Industry specific solutions are the need of the hour.

Amol Baderia
Business Head
Industrial OEM India, SKF India

SKF is taking proactive
measures to control and stop spurious market.

From perfectly adapted, customized solutions to proven off-the-shelf products, SKF delivers solutions that are enabling next-generation performance benefits for construction equipment. “Backed by deep construction vehicle application experience and a wide range of products and solutions, SKF is able to deliver fully integrated, optimized solutions, states Amol Baderia, Business Head, Industrial OEM India, SKF India.

How do you assess the growth potential in the bearing market?

It is estimated that construction equipment industry in India will reach USD5 billion by FY 20 from USD 3 billion in FY 16, while volume sale of construction equipment is expected to grow to 96,000 units by 2018 from 61,935 units in FY 16. This will have a positive impact on the bearing market.

What advancements have you been seeing in ‘bearing technology’ for off-highway equipment, especially in materials, and design methodologies?

There is a greater effort in increasing the power to load ratio in the off-highway equipment design methodologies. SKF has developed a special type of bearings; the explorer class bearing with higher wear resistant and maintenance free technology which is sealed for life. These have specialized heat treatment and advanced manufacturing process for improving surface finish. Material with highest cleanliness is used to improve the performance in harsh conditions and to endure heavy and shock loads.

How strong is the interface between a bearing & a lubricant manufacturer? How have you been addressing this challenge?

At SKF our application team is capable of giving guidance to our customers in the correct selection of lubricants and lubrication systems along with the right quantity and interval for replenishment. SKF also manufactures high quality SKF grease and has the capability of providing the complete lubrication systems with our Lincoln Lubrication systems.

Globally, heavy machinery and industrial sectors dominate growth in bearing use. What is the scenario in India?

Volumes required in the heavy machinery and industrial sectors are much higher in India as well. But it is expected to rise further with the significant allocation of funds by the government for the development of the infrastructure sector in 12^th Five Year plan and investment requirement of 1 trillion USD in infrastructure sector is expected to create huge demand for construction equipment. Government push towards ‘Make in India’ is also supporting demand creation for bearings in industrial sector in India.

Is there a shift towards industry-specific solutions?

Yes, Industry specific solutions are the need of the hour. Standard or catalogue products do not fit every customer’s specific requirement. For this reason, SKF has also been developing industry and application specific products and solutions for this industry.

For some specific applications, SKF has also developed coated bearings.

What do you think the scope of integrating electro-mechanical features directly into the bearing?

SKF has developed sensor bearing for automotive industry and the electrical vehicles. We at SKF believe this will be even more relevant as the industry is moving towards digitalization and will continue to do so at a rapid rate.

What is the scope for lifetime lubricated bearings in the CE sector?

SKF has developed hub unit comprising of sealed bearings which are lubricated for life, especially for wheel end applications. We also have developed maintenance free bushes and spherical plain bearings which are available for articulation joints.

What is market and growth potential for bearings in the aftermarket?

At present, aftermarket business is controlled by OEM and supply bearings along with other spares as a kit. Many rental companies are providing these equipment to users and these companies are directly having contract with OEM.

How do you assess and tackle the issue of ‘spurious and reconditioned’ products especially in the aftermarket?

SKF is taking proactive measures to control and stop spurious market. Separate brand protection team has been formed to take care of this issue.

Could you brief us the range and solution offered by your company for CE and Mining Equipment?

We provide solutions for tunnel boring machines, crawler excavators, wheel loaders, back hoe loaders, dump trucks and road rollers.

Why should an OEM opt for your range of products for their machines?

In their search for more competitive solutions, many of the world’s top equipment manufacturers have turned to SKF for help. Backed by deep construction vehicle application experience and a wide range of products and solutions, SKF is able to deliver fully integrated, optimized solutions.

From perfectly adapted, customized solutions to proven off-the-shelf products, SKF delivers solutions that are enabling next-generation performance benefits for construction equipment to:

• Reduce fuel consumption
• Reduce environmental impact
• Increase equipment service intervals
• Improve machine health and asset management

Hits: 59