Compact Taper Bearing Unit for freight wagons

ABC-Naco has chosen the SKF Compact TBU (Taper Bearing Unit) for 980 of its Axlemotion III bogies, which have been ordered by the wagon builders selected to supply 490 new freight wagons to Railtrack

ABC-Naco has chosen the SKF Compact TBU (Taper Bearing Unit) for 980 of its Axlemotion III bogies, which have been ordered by the wagon builders selected to supply 490 new freight wagons to Railtrack PLC.

The Axlemotion III bogies were accepted by Railtrack after 18 months of rigorous testing proved that the suspension system could haul the maximum allowable loads at higher speeds and significantly lower track forces than previous freight cars, while preserving high safety standards.

The incorporation of the Compact TBU helps the new bogies minimise the destructive forces that lead to track damage, excessive wheel wear and subsequent high maintenance costs and downtime.

The Compact TBU offers a number of features designed to reduce life cycle costs.

These include a short axial length which reduces axle bending under the bearing, and reduces unsprung weight.

Low friction inboard seals ride on the inner ring shoulders, and the problem of fretting corrosion between inner ring and backing ring is removed by the use of a polymer spacing ring.

Polyamide cages are used in place of the traditional steel cages, as these are lighter, subject to less wear and reduce grease contamination.

SKF, the world leader in rolling bearings, offers a complete range of products for the railway industry.

This includes cast and forged axleboxes, traction motor suspension tubes, insulated traction motor bearings, and sensorised axlebox bearings which provide electronic outputs for condition monitoring and on-board safety systems.

A bearing overhaul and fitting service is also available.

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