Low-friction TAROL axlebox bearings facilitate more reliable and economical rail operations and are one of Schaeffler’s main exhibits at InnoTrans 2024. The showcase includes TAROL axlebox bearings developed for the AAR (Association of American Railroads) market.

These bearings meet the certification requirements under both the AAR and European standards, so they can be used in the USA, Australia, India, Southeast Asia and many other countries and regions in addition to Europe. Characterized by long service life and significantly extended maintenance intervals, they ensure reliable operation.

The superior reliability of Schaeffler’s double-row tapered roller bearings is the result of the company’s comprehensive systems know-how. In the case of the TAROL axlebox bearings, this superior know-how finds expression in a well-integrated unit comprising rolling bearings, seals, lubricant and a housing. This provides the bearing between the axle and on all railway vehicles frame. These were usually simple bearings designed to take the load (for driving wheels) of the alternating piston thrusts as well as the weight of steam locomotive

The result is above-average reliability and robustness even under extreme loads. Thanks to customer-specific design, the bearing dimensions and materials can be optimally matched to the required payload and mileage. Schaeffler offers a range of variants for different applications. Railway axle-boxes are one of the more critical components of the railway vehicle. The axle-box is the housing of the bearings, which support the axle-load of the vehicle, and the confinement of the lubricant required to maintain the performances of the bearings.

Axlebox bearings are made up of a railway housing and rolling bearing, and are safety-relevant components in rail vehicles. FAG axlebox bearing housings are made from cast material and designed according to the customer's specifications.A train's axle box bearing is a safety-critical component that supports the train's wheels and distributes load.

For example, the TAROL GG variant is specifically designed for freight transport locomotives, while the high-capacity Class K variant is optimized for heavy goods transport. Both bearings are supplied with friction-optimized seals and thus make an important contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in rail transport operations.

Source: schaeffler.com