A drive-end bearing failure brought a critical chipper at a manufacturing plant to a standstill, requiring an immediate breakdown response. A second chipper carried production while the breakdown was dealt with, which limited the impact on the plant.

B2K led the recovery, combining reliable SKF replacement bearing supply with specialist mechanical field services delivered by SKF technicians to restore the equipment to operation.

Identifying the Cause of Failure

Following the breakdown, B2K coordinated the response, with an SKF technician arriving on site within approximately one hour. The technician removed and inspected the failed bearing, identifying insufficient lubrication as the cause of failure.

Establishing the cause was an important part of the recovery, providing valuable information for the equipment’s ongoing maintenance.

Coordinating the Repair

While the equipment was prepared for installation, B2K supplied a genuine SKF replacement bearing through its breakdown delivery service.

SKF technicians completed the bearing installation to the required specifications and clearances, followed by precision shaft alignment and balancing in accordance with established SKF procedures.

B2K managed the component supply and specialist technical work as part of one coordinated breakdown response.

Back in Production in Approximately 10 to 12 Hours

The chipper returned to production in approximately 10 to 12 hours. SKF returned the following day to check that the equipment was operating correctly.

The recovery involved more than replacing a failed bearing. It required identifying the cause of failure, ensuring the correct replacement component was available, and completing the repair using specialist expertise and established technical procedures.

Through its SKF-backed mechanical field services offering, B2K combines dependable component supply, specialist technical expertise and coordinated maintenance support to help customers manage equipment reliability and reduce operational risk.

Related article: Mechanical Field Services from B2K: Supporting Reliable Equipment Operation

Speak to your B2K account manager about SKF field services for your next installation or shutdown.