Typical Applications
Typical applications include hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders (mobile machinery, industrial presses), construction machinery such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers, agricultural equipment including tractors, harvesters, sprayers, material handling equipment like forklifts, cranes, conveyor linkages, automotive and commercial vehicles for suspension and steering linkages, industrial machinery such as presses, forging machines, automation lines, marine and offshore equipment including hatch linkages and winch systems, and structural articulation joints in steel structures.
Product Selection Guide
Step 1: Define Load & Motion. For radial load dominant applications, use standard GF…DO. For high axial load, verify combined load rating and consider GF…DO with reinforced housing. For oscillatory motion up to ±7°, GF…DO is ideal; avoid pure rotation. Step 2: Bore Size & Shaft Fit. Select bore (d) to match shaft diameter (h6/h7 tolerance recommended). Ensure shaft hardness ≥ 55 HRC for steel‑on‑steel contact. Step 3: Mounting & Installation. Choose GF…DO for permanent rigid mounting via welded base. For threaded rod ends, select GI…KO/GI…LO series instead. Weld housing before installing bearing insert to prevent heat damage. Step 4: Environment & Maintenance. For standard environment, use GF…DO with grease lubrication (relubricate every 500–1000 hours). For corrosive environment, select stainless steel variant (GF…DO SS). For low‑maintenance demand, choose maintenance‑free PTFE‑lined version (GF…DO 2RS). Recommended models by application: GF30DO, GF40DO, GF50DO for general hydraulic cylinders; GF60DO, GF70DO, GF80DO for construction machinery; GF20DO, GF25DO, GF35DO for agricultural equipment; GF…DO‑SS for corrosive/marine environments; GF…DO‑2RS for low‑maintenance requirements.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between GF…DO and standard rod ends?
A: GF…DO features a rectangular welded base for direct welding to structures, while standard rod ends use male/female threads. GF…DO is designed for high‑load, permanent installations in hydraulic cylinders and heavy machinery.
Q2: Is the GF…DO series maintenance‑free?
A: Standard GF…DO is grease‑lubricated (maintenance type) and requires periodic relubrication. For maintenance‑free operation, choose the PTFE‑lined GF…DO‑2RS variant.
Q3: Can GF…DO bearings be used for continuous rotation?
A: No. They are designed for oscillating motion (≤ ±7°). Continuous rotation will cause rapid wear and failure.
Q4: What lubricant is recommended? A: Use high‑pressure lithium complex grease (NLGI 2) with EP additives. Relubricate every 500–1000 operating hours, or more frequently in harsh environments.
Q5: Can the housing be welded after bearing installation?
A: No. Welding generates high heat that will damage the bearing’s sliding surface and lubricant. Weld the housing first, then install the bearing insert. Q6: What is the allowable misalignment?
A: Up to ±7° angular misalignment, suitable for compensating shaft deflection and assembly tolerances.
Q7: Are stainless steel versions available?
A: Yes, GF…DO‑SS (stainless steel housing and bearing) is available for corrosive, marine, or food‑processing environments.
Q8: What is the service life?
A: Under proper lubrication and load conditions, service life typically exceeds 5000–8000 operating hours. Severe shock, contamination, or lack of lubrication will reduce life.
Q9: Can GF…DO be used in high temperatures?
A: Standard operating temperature is -30 °C to +120 °C. Short‑term operation up to 150 °C is possible with high‑temperature grease.
Q10: Are these bearings interchangeable with INA/SKF equivalents?
A: Yes, GF…DO conforms to DIN ISO 12240‑4 and is dimensionally interchangeable with INA GF…DO‑A and SKF GE…DO series.