SKF's Bearing Handling Tool eliminates the problematic handling of medium and large bearings. According to SKF's Marchant Taylor, the biggest problem occurs during the moving of bearings from packaging to shafts or induction heaters. "As most bearings are delivered in a horizontal position, problems occur when a bearing is lifted from this position and rotated to a vertical position prior to placement on the shaft," explains Marchant.
Current bearing handling methods used by maintenance engineers are often unsafe, difficult and time consuming. "The commonly used method of placing a sling or strap around the outer ring of the bearing and lifting the bearing for final placement on the shaft with a crane presents a number of disadvantages. For instance, the bearing can easily fall out of the strap, damaging the bearing and causing injury to the workforce," says Marchant.
By listening to customer requirements, SKF technicians researched and developed the Bearing Handling Tool, an ingenious, simple, stable and safe solution to problems associated with handling medium and large bearings weighing up to 500 kg.
The tool
SKF's Bearing Handling Tool consists of a steel band with two handles and two anti-rotation plates, which fit around the outer ring of the bearing whilst the bearing is still in a horizontal position. By turning the two handles, the Bearing Handling Tool fits tightly around the bearing. The two anti-rotation plates fix the inner ring and the rolling elements to prevent swivelling. The combination of the bearing and the Bearing Handling Tool allows safe, easy and quick manual or crane lifting and turning to the vertical position.
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