JTEKT develops Ball Bearing with High Muddy Water Resistance Seals for agricultural machinery

JTEKT Corporation (hereinafter JTEKT) has achieved a significant improvement in muddy water resistance by applying seals, previously used in automotive hub units, to ball bearings for agricultural machinery used in harsh environments.

JTEKT's bearing technology, which has been developed for road conditions that vary in every country across the world, will contribute to the stable operation and reduced maintenance frequency of agricultural machinery.

1.Background of the development

Tractors and planters (attachment of tractor for sowing seeds) are used under harsh conditions in muddy water and it has been taken for granted, so far, that they should be replaced or overhauled after a short life cycle.

But in order to meet the new, more stringent needs of agricultural machinery manufacturers to provide bearings that are resistant to breakage, we have developed a ball bearing with high muddy water resistance seals, by applying the same seal technology used in hub units, which serve to support the wheels from automobiles.

【Results of 400 hours of mud resistance evaluation】

2.Features of the New Product

Conventional sealed bearings for agricultural attachments have two radial lips for improved mud resistance, however, this new product has an additional axial lip in addition to the radial lip to optimize the geometry, reduce torque and achieve high sealing performance.

(1) 3-lip, shape optimization and shield labyrinth resulting in more than doubling of the mud resistance

(2) Optimized seal geometry reduces torque by 40%

【Torque evaluation results】

3.Sales plan

Start of volume production: October 2020

Sales target: 275 million Yen/Year

Customers: l Domestic and international agricultural machinery manufacturers

Production plant: DAIBEA CO., LTD. (JTEKT Group Company)

JTEKT Corporation has created a tagline "Key of your operation" for the bearing brand "Koyo". JTEKT will continue contributing to every industry including automotive manufacturers as an indispensable partner to solve customers' problems through working with customers and to provide benefits.