Heavy-Duty Bearing Solutions for the Mining Industry

Mining operations place extreme demands on machinery. Harsh mining conditions demand more from bearings, and bearings are a known weak point in mining operations. High loads, contamination, shock, vibration and harsh environmental conditions require bearing solutions engineered for durability and reliability.

Bearings in mining are often exposed to dust, ground water, vibration, and heat, which can significantly impact their performance and longevity. The importance of bearings in mining lies in directly impacting equipment uptime; failure of a single bearing can lead to costly unplanned outages, especially in remote locations. Downtime in mining operations can lead to significant costs beyond just lost days, and keeping equipment running smoothly is essential to ensure worker safety.

SBS – Singa Bearings Solutions® Pte Ltd. provides high-performance sliding bearings, roller bearings and engineered bearing components specifically designed for mining equipment. With over 40 years of experience in bearing and bushing technology, SBS combines German engineering know-how with efficient global supply chains to deliver reliable solutions for demanding mining applications. SBS demonstrates a strong commitment to meeting the highest standards and providing cost-effective solutions for the mining industry. SBS meets the needs of customers by offering solutions that keep equipment running smoothly, emphasizing the critical importance of equipment availability and reliability in mining operations.

Our products are trusted by mining operators, equipment manufacturers and engineering companies across the world. This article serves as a comprehensive resource for mining bearing solutions and industry best practices.

Wide Range of Bearings for Mining Equipment

SBS offers a comprehensive portfolio of bearings for mining machinery and components, similar to the Statewide Bearings Mining Department, which provides a comprehensive range of high-quality products and services for the mining industry. SBS is also an authorized distributor for leading brands, ensuring quality solutions for customers.

Our solutions are suitable for:

• Excavators
• Conveyor systems
• Crushers and mills
• Hydraulic cylinders
• Undercarriage systems
• Heavy rotating equipment

We supply bearings and components compatible with major OEM manufacturers, including:

• Caterpillar
• Komatsu
• Hitachi
• Liebherr

SBS offers hundreds of bearing options and works with a wide network of manufacturers, giving customers access to an extensive variety of brands and products.

Our parts fit a wide range of mining equipment and components, allowing operators to maintain performance while reducing maintenance costs.

OEM Standard Quality

SBS products are manufactured to OEM quality standards. A significant number of our customers are OEM manufacturers themselves, confirming the quality and reliability of our bearing solutions. The robust construction of SBS bearings, including heavy-duty design and manufacturing from cast steel with factory assembly, ensures durability and reliability in harsh mining environments.

Every bearing component is engineered to perform reliably under:

• High loads
• Contaminated environments
• Shock and vibration
• Extreme temperatures

We utilize superior wear resistance and special internal bearing geometry to improve bearing performance in harsh conditions. Heat treatment is applied to our roller bearings to increase their longevity in hostile environments. High-quality bearings can reduce energy loss by 50–70% and lower operating temperatures, extending the life of the entire machine.

Our goal is simple: maximum reliability and long service life for your mining equipment.

Sliding Bearings for Mining Applications

Sliding bearings play a critical role in mining operations due to their high load capacity and durability in harsh conditions.

SBS sliding bearings are designed for demanding applications and provide:

• Low maintenance requirements
• Long bearing service life
• Excellent resistance to contamination
• Reliable performance at low rotation speeds

Our bearing shells are produced using hardened steel and advanced bearing materials, ensuring resistance against wear and heavy mechanical stress.

These bearings are suitable for:

• Marginal lubrication conditions
• Fully lubricated applications
• Thin film lubrication environments

Roller Bearings and Spherical Roller Bearings

Roller bearings remain essential in many mining applications due to their efficiency and long operational life. Among the different types of bearings for mining, roller bearings are expected to remain the most dominant type due to their durability and performance in harsh environments.

Spherical roller bearings have shown innovative product development for poor lubrication conditions in high contamination environments. These types of bearings are gaining popularity in mining because of their ability to resist contamination and withstand slow speeds. Superior wear resistance and special internal bearing geometry in these bearings can reduce internal rolling friction and friction torque, further enhancing their performance.

SKF’s sealed spherical roller bearings have been shown to extend service life in conveyor systems from 2 years to over 5 years. Innovative product development in spherical roller bearings has also resulted in lower operating temperatures and improved reliability. Additionally, certain bearing designs and materials help resist tearing and prevent damage caused by wear and contamination.

Spherical roller bearings in particular are widely used because they offer:

• High tolerance for contamination
• Ability to handle misalignment
• High load capacity
• Reliable performance in slow-speed applications

Recent advancements in bearing design have improved load ratings and reduced friction, leading to lower operating temperatures and longer service life.

Engineering Expertise and Technical Support

SBS provides more than bearings. We deliver complete technical solutions for the mining industry, with a strong commitment to customer service, technical support, and innovative, cost-effective solutions.

Our services include:

Sales & Product SupportProfessional assistance for selecting the correct bearing solution.

Failure AnalysisIdentification of root causes to prevent recurring bearing failures.

Reverse EngineeringReproduction or redesign of existing bearing components.

• Cost-effective options for replacement or repair of existing bearings in the mining industry.
• Reverse engineering solutions and upgrade solutions for plain bearing issues in mining.

Consultancy & Application EngineeringEngineering support to optimise equipment performance.

Custom-Made BearingsTailor-made bearing solutions developed for specific mining applications.

SBS is committed to providing tailored solutions that offer the best value for money, similar to the Statewide Bearings Mining Department.

With decades of industry experience, SBS engineers can solve nearly every bearing challenge in mining operations.

Reliable Supply and After-Sales Service

SBS is known for strong customer support and operational reliability.

Ex-Stock AvailabilityA wide range of products are kept in stock to minimise equipment downtime. SBS products are ready for operation upon delivery, ensuring quick and straightforward installation with minimal downtime.

Excellent After-Sales ServicesOur team is equipped to meet all customer needs through full-service solutions, comprehensive product selection, and engineering support. Like Statewide Bearings Mining Department, which operates from 40 branches across Australia and employs over 400 staff, SBS provides extensive support to customers, ensuring reliable service and expertise.

Technical SupportCustomers can contact SBS engineers for assistance with any bearing-related issue.

Proven Performance in the Field

SBS products have been successfully used in a wide range of industrial applications.

Customer feedback consistently highlights:

• 98.5% delivery reliability
• Outstanding after-sales service
• Excellent technical support
• High product quality
• Best value for money

Timken’s solid-block housed bearing units are designed to thrive in extreme environments, making them ideal for demanding mining applications. These solid-block housed bearings are made from a single piece of cast steel, ensuring superior strength and durability. In addition, Timken provides innovative integrated assemblies and technical support tailored for the mining industry.

Proven accredited quality you can trust.

Download the SBS Mining Catalogue

SBS offers an extensive range of sliding bearings and bushing technologies designed for mining applications.

To download the SBS Mining Catalogue, click here

Contact SBS – Singa Bearings Solutions®

If you require mining bearings, technical support or engineering consultation, please contact our team.

SBS – Singa Bearings Solutions® Pte Ltd.
50 Bukit Batok St. 23
#06-08 Midview Building
Singapore 659578

+65 6316 3850
info@sbs-bearings.com.sg