AGF 180 Ditch Bank Flail Mower - Bearing Failure

[JeffroL]

In one of the pictures, I can see something stamped on. Try to find a number and cross reference.

It's not a complete number, it's just the manufacturer in China. They make industrial bearings. I suppose I could try reaching to them, but there is no specific serial number.

 

[JeffroL]

Is this the same AGF180 bank mower that Betstco still lists on their site? Do they offer parts?

I'm not sure. I've found that unit and it LOOKS the same, but notice that their owner's manual link is broken. Given the issues removing this bearing I think I'm better off trying to find a domestic source with a roller bearing vs. ball bearing. But if necessary I'll call Betstco or even the Chinese manufacturer and see what they can do. This is a huge project. I'm glad the company refunded me or I'd be very upset. But now. . . .hey it's a worth it to work through the project.

 

[ericm979]

A roller bearing might not be the best solution. If there is any misalignment at all between the shaft and the roller bearing bore, or the shaft is not true enough, the roller bearing rill ride on the edge of the rollers and fail early. Norton twin motorcycles had this problem due to crankshaft flex at higher rpms. The fix was to go to expensive slightly barrel shaped roller bearings. Ball bearings don't have as much of a problem with alignment that's a little off. How much misalignment they tolerate depends on the exact type of bearing, clearances etc. which is why you should try to find a similar type and clearance bearing.

With ag machinery like this there's no reason to not use a correctly sized ball bearing. Presumeably the manufacturer's engineers sized and speced it correctly and then the manufacturer used low quality bearings.

 

[JeffroL]

A roller bearing might not be the best solution. If there is any misalignment at all between the shaft and the roller bearing bore, or the shaft is not true enough, the roller bearing rill ride on the edge of the rollers and fail early. Norton twin motorcycles had this problem due to crankshaft flex at higher rpms. The fix was to go to expensive slightly barrel shaped roller bearings. Ball bearings don't have as much of a problem with alignment that's a little off. How much misalignment they tolerate depends on the exact type of bearing, clearances etc. which is why you should try to find a similar type and clearance bearing.

With ag machinery like this there's no reason to not use a correctly sized ball bearing. Presumeably the manufacturer's engineers sized and speced it correctly and then the manufacturer used low quality bearings.

Okay, this is good feedback, and I can see exactly what you mean. I'll talk to him before we make a final selection.

 

[paddlecycler]

What ever happened with this? @JeffroL