Extra-strong plain bearings in oscillating axle for semi-trailers

Working at a depth of 65 metres

One product Demarko develops is an oscillating axle for an articulated lorry trailer. Bearing point lubrication poses a particular challenge. A central lubrication system would increase production costs. So the design engineers were looking for an alternative that requires no additional lubricants. Now they use lubrication- and maintenance-free iglidur G plain bearings and igutex TX1 thrust washers.

Articulated trailers are used to transport oversized and particularly heavy objects. Trailer design and function ensure uniform wheel pressure distribution on the road surface, regardless of bumps. But they are not in continuous use like ordinary cargo trailers. For instance, they are sometimes exposed to the weather for months without the bearing points being moved or lubricated. Lubricated bearings would make the maintenance and repair of all bearing points in the oscillating axles cumbersome and time-consuming and therefore unattractive for the end customer. So Demarko was looking for a lubrication-free alternative.

Used in underground railway construction

The excavator with pulley module is used, for example, in the construction of underground railway lines that pass underneath the already existing underground railway network. It is therefore used in urban areas and must therefore be as compact and easy to transport as possible. In fact, the dimensions in the transport position with the hose reels folded in are identical to those of the conventional excavator.
 
With its grab, the excavator can move large quantities of earth out of the underground tunnels and load a whole 5 tons of material in one swoop. Loads and forces acting on the machine are thus considerable. Added to this are the weather, strong vibrations and dust. The operating conditions for all components are therefore demanding.