Track Roller Bearings
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Track Roller Bearings
What is a track roller bearing?
A track roller bearing is a ready-to-fit roller bearing with a thick, hardened outer ring that runs directly on a track, rail, cam, or guide. The outer ring acts as the wheel, so the bearing carries the load straight from the surface it rolls on. Track rollers are made in many forms, from stud types that bolt into a frame to yoke types that sit on a pin, and from needle roller designs to ball bearing and profiled designs for linear guides.
A standard track roller has four main parts:
- A thick outer ring, which rolls on the track
- A stud or an inner ring, which fixes the roller to the machine
- Rolling elements, which may be needle rollers, cylindrical rollers, or balls
- Seals, shields, or washers that guide the outer ring and keep dirt out.
The track and the roller work as a pair.
- The roller can only perform as well as the track it runs on, so the track must be hard and smooth enough for the load.
- The shape of the outer ring, whether crowned, flat, or profiled, must suit the shape of the track.
Track rollers are made from hardened bearing steel, with stainless steel and polymer-tyred versions also available. Most are supplied greased and sealed, ready to fit.
Why are track roller bearings essential?
They are one of the simplest ways to guide, support, or follow a moving part in a machine. Because the bearing and wheel are a single, ready-made part, there is no need to design a separate wheel, shaft, and housing. The thick outer ring takes heavy loads and shocks directly from the track, while the bearing inside keeps friction low.
The wide choice of types, sizes, profiles, and mounting styles means there is a track roller for almost every job, from light linear guides to heavy steelworks conveyors. They are also quick to replace, which keeps downtime short.
Typical applications include:
- Conveyors and transfer systems
- Forklift masts and lifting equipment
- Linear guides and handling systems
- Cam mechanisms and indexing drives
- Packaging and bottling machines
- Printing machines
- Steel and metal processing lines
- Cranes and hoists
- Automated warehouses and robotics
- Sliding doors and gates
The main types of track roller bearings
- Stud type track rollers (cam followers) - These have a threaded stud built in, so they bolt straight into a single hole in the frame. They are compact and quick to fit. Eccentric versions let the roller position be adjusted after fitting.
- Yoke type track rollers (support rollers) - These have a bore and fit on a pin supported on both sides. Because the pin is supported at both ends, they carry higher loads than stud types of the same size.
- Needle and cylindrical roller track rollers - These use needle rollers or cylindrical rollers inside, caged or full complement. They carry the highest radial loads and shock loads.
- Ball bearing track rollers - These have a thick outer ring on a deep groove or angular contact ball bearing. They run at higher speeds, with lower friction, and can take some axial loads.
- Profiled track rollers - These have a shaped outer ring, such as a gothic arch or V-groove, which runs on a round shaft, a V-rail, or a matching guide rail. They guide the load sideways as well as carrying it, and are widely used in linear guide systems.
- Flanged track rollers - These have a flange on the outer ring, which runs along the edge of a track to guide the roller and take side loads.
- Polymer-tyred track rollers - These have a plastic outer layer, which runs quietly and protects soft or painted tracks.
How to choose the right track roller bearing?
- Mounting - Choose a stud type for quick fitting into a single hole, or a yoke type where loads are higher and the roller can be supported on both sides.
- Size and dimensions - Choose the outer diameter to suit the track and space available. Check the stud diameter, thread, and length, or the bore and width for yoke types.
- Load - Work out the radial load, any side loads, and any shocks. Compare them with the bearing’s load ratings and with the permissible load on the outer ring, which are published in manufacturers’ catalogues.
- Track - Check the track hardness, surface finish, and width. A soft or narrow track will wear quickly, even if the roller is strong enough. Manufacturers often give a permissible track load based on track hardness.
- Outer ring profile - Use a crowned outer ring where alignment cannot be guaranteed, a flat outer ring for accurate tracks, and a profiled or flanged outer ring where the roller must be guided along a shaft, rail, or edge.
- Speed - Ball bearing types suit higher speeds. Needle and cylindrical roller types suit heavier loads at lower speeds.
- Environment - Use sealed types for dirt and moisture, stainless steel for wet or hygienic conditions, and polymer tyres for quiet running or soft tracks.
Essential references and specialised ranges
How the numbering works:
Track roller numbering varies between types and manufacturers, so the same number does not always mean the same dimension. The most common metric codes are:
KR, KRE, KRV, NUKR = stud type track rollers, where the number is the outer diameter in mm, so a KR 35 has a 35mm outer diameter
NATR, NATV, NUTR, STO, RSTO = yoke type track rollers
LR = ball bearing track rollers
CF = stud type track rollers from some manufacturers, where the number is the stud diameter in mm
Always check the outer diameter, stud or bore diameter, thread, and width before ordering a replacement.
Suffixes:
PP = sealed version with an optimised crowned outer ring profile (INA)
X = cylindrical (flat) outer ring instead of crowned
2RS, 2RSR = contact seals on both sides
UU = sealed type (IKO)
R = crowned outer ring (IKO)
V = full complement rollers (IKO)
Suffix codes vary between manufacturers, so check the supplier’s catalogue for the exact meaning.
FAQ - All you need to know about track roller bearings
What is the difference between a track roller, a cam follower, and a support roller?
Track roller is the general name for all these bearings. Cam follower usually means a stud type, which bolts into a frame. Support roller usually means a yoke type, which fits on a pin supported on both sides.
How hard does the track need to be?
It depends on the load. For heavy loads, the track should be hardened to a similar level as the roller. For lighter loads, a softer track may be acceptable. Manufacturers’ catalogues give a permissible track load for each roller, based on the hardness of the track.
Why do most track rollers have a crowned outer ring?
A crowned outer ring has a slightly curved running surface. If the roller is tilted against the track, the load stays near the centre of the ring instead of digging in at the edges, which reduces wear on both the roller and the track.
Do track roller bearings need lubrication?
Yes. They are supplied greased, but many applications need regular regreasing, especially with heavy loads, shocks, or dirt. Stud types are usually regreased through the stud, and yoke types through the pin. Sealed ball bearing types are often lubricated for life.
Click here to learn how to maintain a bearing.
Can I replace a track roller myself?
In most cases, yes. Stud types are held with a screwdriver, Allen key, or spanner while the nut is undone and refitted to the correct torque. Yoke types are replaced by removing the pin. Always check the track for wear at the same time, as a worn track will quickly damage a new roller. Never hammer on the outer ring.
How do I identify a track roller I need to replace?
The reference is usually marked on the stud head or the side of the rings. If the markings are worn away, measure the outer diameter, outer ring width, and stud or bore size. Also note the outer ring profile, whether the roller is sealed, and whether the stud is eccentric.
Click here to learn how to measure a bearing.
How can I tell if a track roller is worn or failing?
Warning signs include:
- Flat spots, pitting, or flaking on the outer ring
- The roller sliding instead of rolling along the track
- Rough or uneven rotation when turned by hand
- Play in the roller
- Noise or vibration as the roller passes along the track
- Grease leaking from the seals
- Wear marks or grooves forming on the track
