Why Hustler chose Bearings over Bushings for farm machinery equipment

Published 9th May 2024
Feeding

For livestock farmers, reliable and efficient feedout equipment is crucial for an animal’s well-being and operation efficiency. One key component that significantly impacts equipment performance is the choice between bearings and bushings. While both reduce friction between moving parts, Hustler specifically utilises bearings in their feedout equipment for several key reasons. 

Understanding the difference between Bearings and Bushings

Before further details, let’s establish the main differences between bearings and bushings.

All machines consist of moving parts, many of which require bearings and bushings in order to facilitate their movement without friction.

Bearings and bushings play distinct roles in minimising friction and wear in high-moving components. While they may seem interchangeable, each excels in specific applications, environments and conditions.

Bushings, sometimes called sleeve bearings, are more often cylindrical elements designed to support loads on sliding-motion shafts between two surfaces. They facilitate smooth motion with extremely low friction, offering excellent shock absorption and energy efficiency. Bushings come in various types based on shapes (cylindrical, flanged, thrust washer, sliding plates, etc) and materials (polymer, metallic – such as bronze, steel or aluminium – or plastic).

Bearings, on the other hand, support rotating motion shafts while providing a form of alignment between them. The most common types of bearings are ball bearings, plain or slide bearings and roller bearings. At Hustler, we use self-aligning sealed ball bearings, which consist of two rings with metallic balls between them, reducing friction and ensuring smooth rotation of one surface relative to the other.

How to choose between Bearings and Bushings? 

Generally speaking, choosing between bearing or bushing hinges on two key factors: the specific needs of the machine and the type of industrial environment it operates in, which includes speed or velocity, productivity, maintenance, stress, load capacity, efficiency, durability etc. 

  Bearings Bushings
Structure Consist of inner and outer rings with rolling elements Typically cylindrical or flanged sleeves that directly contact the shaft
Load capacity Generally have higher load capacities More suitable for moderate loads and lower speeds
Speed Better suited for high-speed applications Tend to be used in applications with lower speeds
Lubrication Often require external lubrication to reduce friction Can be self-lubricating or require less frequent lubrication
Cost Usually have a higher initial cost compared to bushings Typically less expensive compared to bearings

In some instances, it can be beneficial to choose Bushings over Bearings.

When considering the type of application and environment, Hustler’s choice of bearings over bushings aligns with the specific demands of feedout machinery. In scenarios where sliding motion is prevalent, such as suspension systems or precision machine part movement, bushings may be preferred due to their suitability for these specific applications. However, for applications involving interactions between components within a machine, where precision or high torque are critical factors, as well as outdoor and rough environment bearings emerge as the optimal choice.

Why Hustler chooses Bearings over Bushings

At Hustler, we prioritise bearings over bushings for our feedout equipment for several reasons that directly benefit farmers, particularly considering the environment our machines operate in.

While self-aligning sealed ball bearings are less cost-effective upfront than simple plastic bushings, they are far more efficient in the long run. Bearings will virtually outlast the machine, whereas bushings would need replacing several times throughout the machine’s lifetime.

Here are the key advantages of bearings:

Reduced maintenance

Bearings Hustler uses are self-aligning, eliminating the need for constant adjustments to maintain proper alignment. Hustler machines do require lubrication due to their design and the physical demands placed on moving parts.

In this configuration (where both Bearings and Bushings need to be lubricated), bearings typically require less frequent lubrication compared to bushings, saving time and effort.

Enhanced durability

Bearings offer a longer lifespan due to their rolling elements, reducing wear and tear on shafts and other components.

This translates to fewer replacements and less downtime for your farm equipment.

Improved performance

Bearings have a lower coefficient of friction compared to bushings. This translates to smoother operation, reduced power consumption, and ultimately, increased efficiency.

Superior sealing

Bearings typically have better sealing mechanisms to prevent lubricant leakage and contamination from foreign particles such as dirt, hay, or silage juices.

This further extends bearing life and protects internal components.

Easier replacement

In the unlikely event of wear, faultiness, or breakage, bearings are often easier to replace than bushings, minimising downtime for repairs.

Hustler bearings also have a fully replaceable wear surface. This means the part of the bearing that experiences the most friction and wear (the bearing race where the balls roll) is designed to be easily replaced. This contrasts with bushings, where the entire bushing is the wear surface. When a bushing wears out, the entire component needs to be replaced. This can be more difficult or time-consuming, especially if the bushing is press-fitted or requires disassembly of other parts to access it.

 

We have been using self-aligning sealed ball bearings since 1998. By choosing bearings, Hustler ensures your feedout equipment delivers optimal performance year after year, with minimal maintenance needs, increased durability, and ultimately, a more productive and efficient feeding operation for your livestock.

 

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