use at elevated or very low temperatures may require oil of different viscosity. Triangle recommends relubrication of bearings at the time of installation even though a full supply of oil is provided at the factory. Conditions encountered during shipping and storage may cause some oil loss.

FOR SINTERED BEARINGS

Triangle’s sintered bearings are oil impregnated with SAE30-Non-Detergent oil. These bearings are porous which allows for the bearing to be constantly re-lubricated while being used.

BEARINGS WITH SPECIAL LUBRICANT

Triangle is not limited to the lubrication methods described above. If you require a special lubricant, please contact us. We will be happy to discuss that requirement with you.