Maintaining access to readily available parts supply can be one of the challenges faced by remote industrial sites across Australia. As a country with such sprawling – and often geographically isolated – infrastructural hubs, transporting goods to customers can prove costly and sensitive to delays. This is why Motion Australia’s growing network of branches offers unmatched accessibility as the best positioned retailers of industrial products.

Paula Wiles, Branch Manager at CBC Mackay, is familiar with these challenges, but says that developing communicative working relationships with both customers and part manufacturers goes a long way in ensuring a smooth re-stocking process. This has been exemplified on a recent project at a coal export terminal in Queensland, where she has been liaising with Timken to supply their Spherical Roller Bearings to the site.

“Since the customer first inquired about the product, I have developed a great rapport with their site planner,” Paula says. “The business has ordered multiple lots of these Spherical Roller Bearings over that time, and we have always had positive feedback in terms of their performance.”

These bearings are being incorporated on multiple bogey wheel Yard Machines, used to stack and reclaim large volumes of material before it is moved onto the ship loader. The site contends with harsh environmental conditions such as dust clouds, wind, grit and a marine location, so all machinery parts must have the capacity to resist contamination.

“We work closely with the local Timken representative in Townsville, who visits the site to assess the application requirements and liaise with us on part numbers et cetera,” explains Paula. “This project is really a testament to the strength that comes from CBC and Timken coming together to support a large customer across the many moving aspects of the operation.”

“A bogey wheel is usually used for locomotive applications or railcars, but in this instance they are being used on yard machines, which stack coal on arrival into the port facility and then reclaim the coal from the stockpiles, to allow it to be conveyed to the ship for export, she elaborates.

Timken’s bearing products set the national benchmark for quality and sheer diversity across sizes, configurations and material types. Their Spherical Roller Bearings are available in two principal styles: <600 mm outer diameter, with Steel and Brass cage designs (EJ, EM and EMB) and >600 mm outer diameter with brass cage designs (YMB and YMD). The primary difference between these units is the cage type used, which can be constructed from hardened stamped-steel or brass. The EJ, EM, and EMB variations boast higher load ratings, increased thermal speed, and reduced operating temperatures to previous models in the category.

Customers can choose between a cylindrical or tapered bore, depending on the application, and each cage is designed to minimise rolling element contact and wear. Lubrication groove and oil holes allow for relubrication.

“The Timken ethics of integrity, quality, teamwork, and excellence certainly shine through in the quality of their product, and we match them here at CBC,” reflects Paula. “We are both results-driven businesses, committed to delivering excellent results and for that reason we have no problems retaining positive relationships with all of our customers.”   

Best practice for bearing storage

Bearings should always be kept horizontally, in the original packaging until they are ready to install. Make sure that the unit has not exceeded its shelf life, and that the correct ambient conditions are met. The storage environment should be kept between 0ºC and 40ºC, with as little fluctuation as possible. The area should also be kept free of airborne contaminants such as dust, dirt and harmful vapours.  The Storage area should be isolated from undue vibration.