SKF Insert Bearing (Y-Bearing) Product Introduction

SKF's insert bearings, commonly called Y-bearings, are tough and versatile. They're specially designed for scenarios where shaft misalignment, heavy loads, or harsh environments exist. These bearings combine a deep groove ball bearing with a spherical outer surface, allowing self-alignment once mounted in a support housing. It's a smart design that works reliably in agricultural machinery, conveyor systems, ventilation equipment, and industrial drives.

Main Features and Advantages

Strong self-aligning ability: The spherical outer diameter is awesome-it can compensate for initial misalignments up to ±5°. This reduces the stress on the bearing, so it lasts longer.
Reliable sealing options: There are two sealing methods to choose from: triple-lip seals (2RS1) and metal dust covers (Z). Both can block contaminants like dust and debris while keeping the grease inside. Especially the 2RS1 type, its protection is pretty great in dusty or wet environments.
Lifetime pre-lubrication saves worry: It's pre-lubricated with high-quality grease (such as SKF LGMT 3) when leaving the factory, so generally no maintenance is needed. If the bearing has a grease injection hole (like the one with suffix W), you can add some grease by yourself.
Wide inner diameter range: The standard bore sizes are from 20 mm to 110 mm in the metric series and from 1 - 1/8 inches to 4 - 1/2 inches in the imperial series. Basically, you can find a suitable model for any shaft diameter.
High load capacity: The dynamic load rating can reach up to 40 kN, and the static load rating can reach up to 25 kN. However, the specific values vary according to different series. Radial loads and medium axial loads are no problem for it.
Corrosion-resistant materials are practical: There are also stainless steel materials (such as 440C grade). If it is used in food processing or places with chemical contact, choosing this kind is right, and you don't have to worry about corrosion.

Installation and Maintenance

SKF Y-bearings are easy to install. They can be fixed by set screws, eccentric sleeves, or adapter sleeves. With SNL, SAF, or PFE series bearing housings, they can not only provide rigid support but also have additional sealing. If used in particularly harsh conditions, you can also choose SKF NoWear coated bearings. Such bearings can reduce micropitting and extend the service life even if the lubrication is not good.

Industry Applications

Agricultural field: It can be used on agricultural machinery such as combine harvesters and grain augers.
Material handling: It is also indispensable for material handling equipment such as conveyor rollers and belt drives.
HVAC: You can see its figure in fans and blowers.
Food and beverage: In the food and beverage industry, if the environment needs flushing, you can use this kind of stainless steel bearing.

SKF has engineering support teams around the world. If you don't know which bearing is suitable for your equipment, they can help you make the best choice. If you need CAD models, want to calculate the bearing's life cycle, or conduct failure analysis, just contact SKF.

Technical Parameters

Diverse bearing types	There are standard Y-bearings (YET 2 series), those with set screws (YEL 2), eccentric locking collars (YE 2), and those with adapter sleeves for installation (YAR 2). You can choose according to different needs.
Different choices of cages	The standard is a pressed steel cage, and there is also a reinforced polyamide cage (suffix J). Using a polyamide cage can reduce friction and increase the speed limit.
Wide temperature adaptation range	With standard grease, the operating temperature is between -30°C and +120°C. If special grease is used, the temperature range can be expanded, as low as -40°C and as high as +150°C.
Not low speed limit	The maximum speed for oil lubrication can reach 6,000 rpm, and for grease lubrication, it can reach 4,500 rpm. The specific speed depends on the type of seal and cage.