SKF
Rope Sheave Bearing Selection
Rope sheaves in cranes, hoists, and elevators guide steel wire ropes under high tension and moderate speeds. Bearings in these sheaves must support high radial loads with occasional misalignment and withstand outdoor environments. SKF’s rope sheave bearing selection example demonstrates the use of deep groove ball bearings or self-aligning ball bearings, depending on alignment precision and available space. The process calculates the equivalent load considering the rope tension vector, determines required L10mh life, and selects a sealed or shielded execution with a C3 clearance for thermal effects. For larger sheaves, a pair of deep groove ball bearings or a full-complement cylindrical roller bearing may be used to boost capacity. The selection emphasizes maintenance-free sealed bearings to avoid the difficulty of relubrication in elevated or inaccessible locations.
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Sealed-for-Life Designs
2RSH sealed deep groove ball bearings eliminate the need for in-service lubrication.
Self-Alignment Capability
Self-aligning ball bearings compensate for structural deflections under load.
High Static Load Safety
Calculated to withstand maximum rope tension without deformation.
Corrosion-Resistant Options
Stainless steel bearings or Zinc-coated variants for marine and outdoor sheaves.
Minimal Maintenance
Grease-filled and sealed bearings reduce service costs on elevated sheave assemblies.
Compact Arrangement
Deep groove bearings allow narrow hub designs, saving weight and material.
Selecting Sealed Bearings for Crane Sheaves
Lubricating sheave bearings on a 30-meter-high crane is costly and dangerous. Deep groove ball bearings with integrated contact seals and pre-filled with low-noise, high-temperature grease provide maintenance-free operation for many years. SKF’s selection example includes the life calculation justifying this sealed approach.
Load Calculation for Rope Sheave Bearings
The rope tension creates a resultant radial load on the sheave axle. Depending on the wrap angle, the equivalent load is a fraction of the line pull. SKF’s method factors in dynamic factors for acceleration and braking, ensuring the bearing size safely covers peak loads.