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Trailer turntable bearings, often referred to as slewing rings or ball bearing turntables, are crucial components in trailers and agricultural vehicles. Their primary function is to enable the turning or swiveling motion of the trailer's front axle (often part of an A-frame or bogie) relative to the main trailer chassis.
Spacers: In their simplest form, they are loose spacers that separate each rolling element. Cages: More common are integral cages that evenly space all the rolling elements and keep them in the correct alignment. Cages are usually made of plastic, nylon or other wear-resistant materials to reduce friction and wear. The design of the cage is critical to the smooth operation and life of the bearing.
Steel Balls: This is the most common type and is suitable for a variety of trailer applications. It can effectively withstand radial loads (horizontally) and axial loads (vertically), as well as a certain overturning moment. Rollers: In some heavy-duty or special-demand slewing bearings, cylindrical rollers or crossed rollers may be used to provide greater load-bearing capacity, but for trailer slewing bearings, steel balls are more common.
It corresponds to the upper plate and also has a raceway, which together with the raceway of the upper plate constitutes the bearing path of the rolling element. The lower plate also needs to have high strength and rigidity to withstand and transmit the load from the traction frame or wheels. Similar to the upper plate, the lower plate is also equipped with mounting holes for easy connection with the trailer structure.
It usually has a raceway inside or outside, which is opposite to the raceway of the lower plate, and together forms the running track of the rolling element (usually a steel ball). The structural strength of the upper plate is crucial because it directly bears the weight and force from the trailer frame. In order to facilitate installation and fixing, the upper plate is usually provided with mounting holes.
Ensure vehicle stability: A stable swivel connection makes it difficult for the trailer to swing or get out of control while driving, especially when driving at high speeds or turning.
Comply with safety standards: High-quality swivel bearings usually comply with relevant vehicle safety standards and regulations, such as the German "TÜV" safety regulations and motor vehicle safety standards (StVZO).
Single/double row ball bearings: Suitable for trailers with different load requirements and precision requirements.
Heavy duty: Designed for special trailers that need to withstand greater loads and harsher working conditions.
Different sizes and heights: Provide a variety of sizes to adapt to the design and space constraints of different trailers.
Widely used in various types of trailers: Including full trailers, center axle trailers, agricultural trailers, airport luggage carts, etc., as well as some semi-trailers with forced steering systems.
Standardized design: Most slewing bearings follow standardized dimensions and connection hole designs, which facilitate bolting to the trailer A-frame and chassis without welding (unless it is a special design such as a stop block).
Low-maintenance version available: Many manufacturers offer low-maintenance or even maintenance-free slewing bearings. These models use special sealing and lubrication systems to greatly reduce the frequency of routine maintenance (such as lubrication).
Convenient lubrication: The bearings usually have grease nipples and can even be connected to the vehicle's central lubrication system for regular grease filling.
Made of high-quality materials: High-strength steel is usually used, and the raceways are heat treated and ground to increase hardness, strength and wear resistance.
Resistant to harsh environments: Able to withstand the harsh conditions of road driving such as shock, vibration, dust, moisture and temperature changes.
Reduced wear: Low friction characteristics not only improve operability, but also reduce wear on the bearing itself, extending its service life.
Enables 360-degree rotation: Turntable bearings allow the trailer's front axle (usually attached to an A-frame or bogie) to rotate smoothly relative to the main chassis, greatly improving the trailer's turning ability and maneuverability in tight spaces.
Low-friction operation: The internal ball or roller design minimizes friction during rotation, ensuring smooth, low-effort steering operation.
Simultaneous bearing of multiple loads: This is their most important feature. They can withstand not only vertical axial loads (i.e. the weight of the trailer and cargo), but also horizontal radial loads (such as lateral forces when turning), as well as push and pull forces (thrust/tension forces) generated during towing and braking, and even overturning moments (such as rotational forces generated when the vehicle is unstable or brakes suddenly).
Optimized load distribution: In particular, the double-row ball or double-row roller design can disperse these complex forces more evenly, ensuring stability and safety under heavy load conditions.
