Eliminating Locknuts: How Hex Bore Bearings Reduce Disc Harrow Complexity and Cost

In the agricultural machinery industry, procurement managers and farmers face the dual challenge of skyrocketing equipment maintenance costs and increasing unplanned downtime. Each equipment failure means lost productivity and high repair costs. For many farming operations, the Disc Harrow is one of the most commonly used tillage tools. However, one “hidden” problem may be the root cause of these issues – the locknut in the bearing.

If there were a bearing design that completely eliminates the need for a locknut while improving equipment performance and significantly reducing maintenance costs, would you be interested? This article reveals how SKET Hex Bore Disc Harrow Bearings solve this problem and fundamentally improve farm equipment efficiency and reliability.

Hex bore disc harrow bearing agricultural equipment

1. Hex Bore Disc Harrow Bearings: Definition & Applications

Hex Bore Disc Harrow Bearings are high-performance bearings specifically designed for Disc Harrows. The hexagonal bore design ensures better fit precision and stability. Unlike traditional round bore bearings, SKET's Hex Bore Bearings utilize a unique hexagonal hole to increase the contact area between the bearing and the shaft, eliminating the need for locknuts.

Under different soil conditions, these bearings effectively reduce equipment failure rates, ensuring that agricultural machinery continues to operate efficiently even in harsh environments. For instance, in our previous article, Disc Harrow Bearings for Different Soil Conditions: How to Choose the Right Bearing, we clearly highlighted the importance of choosing the right bearing to extend equipment lifespan and maintain performance. Whether it’s sandy, muddy, or moist conditions, SKET’s Hex Bore Disc Harrow Bearings provide unparalleled reliability.

2. The Hidden Cost of Locknuts: Why Elimination is the Better Strategy

Traditional round bore bearings rely on locknuts to prevent the shaft from rotating, introducing two common failure points:

• Locknut loosening: In high-impact or vibrating environments, locknuts are prone to loosening, causing a decrease in bearing performance.
• Micromovement wear: Improper installation or misalignment of the locknut can cause micromovement, leading to long-term wear on the bearing seat.

SKET's hexagonal bore design solves these problems. The torque is directly transmitted through the hexagonal shape, preventing relative rotation between the bearing inner bore and the shaft. This not only eliminates the problem of locknut loosening but also fundamentally prevents the damage to the bearing seat caused by micromovement wear.

This design significantly enhances bearing stability, prolongs its lifespan, and reduces costly repairs due to micromovement wear.

Third-Party Testing Results: When subjected to high-frequency impact loads, SKET Hex Bore Bearings exhibited over 300% better anti-loosening performance than traditional "round bore + clamping sleeve" designs, demonstrating the advantages of this design.

If you’re considering which bearing to choose, it’s worth revisiting our previous article One-Piece Seal vs Multi-Component Seal in Agricultural Bearings, which discusses two common sealing solutions for agricultural bearings, helping you make the best choice for your equipment.

3. Choosing the Right Seal Design: One-Piece Seal vs Multi-Component Seal

Choosing the right seal design is crucial for ensuring long-term stable operation of bearings. The quality of the seal directly impacts the bearing's dust, water, and corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments.

Let’s compare the different needs for seal designs in two scenarios:

• Dry, sandy soil (e.g., Midwest USA): In this environment, a One-Piece Seal provides adequate dust protection and is a cost-effective choice.
• Wet, sticky soil (e.g., Southeast Asia or Southern USA): In such environments, Multi-Component Seals are needed. They combine the main lip seal, a dust cover, and a special labyrinth structure to form a protective barrier that effectively isolates mud and moisture, ensuring stable bearing operation for extended periods.

An incorrect seal design could reduce bearing lifespan by over 60%, making it critical to select the appropriate seal design for the working environment. For more information on sealing options, you can read our previous article One-Piece Seal vs Multi-Component Seal in Agricultural Bearings to help you make the right choice based on your specific conditions.

4. Benefits for Procurement Managers: Reduce Costs, Increase Efficiency

For procurement managers of agricultural equipment, SKET Hex Bore Disc Harrow Bearings offer significant cost savings and performance improvements:

• Optimized inventory management: No additional locknuts are required, reducing the need for extra parts in inventory.
• Reduced downtime: The high stability of the hexagonal bore design greatly reduces the chances of unexpected equipment failures.
• Extended lifespan: These bearings can operate for long periods in harsh environments, reducing maintenance frequency and replacement costs.

Choosing SKET Hex Bore Disc Harrow Bearings ensures that your equipment remains efficient and reliable.

5. A Simple Path to Lower Equipment Maintenance Costs

Take action now to reduce downtime and repair costs!

• Download the Disc Harrow Bearing Selection & Maintenance Checklist: We’ve compiled 5 key checkpoints to help you assess the condition of your current bearings and make the right purchasing decision.
• Get a Free Application Assessment: Tell us your equipment model, working environment, and soil type, and our engineers will provide you with seal selection and model recommendations.