New tool helps get safe grip on 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,...
February 1, 2004 | By MRO Magazine
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 TMMH series, one in a range of mechanical tools.
Developed to further enhance plant efficiency and safety, the new tool facilitates safe, easy and quick handling of medium and large size bearings. It is a simple, yet ingenious solution to problems associated with handling medium- and large-size bearings.
The Bearing Handling Tool is a steel band with two handles and two anti-rotation plates, which fits around the outer ring of the bearing while the bearing is still in a horizontal position. By turning the two handles, the 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 tool — can then be lifted manually or by a crane and turned to the vertical position safely, easily and quickly.
The tool is suitable for handling a large variety of bearing types with outer diameter ranging from 300 to 700 mm (12 to 28 in.) and weighing up to 500 kg (1100 lb). It is available in two sizes: bearing outer diameter 300 to 500 mm (12 to 20 in.) and 500 to 700 mm (20 to 28 in.).
Additionally, the tool is suitable for use in combination with an induction heater when heating the bearing in preparation for mounting. Since it can withstand temperatures up to 160C (320F), the tool can remain around the bearing while it is being heated.
For further information contact your local SKF Canada distributor or visit www.skf.ca.
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