McGILL guide
What McGill manufactures and what it stands out for
McGill specializes in small-diameter, high-load-capacity roller bearings, with a focus on solutions for cams, linear guides and shafts with limited space. Its best-known products are cam followers (also called cam rollers or cam followers), which combine a needle or roller bearing with a threaded stud or a thick outer race to roll directly on a surface.
The brand also manufactures needle roller bearings with a reduced section, ideal for applications where the outer diameter is critical, and double-row spherical roller bearings for combined loads and misalignments. In all cases, the design prioritizes rigidity, wear resistance and ease of assembly in industrial mechanisms.
McGill lines sold by MR
In our catalog, McGill is organized into four main subcategories:
Cam and support rollers: series such as MCFR, MCF, MCFRE, CCF, CF, MCFE, CCFH, CFH and CCFE. These are rollers designed to follow cam profiles or serve as support in guides and conveyors.
Needle roller bearings: MR, MI and GR series, with small-diameter needles for radial loads in compact spaces.
Special bearings: D, E and SB series, for demanding applications with combined loads.
Spherical roller bearings: SB series with SB-222xx designation, self-aligning spherical roller bearings for shafts with misalignment.
Main McGill series
Each McGill series has its own designation that indicates the roller type, size and construction features. Below we show the main series in the catalog, with examples of real codes.
MCFR series
Metric-line cam followers, with stud, for machine tool cams and automation systems. The number is the outer diameter in millimeters. Examples: MCFR 13, MCFR 16.
MCF series
Metric-line cam followers, with the same size logic as the MCFR series. Examples: MCF 16, MCF 19.
MR series
Needle roller bearings with a reduced radial section, for radial loads in tight spaces. Examples: MR 10, MR 12.
MCFRE series
Metric-line cam followers with eccentric stud (the E in the acronym), to adjust the roller position. Examples: MCFRE 16, MCFRE 19.
CCF series
Inch cam followers with crowned outer race and stud. Examples: CCF 1, CCF 2.
CF series
Inch cam followers with cylindrical outer race. Examples: CF 1, CF 2.
MCFE series
Metric-line cam followers with eccentric stud, a variant of the MCF series. Examples: MCFE 16, MCFE 19.
CCFH series
Inch cam followers with crowned outer race and heavy stud. Examples: CCFH 1, CCFH 2.
CFH series
Inch cam followers with cylindrical outer race and heavy stud. Examples: CFH 1, CFH 2.
CCFE series
Inch cam followers with crowned outer race and eccentric stud. Examples: CCFE 1, CCFE 2.
How to read a McGill code
McGill nomenclature combines letters that identify the series and numbers that indicate the size in inches or millimeters, depending on the line. Understanding this logic allows you to order the exact replacement without errors.
Example CF 1
In CF 1, CF indicates the inch cam follower line with cylindrical outer race, and 1 corresponds to the 1-inch outer diameter. It is a standard cam roller for moderate radial loads.
Example GR 10
In GR 10, GR identifies a series in the needle roller bearing subcategory, and 10 is a size number that increases with the dimension. To know the exact measurement, consult the series table.
Example SB-22204
In SB-22204, SB indicates a spherical roller bearing, and 22204 is the designation of the double-row spherical roller bearing (the bore is 20 mm: 04 × 5). It is a self-aligning bearing for combined loads.
Example D-211
In D-211, D corresponds to the special bearing series and 211 is the size reference; the dimensional detail is read in the series table.
Frequent McGill prefixes and suffixes
Suffixes in McGill codes indicate construction or sealing features. The most common are:
S: sealed, protects against contaminants and retains lubricant.
SB: construction variant within a series (for example, CCF 1 SB); always indicate it in the order.
E: in series such as MCFE or CCFE, indicates eccentric stud.
H: in series such as CCFH or CFH, indicates heavy stud.
R: in series such as MCFR, it is part of the metric line designation.
In addition, the numbers after the letters can be expressed in inches (e.g. 1 1/2) or in millimeters (e.g. 13, 16), depending on the series.
Applications by industry in Argentina
McGill bearings are used in a wide variety of industries in Argentina. Below we show sectors and what type of product is applied in each one.
Metallurgy
In the metallurgical industry, McGill cam followers and support rollers are used in machine tools, cutting lines and transfer systems. Their wear resistance and radial load capacity make them ideal for demanding guides and cams.
Agriculture
In agricultural machinery, McGill needle roller bearings and cam followers appear in harvesters, seeders and soil-moving equipment. They withstand dust and vibration conditions, and their reduced section allows compact designs.
Naval
In the naval industry, McGill spherical roller bearings and cam followers are used in cranes, deck equipment and auxiliary mechanisms. The self-alignment of spherical roller bearings compensates for small assembly errors in welded structures.
Oil and gas
In oil equipment, McGill special bearings from the D and E series are used in pumps, compressors and auxiliary equipment, on shafts with combined loads.
Food
In food plants, McGill cam followers with sealing (suffix S) are used in conveyors, packaging machines and process lines. Sealing helps prevent the entry of water and residues.
Mining
In mining, McGill spherical roller bearings and special bearings are used in conveyor belts, screens and process equipment, with high radial loads and tolerance to misalignment.
Paper
In the paper industry, McGill needle roller bearings are used in guide rollers and tension systems, where they handle radial loads in little space.
Cement
In cement plants, McGill spherical roller bearings are used in conveyors and auxiliary equipment, with radial loads and misalignments typical of large structures.
Energy
In power generation, McGill special bearings are used in auxiliary equipment and transmission systems, on shafts with combined loads.
Automotive
In the automotive industry, McGill cam followers appear in assembly lines, transfer systems and testing machines. Precision and wear resistance are essential in these processes.
Plastics
In the plastics industry, McGill needle roller bearings are used in mechanisms of extruders, injection molding machines and molding systems, where they handle radial loads in reduced spaces.
Refrigeration
In refrigeration plants, McGill cam followers with sealing are used in conveyors and process systems. Sealing helps protect against humidity and frequent washdowns.
Sugar
In the sugar industry, McGill spherical roller bearings are used in mills and conveyors, with misalignments in humid and abrasive environments.
How to choose the right McGill
To select the right McGill bearing, consider these criteria:
Radial and axial load: cam followers mainly support radial loads, while spherical roller bearings accept combined loads. Check the dynamic and static load capacity in the technical data sheet.
Rotation speed: needle roller bearings allow high speeds, and cam followers have speed limits that depend on size and race contact.
Sealing: if the environment has dust, humidity or residues, choose variants with suffix S (sealed).
Internal clearance: in spherical roller bearings and bearings with thermal expansion, consider C3 clearance or higher.
Assembly: cam followers with stud are mounted in a hole and fixed with a nut; needle roller bearings require a housing with precise fit.
Environment: in extreme temperatures or corrosive atmospheres, ask about special versions or surface treatments.
Equivalents and interchangeability
Some McGill codes have close equivalents in other bearing brands, especially in cam followers and needle roller bearings. An inch cam follower may have a close metric equivalent, but dimensions, stud type and capacities must always be verified.
For precise equivalents, we recommend sending us the McGill code you have or the bearing measurement, and our technical team will indicate the compatible option in the MR catalog. Not all codes are interchangeable without reviewing the sealing type, internal clearance and load capacity.
Frequent mistakes when replacing or buying McGill
A frequent mistake is confusing the series: for example, ordering an MCF when an MCFR or an MCFE (with eccentric stud) is actually needed. Another mistake is not verifying the outer diameter in inches: a CF 1 is not the same as a CF 1 1/8, and the difference can cause incorrect assembly.
It is also common to ignore the sealing suffix: a bearing without sealing can fail prematurely in dusty or humid environments. Finally, not considering internal clearance can cause overheating or vibrations. Always verify the complete code and consult a specialist if in doubt.
Assembly, lubrication and maintenance
Correct assembly is key to the service life of a McGill bearing. In cam followers, make sure the threaded stud is properly tightened and that the outer race is aligned with the rolling surface. In needle roller bearings, the housing fit must be precise to avoid deformation.
Initial lubrication is usually factory-applied, but in applications with high loads or speeds it is advisable to relubricate periodically with suitable grease. In contaminated environments, sealed bearings require less maintenance, but the condition of the seals must be checked. If there are abnormal noises or vibrations, stop the equipment and check the bearing.
Why get a McGill quote at MR Accesorios Industriales
MR Accesorios Industriales is an Argentine company based in Buenos Aires, dedicated since 1945 to the sale of bearings, power transmission and industrial components. We sell McGill and offer technical advice so you can choose the correct code for your application.
You can get a quote via WhatsApp or email by sending us the McGill code, the measurement or a photo of the part. Our team will respond promptly with the right option for your equipment.
Frequently asked questions about McGILL
- What is a McGill cam follower?
- A McGill cam follower is a roller bearing with a threaded stud or thick outer race, designed to roll directly on a cam or guide. It supports radial loads and is used in reciprocating mechanisms, conveyors and machine tools.
- How do I read the code of a McGill bearing?
- The McGill code combines letters that indicate the series (CF, MCF, MR, GR, SB, etc.) and numbers that indicate the size in inches or millimeters. For example, CF 1 is a cam follower with a 1-inch outer diameter. The suffix S indicates sealing and E indicates eccentric stud.
- What does the suffix S mean in a McGill bearing?
- The suffix S in a McGill code indicates that the bearing is sealed. The seals retain lubricant and prevent the entry of contaminants, which extends service life in dusty or humid environments.
- What is the difference between MCF and MCFR?
- MCF and MCFR are McGill metric cam follower series. To choose between them, compare the outer diameter, stud type and load capacity; send us the code and we will tell you which one corresponds.
- Does McGill manufacture spherical roller bearings?
- Yes, McGill manufactures spherical roller bearings from the SB series, such as SB-22204 or SB-22205. They are self-aligning spherical roller bearings that support combined loads and misalignments, used in conveyors, fans and process equipment.
- Where to buy McGill bearings in Argentina?
- You can buy McGill bearings at MR Accesorios Industriales, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We sell the line and advise you to choose the correct code. Get a quote via WhatsApp or email with the code or measurement.
- Are McGill bearings interchangeable with other brands?
- In many cases, McGill codes have equivalents in other brands, but dimensions, load capacity and sealing must always be verified. At MR we help you find the correct equivalent for your application.
- Which industries use McGill bearings in Argentina?
- McGill bearings are used in metallurgy, agriculture, naval, oil and gas, food, mining, paper, cement, energy, automotive, plastics, refrigeration and sugar, among others. Each industry takes advantage of their benefits in radial loads and reduced spaces.
Updated September 29, 2026