Did you know that Tension Bushings are also known as spring bushings, hardened bushings, self-adjusting bushings, spring steel bushings, and split steel bushings? No matter what you call them, these cost effective bearings are an excellent cost-saving alternative to solid bushings.
Here’s why tension bushings are the cost-saving fastener of choice in tough equipment applications in industries including agriculture, construction, forestry, hydraulic cylinders, off highway, material handling, waste trucks, mining, railroad, and utility vehicles.
Less Wear On Critical Parts Means Lower Costs
Equipment parts can be costly to produce, repair, and replace, which means you want those parts to last as long as possible. Tension bushings at pivot points can take the pressure, permitting compression and expansion, and preserving the life of critical components.
Tension bushings are ideal for high-load/low-speed operations in harsh, non-lubricated environments and can dramatically reduce maintenance costs as well as increase the amount of “wear time” between changing existing bushings.
They are designed specifically to protect the bore hole and shaft, with chamfers to help facilitate insertion without causing damage to the surface of the bore or shaft to which they are fitted.
Typically, they are pressed into a low RPM pivot point as a wear part to allow for shaft rotation while it protects the surrounding structure. They can also be pressed into a hydraulic cylinder rod or clevis end, pivot points for grapples and shovels, as well as truck doors and landing gear.
And because they protect those more expensive parts from damage, you can offer longer warranties to customers and save on warranty costs for taking care of equipment in harsh environments.
Long Lasting Bushings Means Less Maintenance
Vogelsang Tension Bushings are made of rolled, quenched and tempered high carbon 61-50 spring steel, which has high elasticity, resilience, and wear characteristics. These material qualities are enhanced by thru-hardening in heat treatment, offering a superior product that reduces overall maintenance frequency and costs.
Unlike a typical case-hardened part, where the exterior is harder than the interior, thru-hardening results in a part with the same superior hardness throughout the entire metal area.
With a case-hardened part, you are susceptible to faster wear once the outer shell is damaged. But a thru-hardened bushing is longer lasting and allows for additional wear without damage, requiring less frequent replacement.
Easy Field Maintenance Means Less Labor
Installation is easy in manufacturing environments and for replacements in the field with minimal tools. Bushings can be knocked out without drilling using a hammer and drift pin, making field replacement simple.
If you’re used to the labor and time-consuming process of freezing bushings prior to insertion, you’ll be pleased to learn that our tension bushings never require freezing. That means no special tools and no special training required, reducing the time, labor and ultimately the cost of maintenance.
The combination of ease of installation and superior design make maintenance easier and more cost effective overall.
Straightforward Parts System Makes Replacement Simple
Easily identify the exact part you need to replace current bushings without guessing or worrying about mistakes that can cause unintended – and costly – damage. Our parts numbering system is logically configured to match the outer diameter, inner diameter and height. For example, part 125-100-100 measures 1.25 x 1 x 1 inch.
Simply measure existing bushings with a caliber and you’ll be assured of the correct replacement part for your application.
Common Parts In Stock With Special Options Available
Vogelsang manufactures tension bushings to a controlled, oversized diameter. Outside diameters range from 3/4 to 3-1/2″, with three wall thicknesses available: 1/8″, 3/16″ and 1/4″. Lengths range from 1/2 to 3″. Metric sizes are also available.
Many bushings are stock parts and available for same day shipment through our stocking program.
In addition, a substantial variety of tension bushing sizes and options are available for special order. Options include outer diameters from 4” to 5”, slot designs including arrow, V, and wavy slots, internal or external grease grooves, grease hole, locating device, single chamfer, and in special materials as you may require.
The highly advantageous wavy slot design eliminates the possibility of bushings becoming cocked during installation. Whether the bushing is installed in a controlled or uncontrolled setting, the teeth of the wavy slot interconnect to keep it perpendicular.
Tension bushings are designed to be used in harsh environments without lubrication. Simplify complex maintenance by utilizing two bushings to meet halfway in the middle of a longer application, creating a natural grease groove. If you prefer to lubricate, we can also add external grease grooves and grease holes at your request.
Vogelsang has secondary equipment on-site so we can cut bushings to size in-house, reducing lead time and getting parts to you faster and more efficiently. In many cases we can cut and ship parts in the same day, accommodating very short lead times.
We also manufacture special per-print products from diagrams or drawings that you provide. Our engineers are always available to create drawings and design products with you and for you.
Simple Ordering System, Personalized Attention
Whatever you requirement, VFS will work with you to customize a program that works for you, whether with a blanket order, release order, letter of intent, or commitment letter.
We will work with you in a variety of ways to secure products and keep production rolling. For fast turnaround, we can put in an order internally and protect inventory for you.
Whatever your application, we invite you to contact us with questions, or request a quote if you know the part you need. We look forward to offering you a low cost, high quality, fast turnaround solution.