Mast Guide Bearings
Mast guide bearings are bearings found on heavy-duty equipment such as forklifts. Typically used as guide rollers in high radial or thrust load applications, mast guide bearings have a thick cross-section on the outer ring that performs as a tire or wheel. Mast guide bearings are mounted on the fork carriage and facilitate smooth movement as the forks are lowered or raised.
Learn more about the types of mast guide bearings, various design considerations, and specific applications.
Types of Mast Guide Bearings
Mast guide bearings are available in single-row or double-row configurations. The outer ring may be tapered, flat, or a specialty design featuring a chamfer, a corner radius, flanges, and more.
Single Row Bearings
Suitable for lighter loads and limited space applications, single-row bearings offer simplicity and a compact profile.
Double Row Bearings
Double-row bearings provide improved load-carrying capacity and stability. They are ideal for handling more demanding conditions and heavier loads.
Mast Guide Bearings Design Considerations
Mast guide bearings are designed to withstand high radial or thrust loads as well as occasional shock loads. Selecting the right materials and sealing mechanisms as well as managing clearance and preload are crucial aspects of mast guide bearing design.
Material Selection
The proper material selection for mast guide bearing design ensures durability and resistance to the harsh operating conditions often found in manufacturing facilities and warehouses.
Sealing Mechanisms
Contamination can significantly affect bearing performance. Effective sealing mechanisms—such as double shields or double seals—work to optimize bearing operation.
Clearance and Preload
Maintaining proper clearance and preload ensures that bearings can handle loads effectively while minimizing noise and vibration.
Applications of Mast Guide Bearings
Mast guide bearings facilitate the smooth movement of equipment. They enable efficient loading, unloading, and transportation of goods. Applications include:
- Forklift trucks
- Reach stackers
- Pallet jacks
- Order pickers
- Other material-handling equipment
Built to withstand the heavy radial loads of forklift trucks, mast guide bearings feature heavy outer rings that serve as guides or rollers for the carriage. The outer ring is configured to fit the shape of the mast channel.
Mast Guide Bearings From Emerson Bearing
For more than 50 years, Emerson Bearing has supplied ball bearing and roller bearing products and accessories for customers across the globe. Our vast inventory ranges from miniature precision bearings to five-foot steel mill bearings, stocked in various materials and styles to fit your application’s needs. Committed to providing our customers with the correct bearings at affordable prices, Emerson Bearing has a solution for every industry.
Several of the main industries we serve are:
- Transportation
- Marine Spares
- Packaging
- Food Processing
- Wastewater Treatment
- Plastic Processing
- Wood Working
- Aggregate/Concrete/Mining
- Power Generation
- Pulp, Paper Converting, and Printing
- Material Handling
- Machine Tools
- Electric Motor Repair
- Metal Processing
- Robotics and Automation
Serving niche markets globally, Emerson Bearing offers expert service, a huge inventory, and solutions for every application. We provide assistance with determining bearing needs, pricing options, and delivery schedules. Our team will identify the bearing best suited to your project requirements and restrictions as well as source the bearing from our inventory or through our Worldwide Sourcing Network. When you partner with us, you can expect a one-stop shopping experience, same-day shipping, 24/7 customer support, and comprehensive reference tool access.
Browse through our mast guide bearing products. Contact us or request a quote for more information.
