How to get a grip on handling large bearings

Maintenance engineers face many practical problems when handling medium- and large-size bearings. The biggest problem is safely moving the bearing from its packaging to the shaft. Another problem is lifting the bearing from a horizontal position, in which most bearings are delivered, and turning it to a vertical one for placement on the shaft.

To overcome these problems, maintenance engineers currently use different handling methods. However, these methods are often unsafe, difficult and time consuming.

A common handling method is to place a sling or strap around the outer ring of the bearing and use a crane to lift the bearing, finally placing it on the shaft. The major disadvantage of this method is that the bearing can easily fall out of the strap, causing injury to the operator and damage to the bearing.

Now SKF offers that safe grip with its Bearing Handling Tool. SKF has extended its range of mechanical tools with the introduction of the new TMMH series tool. Developed to further enhance plant efficiency and safety, the new SKF Bearing Handling Tool, TMMH series, facilitates safe, easy and quick handling of medium- and large-size bearings.

The tool is a simple, yet ingenious solution to problems associated with handling medium- and large-size bearings. It is a steel band with two handles and two anti-rotation plates, which fit around the outer ring of the bearing while the bearing is still in a horizontal position. By turning the two handles, the Bearing Handling Tool is tightly fitted around the bearing. The two anti-rotation plates fix the inner ring and the rolling elements, preventing them from swivelling.

This combination, the bearing and the Bearing Handling Tool, can then be lifted manually or by a crane and turned to the vertical position safely, easily and quickly.

The SKF Bearing Handling Tool, TMMH series, is suitable for handling a large variety of bearing types with outer diameter ranging from 300 mm to 700 mm (12 to 28 in.), weighing up to 500 kg (1,100 lb). It is available in two sizes: bearing outer diameter 300 mm to 500 mm (12 to 20 in.) and 500 mm to 700 mm (20 to 28 in.).

SKF Canada