Motion Control & Drives


Tapered roller bearings keep mining dump trucks rolling

I&C July 2024 Motion Control & Drives


SKF designs, develops and manufactures a range of premium quality products to meet the demands of the mining sector, which is notorious for punishing conditions that test machines, equipment, and components to their very limit. Irrespective of how severe the conditions, machine reliability is always a prerequisite to ensure sustainable mining operations. Even a few minutes of downtime of critical machinery due to the failure of even the smallest of component causes production stoppages that can result in significant monetary losses.

Dump trucks are the transportation lifeline of mining operations, and as long as they are on the move, mines are prospering. SKF Explorer tapered roller bearings have been specifically developed for mining dump trucks, with reliability top of mind. These bearings are renowned for their dependability in essentially all conditions – extreme temperatures, dust, mud or stones.

SKF Explorer tapered roller bearings are typically used as bearing solutions in applications where there is a need to increase performance, reduce friction or increase power density. SKF based the development of these bearings on real-world experience and dialogues with discerning partners. Owing to their superior reliability and rotational delivery at the right time, these bearings are trusted by some of the most prestigious mines globally, and are the preferred choice of operators to keep their dump trucks in motion.

SKF tapered roller bearings are manufactured in accordance with the SKF Explorer class, and incorporate the organisation’s combined areas of expertise in terms of design, tribology, metallurgy and lubrication.


A bearing is essentially a collection of individual components that work together. The construction of a tapered roller bearing features a cup and cone assembly that accommodates loads and provides low friction during operation. The cup is comprised of an outer ring, while the cone assembly consists of an inner ring, a cage and rollers, all designed to handle combined loads. The bearings’ optimised surface finish further enhances reliability, while the separable and interchangeable components facilitate mounting and maintenance.

SKF offers a wide range of tapered roller bearing designs including single, double and four-row, and matched tapered roller bearings. The units are customisable to match specific conditions such as speed, load, contamination, temperature or vibration conditions. SKF Explorer cylindrical and CARB toroidal roller bearings present reliable, compact, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for planetary gearboxes. Both bearing types offer high carrying capacity.

Alongside its comprehensive bearing portfolio, SKF also leads industry with condition monitoring and lubrication systems that further optimise customers’ asset management. Insight into the health of machines allows for preventive maintenance, while automated lubrication systems enhance machine lifecycle, delivering high operational reliability and augmented performance.

Service excellence is equally fundamental to successful operations. As a customer-driven organisation, SKF delivers on both. Customers can rely on smart stocking of products and parts, a strategic network of authorised distributors, and specialist teams of skilled technicians who offer professional service and fast turnaround times for maximised machine uptime.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Precise information in the cockpit with FAULHABER stepper motors
Motion Control & Drives
For the display of Bugatti’s upcoming luxury model, Tourbillon, something truly special will be presented. Instead of a digital version, the driver will see a genuine Swiss timepiece behind the steering wheel.

Read more...
Fostering a collaborative learning environment for sugar producer
SKF South Africa News
One of South Africa’s leading sugar producers made strategic use of its off-crop season, turning scheduled downtime into an opportunity for both essential maintenance and valuable skills development with the help of SKF

Read more...
Complete mine hoist systems
Motion Control & Drives
From friction to single and double drum hoists, ABB is a complete supplier of various types of mine hoist systems.

Read more...
Innovative braking technology for heavy-duty hoists
Motion Control & Drives
The electro-hydraulic disc brakes in the DX series from RINGSPANN have been re-engineered, and are proving to be a trendsetter in the holding and emergency stop systems in the hoists of heavy-duty and container cranes.

Read more...
These robots crawl into every nook and cranny
DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies Motion Control & Drives
Inuktun's small crawler robot magnetically sticks to metal walls and is able to move in all directions. It carries cameras, sensors and tools for inspection or maintenance work in tight pipes and on the outer hulls of tanks or ships. All crawler modules and cameras are equipped with brushed DC motors from Swiss drive specialist, maxon using various motor-gearhead combinations.

Read more...
Proven drive technology solutions for the sugar industry
SEW-EURODRIVE Motion Control & Drives
As the South African sugar industry continues to optimise efficiency, uptime and sustainability across cane handling, processing and refining, SEW-EURODRIVE is helping drive this momentum with its world-class drive technology and local service support.

Read more...
Largest private wind farm in South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The Witberg wind farm will prevent the emission of more than 420 000 tons of CO2 per year in 122 000 households in the Western Cape.

Read more...
The environmental benefits of correct lubrication storage
Motion Control & Drives
While selecting the right lubricant for an application is key, how that lubricant is stored between applications is an often overlooked but critical aspect of reducing contaminants in machinery across a plant or site.

Read more...
Sustainability is transforming fluid power
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Sustainability is reshaping the future of fluid power. With the growing demand for cleaner, more efficient technologies and tightening global regulations, fluid power systems are being re-engineered for higher efficiency, lower emissions and reduced material usage.

Read more...
Demystifying demulsifier additives
Wearcheck Motion Control & Drives
Water is one of the most destructive contaminants in lubricants. Demulsifier additives prevent the formation of a stable oil-water mixture or an emulsion by changing the interfacial tension of the oil so that water will coalesce and separate more readily from the oil.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved