Wheel bearings

[Ianshock]

After destroying a wheel bearing on Maelstrom at Maidstone(with those big old external wheels) we thought wed ask what bearings are most suitable considering the loads involved. Current ones are a cage type design 20mm i/d 42mm o/d on the flange which recesses into the side plate of the gearbox. We can modify the gearbox side if necessary for a better bearing type. What technobots bearings (as they have selection of 20mm) would be better eg deep groove needle roller or the cast flange variety given the wheel arrangement we use.

[Kenny]

deep groove with take alot more force than the cast and needle

[maddox]

I myself would give preference to the 60XX or 32XX series, and if weight is less an issue, even the 33XX series of bearings. These ballbearings can take radial and axial loads. The 32XX and 33XX series are double row, and can be used on their own, or together with a 60XX series if the axle needs support on the 2 sides.

Needle bearings are only an option when the space and weight realy is limited.

Its also the reason I prefer a dead axle.

In Tough as Nails the original bearings are still used. Each wheel has 2 of these tapered roller bearings and the axle is hi-strenght alloy steel. Not an option in Maelstrom.

[craig_colliass]

On St Hammer wheels (diameter 500mm) i use Car trailer stub axles, these have taper roller bearings and they have had no problems with the punishment they get.
On the new Saint i have a 10:1 gearbox driving cart wheels, i am putting a Technobots 30mm 4 bolt cast flange bearing, between the gearbox and the wheel as close to the wheel as possible, to try and stop the gearbox bearing from being destroyed.

Hope this helps