Cooper Roller Bearings has developed new products which it states are at least 23% and as much as 135% longer-lasting than other split roller bearings. The new 01E and 02E bearings are fully interchangeable with the popular Cooper 01 and 02 Series bearings, yet are of significantly higher capacity (29% radially and 16%-90% axially).The Cooper 01E (medium-duty) and 02E (heavy-duty) bearings are initially available in bore sizes from 6.5 inches to 12 inches (160mm to 300mm). Typical applications include mining equipment such as bucket wheel excavators, crushers and stacker-reclaimers, as well as power generation equipment, fans and conveyors.

Cooper originally invented the split-to-the-shaft bearing so that inspection, maintenance and replacement could take place without any need to disturb on-shaft or nearby equipment. “The idea continues to save companies downtime and labour amounting to thousands of pounds per bearing. Continual development, including superior sealing, has fully maintained that edge and now extended L10 [rated fatigue life] means another important boost for uptime and overall efficiency” says the company. New internal geometry and the use of rugged brass cages (which make the new bearings especially suitable for underground applications) underpin the new design. The statement continued: “Combined with the extra-heavy-duty 03, high-speed 04 and compact 100 Series, these new products make the Cooper line of split roller bearings the most comprehensive in the industry.”