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Excavator Bushing vs Bearing: Key Differences and Uses

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Excavator Bushing vs Bearing: Key Differences and Uses

Excavator bushings and bearings have different jobs in machines like excavators and loaders. Bushings help cut down friction between moving parts. They also help take in vibration. Bearings hold up heavier loads. They let parts move more smoothly and with better control. Knowing these differences helps workers save money and make machines work better. More people want bushings, so the market is growing around the world. This is because construction and factories need them more. Shanghai Fenghua International Enterprise Co., Ltd. is known for its new technology. They are also good at making bushings and pins to fit special needs.


Key Takeaways

  • Bushings help lower friction and take in shocks. They work best with heavy loads at medium speeds. Bushings do not need much care.

  • Bearings have rolling parts that help them move smoothly. They can handle faster speeds and heavier loads. Bearings last longer but cost more. They also need more care.

  • You pick bushings or bearings based on load, speed, space, care, and cost. Bushings are good for small spaces and low budgets. Bearings are better for fast, heavy, and exact jobs.

  • Alloy steels and bronze make bushings last longer. These materials help bushings resist wearing out. Steel and ceramic make bearings strong and accurate.

  • Experts like Shanghai Fenghua help make custom parts fit well. These parts last longer and work better for your excavator. This helps your machine perform its best.


Difference Between Bushing and Bearing

Definitions

A bushing is a simple, round part used in excavators. It is usually made from bronze alloys like SAE 841 copper-tin. Bushings are made using powder and pressed into shape. Oil is added to help them stay slippery. The outside touches the housing, and the inside fits the shaft. Bushings can handle heavy loads at medium speeds. They also work with light loads at high speeds.


A bearing is more complicated. It has inner and outer rings and rolling parts like balls or rollers. This design helps lower friction by making less contact. Bearings work well at higher speeds and loads. They spread out the load and lower stress on parts. Bearings are made from steel or ceramic. These materials make them strong and accurate. The main difference between bushing and bearing is their design, what they are made of, and how they work.


Key Functions

Bushings and bearings are both important in excavators. They have different jobs because of their design.

  • Bushings are round parts put between moving pieces to lower friction.

  • They help shafts spin smoothly without rolling parts.

  • Bushings have oil inside, so they do not need much care.

  • They are good for heavy loads and medium speeds.

  • Bushings fit well in small spaces, like in excavators.

  • Bearings have rolling parts that help lower friction even more.

  • Bearings let parts move faster and carry more weight.

  • They spread out the load and lower stress on the machine.

  • Bearings help machines last longer and work better in tough places.


Main Applications

Excavator System / Location

Common Bushing Type(s)

Typical Material(s) and Characteristics

Usage Notes / Application Context

Jointing point between boom and dipper rod

Alloy steel integral bushing

High strength, quenched for wear resistance

High impact area, heavy load conditions

Bucket connecting shaft hole

Split self-lubricating copper bushing

Copper alloy with lubrication embedded, easy to replace

Frequent maintenance, ease of disassembly

Dipper rod and cylinder connection

Copper alloy bimetallic sleeves

Bimetallic structure combining pressure bearing and lubricity

Requires precise tolerance and good lubrication

Bucket pins (general)

Solid, step, or hollow pins

45# steel, 40Cr, 20CrMnTi alloy steel, stainless steel

Different pin types for load, wear resistance, and special uses

Heavy-duty bucket parts (mining, tunnels)

Inlaid bushings with carbide or ceramics

High wear and temperature resistance

Extreme wear environments

Small excavators need a gap of 0.1mm to 0.2mm between the bucket pin and bushing. Medium excavators use a gap of 0.15mm to 0.25mm. Large excavators need a gap of 0.2mm to 0.35mm. These numbers change with pin size, heat, and where the machine works.


In mining and heavy machines, excavators often use bearings that keep out dust and do not need oil. These bearings help lower the need for repairs and make the machine work better. Choosing between bushing and bearing depends on the load, speed, and where it is used in the excavator.


Excavator Bushing

Excavator Bushing

Types

Excavator bushing comes in different types for many jobs. The main types are solid bushings, split bushings, and self-lubricating bushings. Solid bushings are strong and good for heavy work. Split bushings are easy to change and fix. Self-lubricating bushings have special stuff or grooves to hold oil. This oil helps stop friction and wear. These bushings help excavators work well in hard places.


Materials

Manufacturers pick materials for excavator bushing for strength and long life. The table below lists the most used materials and how they perform:

Material

Heat Treatment

Hardness (HRC)

Performance Characteristics

20CrMnTi

Carburizing

56-60

High abrasion resistance, high impact strength, hardened surface with ductile core, extended service life.

40Cr

Quenching & Tempering

48-52

Balanced hardness and flexibility, enhanced fatigue resistance, improved shock absorption.

  • 20CrMnTi is used in mining and breaker machines. It is tough and can take hard hits.

  • 40Cr is good for moving dirt and is both strong and tough.

  • CNC groove technology helps oil spread and lowers wear.

  • Bronze alloys and self-lubricating bushings are also made but not as much.

Shanghai Fenghua uses special heat treatment and checks quality to make sure each bushing is great.


Manufacturing Process

Shanghai Fenghua uses many steps to make each excavator bushing. The steps are sawing, modulation, machining, fitting, heat treatment, tempering, grinding, and surface treatment. Surface treatments are galvanizing, chrome plating, blackening, and QPQ treatment. Manganese phosphating and graphite spray help stop rust and lower friction. Each bushing is checked before it is packed. The company can make bushings from customer drawings or samples. This makes sure the bushing fits any machine.

Shanghai Fenghua’s engineers give free drawing services for custom bush and pin needs.


Applications

Bushings are used in many important parts of excavators. These include:

  • Bucket to arm joint: Takes hard hits and heavy loads when digging.

  • Bucket to cylinder joint: Helps parts move smoothly with hydraulic power.

  • Link to cylinder joint: Makes sure the arm moves just right.

  • Arm to link joint: Holds big weights and needs to be tough.

Bushings here must fight wear, take in shakes, and hold up heavy things. Self-lubricating bushings help cut down on fixing and keep machines working longer. Shanghai Fenghua makes strong bushings that work well in all these tough jobs.


Bearings in Excavators

Bearings in Excavators

Types

Excavators use different kinds of bearings for many jobs. The main types are plain bearings and rolling element bearings. Each type does something special in these big machines.

Bearing Type

Subtypes / Examples

Function / Application in Excavators

Plain Bearings

Sleeve, Flange, Mounted, Thrust, Spherical

Help parts move back and forth or spin; handle side and end forces; strong and useful in many ways

Rolling Element Bearings

Ball (Deep Groove, Angular Contact, Self-Aligning), Roller (Cylindrical, Tapered, Spherical, Needle), Thrust, Linear, Specialized (Slewing, Magnetic, Ceramic)

Handle side, end, or mixed forces; help with spinning, sliding, and moving parts; used for careful work and heavy loads

These bearings help excavators do hard jobs that need both power and careful movement.


Materials

Companies pick bearing materials for strength and long life. Most bearings use strong steels like 42CrMo, 50Mn, and 50MnT. These steels help bearings last longer and not break easily. Some bearings use bronze or brass. These metals fight rust and lower friction. Ceramic materials, like silicon nitride or zirconia, are very hard and tough. But ceramics can break if hit too hard, so they are not used much in big machines. Plastic bushings are found in light jobs but not in heavy machines.

Heat treatment and coatings make steel bearings work better in tough places.


Applications

Bearings are used in parts that need to spin fast and move smoothly. They are found in swing parts, slewing rings, and turning joints. These spots need smooth spinning and good alignment. Bearings also help shafts and gears in the hydraulic system. Bushings work best in joints that carry heavy loads at medium speeds.

Bearings are best for jobs where smooth movement and sharing the load are important.


Pros and Cons

Aspect

Bearings

Bushings

Load & Speed

Can handle bigger loads and faster speeds.

Work better with heavy loads at medium speeds.

Precision & Accuracy

Made with high accuracy and smooth surfaces.

Not as exact; small changes can happen when made.

Vibration & Noise

Make less vibration and noise.

Can make more vibration and noise because of more friction.

Service Life

Last longer, so machines need less fixing.

Wear out faster, so they need to be changed more often.

Cost

Usually cost more because they are harder to make.

Cost less and are simpler in shape.

Maintenance

May need oil often; some are sealed and need no care.

Need little care; some have oil inside, like bronze bushings.

Installation

Harder to put in and change.

Easier to put in and take out.

Material

Usually made from steel or ceramic for strength.

Made from bronze, brass, steel, or plastic; some can oil themselves and fight rust.

Bearings help excavators work better and last longer. They give smoother movement and are more exact. But they cost more and can be harder to put in.


Bushing vs Bearing Comparison

Design

Bushings and bearings look different in excavators. Bushings are shaped like a simple tube. They are made from soft metals, plastic, or rubber. This shape makes bushings easy to put in and take out. Bushings can handle shaking, rubbing, and rust. They work well in rough places and fit in small spaces. Bearings are built with more parts. They have rings inside and outside. Balls or rollers sit between the rings. This helps parts spin fast and lowers rubbing. Bearings need to be put together very carefully. They spread out weight and are more exact.

Bushings are simple and strong. Bearings are smooth and precise.

Load and Speed

Feature

Bushing

Bearing

Load Capacity

Handles low to heavy loads, especially at moderate speeds. Bronze bushings excel in heavy-duty work.

Supports medium to high loads. Roller bearings manage the highest loads.

Speed Ratings

Best for moderate speeds. High friction limits use at very high speeds.

Designed for high-speed operation. Rolling elements allow faster movement.

Bushings are best for heavy jobs at medium speed. Bearings work better when things move fast and carry big weights. Bearings use rolling parts to help with speed and load.


Friction and Lubrication

Aspect

Bushing (Bronze/Composite)

Bearing (Ball/Roller)

Friction Coefficient

Higher friction, especially in bronze types. Composite bushings with PTFE have lower friction.

Lower friction due to rolling elements.

Lubrication Requirement

Self-lubricating bushings need little or no maintenance. Bronze bushings require regular lubrication.

Bearings need regular lubrication for best performance.

Wear Resistance

Composite bushings resist wear and reduce downtime. Bronze bushings may need more frequent replacement.

Bearings offer long service life with proper care.

Bushings that oil themselves do not need much care. They are good when it is hard to add oil. Bearings have rolling parts that keep rubbing low. Bearings last longer if you take care of them.


Cost and Maintenance

  • Bushings are cheaper to make and put in. Their simple shape makes them easy to change. This means less time fixing machines.

  • Bearings cost more because they are harder to build. They last longer but need more care and careful setup.

  • Bushings are good for jobs with small budgets or when you need to change them often.

  • Bearings are better for jobs that need to last a long time and have less shaking.

Picking bushings or bearings depends on price, care, and how long they last.

Application Scenarios

Application Factor

Bushing Preferred

Bearing Preferred

Load

Heavy loads at moderate speeds

High loads at high speeds

Speed

Moderate speeds

High-speed rotation

Space Limitation

Compact spaces

Less suitable for tight spaces

Lubrication/Maintenance

Where maintenance is difficult or space is tight

Where regular lubrication is possible

Precision

Lower precision needs

High precision and accuracy required

Vibration/Noise

Acceptable vibration and noise

Low vibration and noise needed

Cost

Lower cost, easier replacement

Higher cost, longer service life

Excavator Example

Joints, pivots, bucket connections

Swing mechanisms, slewing rings, high-speed shafts

Choosing Between Bearings and Bushings

Key Factors

Picking the right part for an excavator is important. You need to think about many things. These include how much weight it will hold, how fast it will move, and how exact it needs to be. You should also think about shaking, price, care, what it is made of, space, and the work area. The table below shows how these things help you pick a bushing or a bearing:

Factor

Bushings

Bearings

Load Capacity

Suitable for low, moderate, and heavy loads

Handle high loads and high speeds

Speed

Higher friction, not recommended for high speed

Low friction, well suited for high-speed use

Accuracy

Lower manufacturing tolerances, less precise

High precision and accuracy

Vibration & Noise

More vibration and noise due to wear

Lower vibration and noise due to higher stiffness

Cost

Typically less expensive

More expensive but longer service life

Maintenance

Minimal, no lubrication needed, periodic checks

May require lubrication, some sealed for life

Material Options

Bronze, brass, steel, plastic (self-lubricating)

Steel, ceramic (high wear resistance)

Space Restrictions

Considered during design

Considered during design

Environmental Conditions

Can operate in extreme temperatures depending on material

Suitable for various environments depending on type

Shanghai Fenghua International Enterprise Co., Ltd. helps customers with advice and custom parts. They make sure each bushing or bearing fits the excavator’s needs.


Environment and Maintenance

Where the excavator works can change how bushings and bearings last. Dust and dirt can make bushings wear out faster. It is important to clean them often. Water can make metal parts rust. Some plastics do not rust and can handle chemicals, so bushings made from these work well in wet places. Very hot or cold weather can make some materials weak. PTFE, PEEK, and Nylon bushings can take high heat and stay slippery without extra oil. Oilless bushings have special coatings that help them last longer and keep dirt away. Putting zinc-rich coatings on bushings helps stop rust and wear.

Bearings usually need oil unless they are sealed. Sealed bearings keep out dirt and water. This makes them good for hard jobs in excavators.


Cost Considerations

How much money you spend matters when picking bushings or bearings. Bushings cost less at first because they are simple. Bearings cost more to buy but last longer and need less fixing. The table below shows the costs:

Aspect

Bushings

Bearings

Initial Purchase Cost

Lower due to simpler design

Higher due to complex design

Service Life

Shorter, may require more frequent replacement

Longer, reducing replacement frequency

Maintenance

Requires frequent lubrication and inspection

Often sealed or pre-lubricated, minimizing maintenance

Long-term Cost

Potentially higher due to maintenance and downtime

Lower overall lifecycle cost despite higher upfront cost

Shanghai Fenghua helps people pick the best part for their money. They offer choices for every budget.


Matching to Application

What the part will do helps you choose between bushings and bearings. Bushings work best in slow, heavy jobs. They do not need much care and stay strong. Bearings are better for fast, heavy jobs. They are strong and very exact. Shanghai Fenghua’s team helps customers pick the right part. They use drawings, samples, and their knowledge to help.

Tip: To get the best from your excavator, always think about where it will work, how much weight it will carry, and how often you can check it before picking bushings or bearings.


Bushings vs Bearings in Practice

Excavator Arm and Boom

Excavator arms and booms use bushings at important pivot spots. CuSn8 wrapped bronze bushings are often put at places like the boom-to-frame, boom-to-stick, stick-to-bucket, and bucket linkage pivots. These bushings can handle heavy loads and shocks when digging or lifting. They have special pockets that hold grease. This keeps movement smooth and lowers friction, even if there is dirt. Operators notice that these bushings last longer and need less fixing. They also keep out dirt and are easy to put in. The split design makes it simple to press them in, so fixing is faster and easier.

  • CuSn8 bronze bushings take heavy shocks.

  • Lubrication pockets keep them oiled all the time.

  • Split bushings are quick to put in and swap out.

  • Longer life means less fixing is needed.


Swing Mechanisms

Bearings are very important in swing parts of excavators. Axial (slewing) bearings help the top part turn. They connect the hydraulic motor and gearbox to the slewing platform. The bearing size matches the weight and force during digging. This keeps the machine steady and saves energy. Real-life data shows that bearings work best if you pick, install, and oil them right. Keeping out dirt also helps. Bearings can fail from wear, getting tired, or not enough oil. Checking them often for shaking and heat helps stop early breakdowns and keeps machines working.

  • Bearings deal with wear, getting tired, and oil problems.

  • Good setup and care make them last longer.

  • Checking their condition helps stop surprise breakdowns.


Custom Solutions

Shanghai Fenghua International Enterprise Co., Ltd. makes special bushings and bearings for different excavator jobs. Hardened steel sleeve bushings are very tough and do not bend easily. They are great for hard construction work. Some bushings come with oil already inside. This helps machines run smoothly and last longer. Special coatings protect against rust, so they work well in rough places. Custom oilless bushings use strong materials like bronze, iron, and steel with PTFE on top. These bushings do not need oil and last a long time. Split bushings are easy to put in tight spots. Polymer and nylon bushings oil themselves and are quiet, which helps when oiling is hard.

  • Hardened steel bushings are best for heavy hits and loads.

  • Oilless bushings work without needing oil.

  • Special coatings help them last in tough places.

Shanghai Fenghua’s custom parts help workers get the best performance and long life from their machines on every job.


Excavator bushings and bearings do different things. Bushings help take in shakes and hold heavy loads. They work best when the machine moves at medium speed. Bearings help parts move fast and give better control. Picking the right part makes machines work better and cost less to fix.

Actionable steps for selection:

  1. Find out how much weight and speed are needed.

  2. Look at how hot or rusty the area can get.

  3. See if the part needs oil or grease.

  4. Choose the right bushing or bearing for the job.

Working with skilled makers like Shanghai Fenghua gives a perfect fit, strong materials, and custom choices. Asking experts helps owners pick the best part for their excavator’s special needs.


FAQ

What is the main difference between an excavator bushing and a bearing?

An excavator bushing is a simple sleeve that lowers friction. A bearing has rolling parts to help with higher speeds and heavier loads. Bushings are better for slow, heavy work. Bearings are best for fast and careful movement.


How often should operators replace bushings or bearings on excavators?

How often you change them depends on how you use the machine, how much weight it lifts, and where it works. Operators should check bushings and bearings during regular checkups. If the work is very hard or the place is rough, you may need to check and change them more often.


Can Shanghai Fenghua customize bushings and bearings for special excavator models?

Yes, Shanghai Fenghua can make bushings and bearings just for you. Their engineers use your drawings, samples, or special needs to design the parts. This makes sure the part fits right and works well for any excavator brand or model.


Which is more cost-effective for excavator maintenance: bushings or bearings?

Bushings cost less to buy and put in. Bearings last longer and help the machine work more without stopping. The best choice depends on how you use the machine, how fast it works, and how often you fix it.


What materials work best for excavator bushings in harsh environments?

  • 20CrMnTi alloy steel

  • 40Cr steel

  • Bronze alloys

These materials fight wear, take in shocks, and hold heavy weights. Special coatings like manganese phosphating or graphite spray help them last longer and lower friction.


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