Skip to content
Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 17:30 (continuous)
All products

Blog

Harvesters and Seeders: Bearings, Belts, Chains and Freewheels for the Season

In agricultural machinery, every transmission component counts. We review the insert bearings, housings, chains and belts most used in harvesters and seeders, and how to order them so you don't stop mid-season.

Technical team at MR Accesorios Industriales · Updated on September 28, 2026

Illustration of a combine harvester header with the chain and sprocket drive highlighted

Y-Bearings (Inserts) for Harvester and Seeder Shafts

Y-bearings, also called inserts, are the first choice for seeding shafts, harvesting components and cleaning systems. Their design with spherical outer ring and eccentric locking collar or set screws allows them to absorb slight misalignments without losing performance.

We work with references such as INS-GT-09 and INS-GT-05 from DODGE, UC 216 and UC 315 from SKF, and ER27 and ER23 from LINK-BELT. Each has a specific shaft diameter and locking type: when ordering, indicate the shaft size and whether the lock is eccentric or set screw.

In seeders, inserts go on disc openers and seeding units; in harvesters, on the reel, augers and straw walkers. An insert with axial play or hardened generates vibrations that transmit to the entire machine, so it should be replaced at the first symptom.

Y-Housings with Insert Bearing: Simple and Robust Mounting

Y-housings with insert bearing combine a cast iron or sheet metal housing with the appropriate insert. They are ideal for long shafts or with moderate radial loads, such as those of augers, elevators and threshing cylinders.

In the catalog you will find options such as TB-GT-04 and TB-GT-09 from DODGE, STMH-35 and TBMH-27 from SEALMASTER, and P 72 and P 47 from SKF. The nomenclature indicates the housing type (take-up, pillow block, flange) and the shaft diameter in millimeters or inches.

For the season, it is advisable to check the condition of the housings at the ends of the discharge augers and in the grain elevators. A loose housing or with a worn insert generates premature wear on the associated chain or belt.

Roller Chains for Transmission and Conveying

Roller chains transmit power in corn headers, discharge augers and feeding mechanisms. They are chosen by pitch, number of strands and fatigue resistance.

We commercialize SKF chains such as PHC 81X-O/L and PHC 40-2C/L, TSUBAKI RS60 and RS25, and EMMAR 12-C1 and 10-C2. The pitch (for example, 60 for RS60) indicates the distance between pins; the larger the pitch, the greater the load capacity but also the greater the weight.

In harvesters, the chains of the header and grain elevator work with dust and vibration. A stretched chain or with seized links jumps on the sprocket and can cut the transmission mid-harvest. Check tension and lubrication before going to the field.

Pulleys and V-Belts for Component Drive

Pulleys and V-belts are used in the drive of fans, pumps and alternators. The belt section (A, B, C) and the pulley diameter define the speed and transmitted torque.

We work with SKF pulleys and belts such as PHP 6-B68TB and PHP 6-B86TB. The PHP prefix indicates pulley for taper bushing, and the following number the pitch diameter in millimeters. V-belts are ordered by section and effective length.

In seeders, belts drive the metering units and fertilizer turbos; in harvesters, the cleaning fan and compressor. A glazed belt or with visible cord slips and overheats the pulley, reducing system efficiency.

Timing Belts: Synchronism in Metering and Drive

Timing belts (toothed) maintain the exact rotation ratio between pulleys. They are the indicated option in seed meters, distribution systems and auxiliary drives that require synchronism.

They are identified by tooth profile (HTD, T, GT), pitch and width. When ordering, indicate the number of teeth and width, or directly the reference marked on the old belt.

In precision seeders, a worn timing belt alters seeding density and generates failures in the row. Check the condition of the teeth and tension before each season.

Radial Seals to Protect Bearings and Gearboxes

Radial seals prevent the entry of dirt, dust and water into bearings and gearboxes. In agricultural machinery they work in severe conditions: mud, stubble and temperature changes.

They are ordered by inner diameter, outer diameter and width (for example, 35x52x7). There are also versions with double lip and spring for greater sealing.

A damaged seal lets contamination pass to the bearing, shortening its useful life. When replacing a bearing, it is advisable to also change the associated seal.

How to Order Parts for Your Machine

To get a quote, send via WhatsApp or email the part code, the size or a photo of the used part. With that we will provide the exact reference and the equivalent alternative if available.

If you don't have the code, indicate the brand and model of the harvester or seeder, and the system where the part is mounted. Our technical team helps you identify it.

We work with the main brands of bearings, chains and belts, and ship throughout the country from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Frequently asked questions

What Y-bearing does a seeder use?

It depends on the model and shaft. The most common inserts are the UC series (SKF), ER (LINK-BELT) or DODGE with eccentric lock. Send the shaft size or the old bearing code to confirm the reference.

How do I order a chain for the corn header?

You need the pitch (for example, 60 for RS60), the number of strands and the length in links. If you don't have that data, send a photo of the chain with a ruler next to it and we'll help you identify it.

What belt does the cleaning fan of a harvester use?

Generally they are V-belts of section B or C. They are ordered by section and effective length. If the old belt retains the marking, send it by photo and we'll quote the equivalent.

Do Y-housings with insert bearing come with the insert included?

Yes, Y-housings are sold as a set: housing plus insert. When ordering, indicate the housing type (pillow block, take-up, flange) and the shaft diameter.

Do you ship to the interior?

Yes, we ship throughout the country from Buenos Aires, Argentina. We coordinate shipping by transport or mail according to your location.

Continue here

Need a quote?

Send us the code, size or a photo of the part and we'll quote you shortly.

Request a quote on WhatsApp