WSBC Bearings are popular used in heavy lifting gearboxes

Time：2025.05.09  Source：Roller Bearings Suppliers

The hundreds of offshore drilling platforms operating along the world’s continental shelves are some of the most expensive structures on the planet – in addition to being some of the most remote and vulnerable. The main danger to drilling operations out at sea is large waves created by hurricanes and other storms.

That’s why the jack-up oil rig is the most popular type of movable drilling platform, used in relatively shallow waters up to 120 metres deep. The threat of waves can be neutralized by jacking up the platform above the sea surface on three or four legs that rest on the ocean floor. Typically, each leg is equipped with three rack-and-pinion systems, and each rack-and-pinion system has six powerful gearboxes .  

Given that massive investments and human lives are at stake, performance and reliability are crucial factors for designers and end users of the gearboxes that raise the oil rig platforms. Many rigs will operate for up to 20 years, during 

which time the gearboxes are expected to spend up to 2,000 hours lifting and lowering the vessel platforms . WSBC 3312-2RS bearings in stock , pls click here :

CARB toroidal roller bearings are an obvious choice in applications where misalignment and axial displacement have to be accommodated – virtually without friction – within the bearing. More-over, due to its unique design CARB bearings also can accommodate very heavy loads. This enabled Hyosung engineers to maximize torque capacity in a smaller-sized gearbox without sacrificing gear meshing or efficiency.

Meeting the Demands of Heavy Lifting

Heavy-duty lifting gearboxes, critical to industries such as construction, mining, and offshore energy, require components capable of handling high radial and axial loads, shock resistance, and long-term durability. Traditional bearing solutions often struggle with the combined stresses of heavy loads and misalignment, leading to premature wear and unplanned downtime.

WSBC’s Double-Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings address these challenges through a unique design optimized for heavy-load applications. Featuring a double-row arrangement of precision-engineered balls and raceways, the bearings deliver:

Enhanced Load Capacity: Simultaneous support for radial and axial loads, ideal for gearboxes managing complex force distributions.

Superior Rigidity: Reduced deformation under heavy loads, ensuring precise alignment and smooth power transmission.

Extended Service Life: Advanced heat treatment and premium-grade steel materials minimize wear in high-stress environments.

Simplified Maintenance: Sealed and lubricated-for-life options reduce servicing needs, even in dusty or wet conditions.