Introduction
Pillow block and flange mounted bearing units combine a rolling bearing, housing, seals and often a relubrication feature in one assembly. They are widely used on conveyors, fans, pumps and general industrial equipment where split-housing maintenance access matters.
This guide explains mounted unit selection methodology. It complements the Industrial Bearing Selection Guide and routes to governed GBC relationship hubs. Load ratings, speed limits, housing dimensions and seal options are manufacturer-specific — confirm on the relevant hub or catalogue before ordering.
When to consider mounted units
| Consider mounted units when | Consider separate bearing + housing when |
|---|---|
| Quick field replacement is important | Custom housing geometry is required |
| Standard shaft sizes and housing types apply | Very high precision or special material needs |
| Integrated sealing and greasing simplify maintenance | Application needs non-standard bearing internal design |
| Conveyor, fan or general industrial duty | Split tapered roller or special large-bore assemblies |
Mounted units trade some configuration flexibility for installation speed and sealed maintenance practice.
Housing and mounting types
| Housing type | Typical application |
|---|---|
| Pillow block (UCP / P) | Horizontal shaft support, base mounting |
| Flange (UCF / F) | Vertical or face-mounted shafts |
| Take-up (UCT / T) | Conveyor belt tension adjustment |
| Hanger | Suspended shaft support |
| Cartridge | Compact replacement in confined spaces |
Bearing insert types within housings may include set-screw locking, eccentric locking collar or tapered adapter sleeve mounting. Mounting method affects shaft fit, axial retention and reinstallation practice.
Selection factors
| Factor | Selection relevance |
|---|---|
| Shaft diameter | Primary size key for unit selection |
| Radial and axial load | Must be within manufacturer rating for the unit size |
| Speed | Affects lubrication interval and seal life |
| Environment | Dust, moisture, washdown — drives seal and housing material choice |
| Temperature | Influences grease type and seal material |
| Misalignment | Self-aligning insert types tolerate limited shaft/housing misalignment |
| Relubrication | Grease fitting interval vs sealed-for-life units |
| Housing material | Cast iron, pressed steel, thermoplastic — per application |
For load rating concepts on the bearing insert, see Bearing Load Ratings Explained. For shaft fit on the insert, see Bearing Clearance and Fit Selection.
Selection workflow
- Confirm shaft diameter — measure or from drawing.
- Establish load and speed — radial, axial and operating RPM.
- Define environment — contamination, moisture, temperature.
- Choose housing type — pillow block, flange, take-up or other.
- Choose locking method — set screw, eccentric collar or adapter sleeve.
- Specify sealing — contact seal, triple-lip, end cover options per manufacturer.
- Review manufacturer catalogue — load, speed and dimension data for candidate size.
- Request quotation — send requirements via engineering enquiry.
Manufacturer pathways
Golden Bearing Company holds authorised distributor relationships for selected mounted bearing portfolios:
| Manufacturer | Hub | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Industrial | Dodge mounted bearings | Authorised distributor for Dodge Industrial mounted units and pillow blocks |
| Regal Rexnord portfolio | Regal Rexnord bearings | Link-Belt, Browning, SealMaster and related mounted lines |
This selection guide explains methodology. Product pages and catalogues own ratings, dimensions and ordering designations. Listing both pathways does not imply interchange between brands.
For general rolling bearing type context beyond mounted units, see the industrial bearings hub.
Next steps
- Read the Industrial Bearing Selection Guide for broader type context.
- Open the Dodge mounted bearings hub or Regal Rexnord bearings hub.
- For designation decoding on existing units, read How to Read Bearing Designations.
- Send shaft size, load, speed and environment data for engineering review.
Scope and limitations
- This article provides mounted unit selection methodology; manufacturer hubs own catalogue data.
- Dodge and Regal Rexnord portfolio products are not interchangeable without governed engineering evidence.
- Numerical ratings and housing dimensions must come from manufacturer catalogue data.
- This guide does not replace the Dodge hub page — it complements it with selection context.