Timken bears freight weight

Norway-based mining company Rana Gruber has purchased cartridge bearings from US-based Timken to help increase the load capacity of freight cars transporting iron ore.

The order was part of Rana Gruber’s aim to modernise its fleet and increase capacity by installing new axles and wheels and fitting Timken’s AP-2 Class K cartridge bearings set in adapters that allow for easier assembly and maintenance.

The cartridge features integrated HDL sealing technology, which Timken claims protects against bearing malfunction, and is said to have improved fuel efficiency because it operates with lower torque.

According to Timken, the bearings have enabled Rana Gruber to increase load capacity on its box cars by 20 per cent and significantly lower operating costs.