Ditch the Grease: Bearing Essentials for Construction Machinery

Tightening schedules, rising lubricant costs, and stricter environmental rules are forcing a rethink of how construction equipment bearings are designed. Self-lubricating polymer technology offers a way forward.
Aug. 3, 2026

Construction machinery operators face a growing dilemma: keeping up with relentless project schedules while managing the maintenance, cost, and environmental burden of traditional greased metal bearings. With roughly half of all lubricating grease worldwide ending up in the environment, and improper lubrication causing up to 50% of bearing failures, the case for change is mounting.

This white paper explores how grease-free, self-lubricating polymer plain bearings work, how they compare to lubricated metal alternatives, and the practical benefits of making the switch — from reduced maintenance costs and improved uptime to eliminated contamination risk. It also covers critical design considerations, including shaft material selection, corrosion protection, and bearing point sealing, helping engineers avoid costly design failures. Download the full paper to make informed bearing decisions for your next heavy-duty application.