What is the Spherical Roller Bearing?
Feb 26,2026 A spherical roller bearing is a heavy-duty bearing with two rows of barrel-shaped rollers and a common spherical raceway in the outer ring, allowing it to handle high radial and moderate axial loads while compensating for shaft misalignment and deflection, making it ideal for tough industrial applications like mining, construction, and large machinery. 

1. <!--[endif]-->Features of Spherical Roller Bearing

Spherical Roller Bearings stand out in heavy industrial applications due to their optimized structural design and exceptional performance advantages, with core features as follows:

Ultra-High Composite Load-Bearing Capacity:Adopting a line-contact design between the barrel-shaped rollers and raceways, the bearing maximizes the effective contact area to deliver outstanding load performance. Its maximum radial load capacity can reach up to 10000 kN, which is 2-3 times higher than cylindrical roller bearings of the same size. The double-row symmetrical roller structure also enables it to bear bidirectional axial loads while handling radial loads, perfectly adapting to complex composite load scenarios in heavy equipment.

Superior Self-Aligning:Adaptability Standard models provide a self-aligning capability of ±1.5°-2.5°, which can be optimized to ±2.5°-4° through customized design. This function automatically compensates for installation eccentricity, shaft deflection, and housing deformation caused by heavy loads, reducing assembly accuracy requirements, avoiding local stress concentration, and minimizing operational failures caused by misalignment.

Excellent Shock & Vibration Resistance:The full line contact between the spherical rollers and raceways forms an effective buffer for impact loads, making it highly adaptable to high-frequency impact and vibration scenarios such as mining, metallurgy, and quarrying. The reinforced structural design and high-strength bearing steel material give it an operational failure rate much lower than ordinary rolling bearings in harsh working conditions.

Long Service Life & High Operational:Stability Bearing rings and rollers are made of GCr15 high-carbon chromium steel with integral surface hardening treatment, and the roller end faces undergo precision polishing (surface roughness Ra≤0.08μm). Compared with conventional bearings, its fatigue life is increased by 40%. The optimized raceway and low-friction cage design effectively control the operating temperature rise (typical temperature rise ≤15°C), ensuring stable and reliable operation under long-term continuous working conditions.

Flexible Customization & Wide Environmental Adaptability:It supports comprehensive non-standard customization, including boundary dimensions (inner diameter, outer diameter, width), self-aligning angle optimization, corrosion-resistant material modification, seal type upgrade, and special lubrication solutions for high/low temperature environments. It is compatible with complex working conditions such as dust, humidity, high temperature, and corrosion, covering diverse heavy-load application needs across industries.

2. <!--[endif]-->Applications of Spherical Roller Bearing

Leveraging its ultra-high load capacity, self-aligning performance, and shock resistance, Spherical Roller Bearings are widely used in 10 key industrial fields, becoming an indispensable core component in heavy-duty equipment:

Mining & Quarry Equipment:Widely applied in crushers, vibrating screens, grinding mills, belt conveyors, and mine hoists, it withstands extreme radial loads, severe shock, continuous vibration, and heavy dust contamination in underground and open-pit mining operations.

Steel & Metallurgical Machinery:As a core component in rolling mills, continuous casting machines, straightening machines, cooling beds, and steel rolling production lines, it adapts to high-temperature, heavy-load, and dusty environments, with its self-aligning capability compensating for thermal deformation of the roll shaft.

Construction & Heavy Engineering Machinery:Installed in excavators, wheel loaders, crawler cranes, concrete mixers, and road rollers, it handles heavy radial loads, shaft deflection, and harsh outdoor working conditions with frequent start-stop and load fluctuations.

Pulp & Paper Industry:Applied to paper machine rolls, press sections, dryer cylinders, and calenders, its self-aligning capability compensates for shaft bending and housing deformation, ensuring uniform pressure between rolls and stable continuous operation of the production line.

Cement & Building Materials:Industry Used in rotary kilns, jaw crushers, ball mills, and vertical mills, it is designed for long-term continuous operation under ultra-heavy loads and severe dusty conditions, with low maintenance requirements and high operational reliability.

Wind Energy Equipment:Integrated into the main shaft, gearboxes, pitch, and yaw systems of wind turbines, it supports large radial loads and accommodates misalignment caused by wind load fluctuations, ensuring long service life in onshore and offshore wind farms.

Marine & Offshore Equipment:Applied to ship propulsion systems, deck winches, marine cranes, and offshore platform machinery, it delivers reliable performance under heavy loads, vibration, and harsh marine corrosive environments.

Power Generation Equipment:Used in hydropower turbines, thermal power plant auxiliary machinery, and generator rotor supports, it meets the requirements of high load capacity, long service life, and high operational stability in critical power generation equipment.

Industrial Gearboxes & Reducers:Widely installed in heavy-duty industrial gearboxes, speed reducers, and conveyor drive systems, it supports combined radial and axial loads generated by gear meshing, reducing transmission losses and equipment noise.

Agricultural Heavy Machinery:Applied to large combine harvesters, high-horsepower tractors, and heavy tillage equipment, it withstands severe shock loads, dirt, and vibration in field operations, with strong adaptability to harsh outdoor agricultural environments.

3. <!--[endif]-->Price of Spherical Roller Bearing

The price of Spherical Roller Bearings is determined by multiple interrelated factors, with the core influencing elements as follows:

Size & Load Rating:Size is the primary driver of pricing. The standard product line covers an inner diameter range of 150–1800 mm, outer diameter of 225–2180 mm, and width of 56–580 mm. Larger bearings consume more raw materials and require more complex precision machining, leading to significantly higher costs. Bearings with ultra-high load ratings (dynamic load rating above 8000 kN) also have a higher price due to their reinforced raceway structure and thicker wall design.

Precision Grade:Precision grades follow the international standard hierarchy: P0 < P6 < P5 < P4. High-precision P4/P5 grade bearings require stricter grinding processes, multi-round precision testing, and strict sorting, with a higher production rejection rate. Their prices are 40%-70% higher than standard P0 grade bearings.

Material Selection:Standard GCr15 high-carbon chromium steel is the most cost-effective option; SUS440C stainless steel for corrosion-resistant applications increases raw material costs by 50%-90%. Cage material also has a significant impact on pricing: machined brass cages are more expensive than reinforced Nylon 66 or stamped steel cages, and customized phenolic resin cages for high-speed applications will further increase the overall cost.

Structural Design & Customization:Standard structural types (CA/CC/MB) have different pricing, and models with W33 oil groove and oil holes have a 10%-20% price premium over basic open models. Full-complement designs for ultra-heavy loads are pricier than cage-type bearings due to more rollers and specialized raceway processing. Non-standard customization (size, self-aligning angle, material) will increase the price by 20%-50% compared with standard models, depending on the design complexity.

Seal & Lubrication Configuration:Open-type bearings are the most economical; adding contact rubber seals or non-contact labyrinth seals increases the cost by 15%-35%. Special lubrication solutions, such as high-temperature grease, anti-corrosion grease, and solid lubricants, will also raise the overall unit price.

Order Quantity & Delivery Cycle:Bulk orders (≥100 pieces) qualify for a 15%-30% quantity discount. Small-batch orders (≤30 pieces) or urgent orders (delivery within 7 days) will incur additional production and logistics costs, increasing the unit price by 20%-40%.

4. <!--[endif]-->How to choose the Spherical Roller Bearing

To select the optimal Spherical Roller Bearing and ensure long-term stable compatibility with your equipment, the following key factors should be comprehensively evaluated:

Working Condition:Matching Clarify the core working condition parameters first, including dynamic and static radial/axial loads, operating speed, working temperature range (-40°C to +150°C for standard models), and environmental conditions (clean, dusty, corrosive, humid, high-temperature). For example, high-temperature environments require GCr15 material with high-temperature special grease; corrosive and humid environments need SUS440C stainless steel material with a sealed structure; high-impact scenarios should select reinforced brass cage models.

Size & Precision Grade:Confirmation Determine the boundary dimensions (inner diameter d, outer diameter D, width B, chamfer r) strictly according to the equipment design drawings to ensure installation compatibility. Select the precision grade based on the application: P0/P6 grade for general heavy machinery, P5/P4 grade for precision rolling mills, high-speed equipment, and applications with strict runout requirements.

Material & Cage Selection:Choose GCr15 high-carbon chromium steel for standard working conditions, and SUS440C stainless steel for corrosion-resistant, humid, or special chemical environments. Match the cage material to the operating speed and load: machined brass cages for medium-high speed and heavy load applications, reinforced Nylon 66 cages for high-speed and light-load scenarios, and stamped steel cages for cost-sensitive general-purpose applications.

Load & Speed Capacity:Verification Ensure that the bearing’s dynamic load rating (Cr) and static load rating (Cor) exceed the actual working loads by 1.2–1.5 times to provide a sufficient safety margin for shock loads. Verify that the limiting speed (grease lubrication / oil lubrication) of the selected bearing matches the equipment’s maximum operating speed, and it is recommended that the actual operating speed does not exceed 80% of the limiting speed to avoid overheating and premature failure.

Structural Type Matching:Select the appropriate structural type according to the load and speed: CC type is suitable for high-speed and light-to-medium load applications; CA type is suitable for medium-load and medium-speed general working conditions; MB type is suitable for heavy-load and high-impact scenarios. Models with W33 oil grooves and oil holes are recommended for large equipment that requires continuous lubrication, and sealed models are preferred for dusty and humid environments.

Cost-Effectiveness & Interchangeability:Avoid over-specification: select standard materials and precision grades for non-critical equipment to reduce procurement costs. Prioritize models that comply with ISO international standards, which can directly replace imported series from SKF, FAG, NSK and other brands. High-quality domestic products have performance fully comparable to imported brands, but with a 20%-40% lower price, ensuring stable supply and significant cost savings.

5. <!--[endif]-->Manufacturer of Spherical Roller Bearing

NewBee Transmission is a leading professional manufacturer and supplier of high-performance Spherical Roller Bearings, dedicated to delivering reliable, cost-effective bearing solutions for global customers in mining, metallurgy, construction, wind energy, cement, and heavy machinery industries. With over 20 years of industry experience, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a customer-centric service system, we have established a reputation as a trusted long-term partner for industrial enterprises worldwide.

Comprehensive Product Portfolio:Our standard Spherical Roller Bearing line covers an inner diameter range of 150–1800 mm, outer diameter of 225–2180 mm, and width of 56–580 mm, with precision grades P0, P6, P5, P4. We offer a full range of structural types (CA, CC, MB, E series), open and sealed designs, and W33 oil groove configurations, fully compliant with ISO international standards. One-stop customized solutions are available for non-standard sizes, special self-aligning angles, and extreme environment applications.

Advanced Production & Quality Control:We are equipped with international advanced CNC precision grinding machines, integral heat treatment lines, automatic roller sorting equipment, and 3D coordinate measuring instruments. We implement strict full-process quality control from raw material spectral analysis, forging, heat treatment, to finished product load testing, precision inspection, and fatigue life verification. 100% inspection of critical parameters ensures product consistency and reliability, with all products fully complying with ISO 9001 quality management system standards.

Professional Customization & Engineering Support:Our in-house R&D team consists of senior bearing engineers with over 15 years of industry experience, providing professional technical support including bearing selection, failure analysis, and on-site guidance. We offer customized services for non-standard size design, material modification, special seal and lubrication solutions, with a sample development cycle of 6–12 weeks for customized products. Urgent production support is available for emergency projects in heavy industries and key equipment.

Global Supply Chain & After-Sales Service:We maintain a large inventory of standard models, with a delivery cycle of 7–15 days for in-stock products, and 4–8 weeks for mass production of standard models. Cooperating with global logistics partners (DHL, FedEx, TNT) and overseas warehouse layout, we provide timely door-to-door delivery to customers worldwide. All products come with a 12-month quality warranty, and our 24/7 technical support team offers on-site installation guidance, maintenance training, and rapid response to quality inquiries, ensuring uninterrupted production for our customers.

6. <!--[endif]-->Precautions for Using Spherical Roller Bearing

Proper installation, lubrication, and maintenance are critical to maximizing the service life and performance of Spherical Roller Bearings. Key precautions are as follows:

Standardized Installation & Assembly:Thoroughly clean the bearing, shaft, housing bore, and related components before installation to remove burrs, oil stains, metal debris, and other impurities. Use specialized pressing tools for assembly, applying uniform and stable force on the ring with an interference fit (usually the inner ring), to avoid raceway deformation, roller damage, or cage fracture. Never strike the bearing directly with a hammer or other hard objects. Ensure the correct fit tolerance (shaft h7 / housing bore H7 for standard applications), adjust the internal clearance to the design specification, and pay special attention to the coaxiality of the mounting seats to fully utilize the bearing’s self-aligning capability.

Scientific Lubrication Managemen:Lubricant selection must strictly match the working temperature, speed, and load conditions. For standard working conditions (-40°C to +120°C), use heavy-duty lithium-based grease; for high-temperature environments up to 150°C, select high-temperature special grease; for high-speed applications, use a low-viscosity lubricating oil with a circulation lubrication system. Open-type bearings require grease replenishment every 1000–2000 operating hours, while sealed bearings should be inspected regularly for grease leakage, with timely seal replacement and grease replenishment. Strictly avoid over-lubrication (which causes excessive temperature rise) and insufficient lubrication (which leads to dry friction and premature wear).

Real-Time Operation:Monitoring Continuously monitor the bearing’s temperature, vibration, and noise during operation. The normal operating temperature range is 30–80°C, with a temperature rise not exceeding 15°C above the ambient temperature. Abnormal temperature spikes, excessive vibration, or irregular metal friction noise may indicate misalignment, overload, lubrication failure, or internal wear of the bearing. Shut down the equipment immediately for inspection and troubleshooting to prevent catastrophic equipment failure and safety accidents.

 Proper Storage & Handling:Store bearings in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment with relative humidity ≤60%, away from corrosive substances, direct sunlight, and strong magnetic fields. Bearings should be stored horizontally in their original sealed packaging to avoid ring deformation, and heavy stacking is strictly prohibited. During transportation, use shockproof and moisture-proof packaging to protect the bearing from collision, vibration, or dropping, which may damage the bearing’s precision and structural integrity.

Regular Inspection & Preventive Maintenance:Conduct periodic disassembly inspections according to the equipment’s operating cycle. Check for wear, pitting, or peeling on the raceways and rollers, cage integrity, seal aging and damage, and lubricant quality. Replace worn or damaged bearings promptly to avoid secondary damage to the shaft, housing, and other related components. After disassembly, clean the bearing thoroughly with a non-corrosive cleaning agent, reapply qualified lubricant, and reinstall correctly according to the assembly specifications.

Technical Specifications of Spherical Roller Bearing

Parameter

Specification

Bearing Type

Spherical Roller Bearing

Precision Grade

P0, P6, P5, P4

Size Range

Inner Diameter: 150–1800 mm
Outer Diameter: 225–2180 mm
Width: 56–580 mm

Material

Bearing Rings & Rollers: GCr15 high-carbon chromium steel / SUS440C stainless steel
Cages: Machined Brass, Reinforced Nylon 66, Stamped Steel

Customization

Available (size, self-aligning angle, material, cage, seal, lubrication)

Delivery Cycle

Standard models: 7–15 days
Customized models: 6–12 weeks

For technical specifications, pricing, or custom engineering solutions:

Email: paul@newbeetrans.com

Website: www.newbeetrans.com

WhatsApp sales@newbeetrans.com +8615090185276