Rail Transport Operations and Management
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Nangale J.S.M.B.
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01 November 2020
1,746
1,389
Operational Performance of SKF Bearings Carrying Capacity in Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Workshops, Dar es Salaam
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Keywords:
Wagons, Axle journal, Hot Axle, SKF Bearings
Abstract
Proper maintenance and fixing of the right bearings offer a significant cost reduction, longer service life and improve wagon performance. The study examines the operational performance of SKF bearings 16375018-11 carrying capacity at TAZARA Workshops in Dar es Salaam. Wagons fitted with bearings 97720T and 97720KT on 100 mm and 99.5 mm diameter axle journals respectively frequently experienced hot axle failures while in operations. A random sample of 27 serviceable covered wagons (CO) chosen from a population of 70 serviceable covered wagons fitted with 8 number SKF bearings 16375018-11. Findings indicated that SKF bearings 16375018-11 fitted onto the covered wagons improved wagon performance. Results were significantly important to customers and TAZARA in improving services and customer satisfaction. Based on these findings the study recommends that, TAZARA should implement the programme of fitting the rest of the serviceable covered wagons which are in operation with SKF bearings 16375018-11 to improve wagon performance and services to customers.
