Permanently smooth operation of flap doors on dump trailers

Lubrication-free hinge bearings reduce wear and maintenance

The Polish company ZASŁAW is a manufacturer of commercial vehicle bodies and semi-trailers for a wide range of transport applications. For the hinge bearings of the flap doors on dump trailers, the design engineers were looking for a durable alternative to conventional grease lubrication. The aim was to prevent direct contact between the hinge components, reduce wear and ensure smooth movements of the doors in the long term.

Profile

What was needed:
A bearing solution for the hinges of the flap doors

Requirements:
High load capacity, resistance to corrosion and the weather, as little maintenance as possible

Industry: Commercial vehicles

Success for the customer:
ZASŁAW uses iglidur G plastic bearings to prevent direct contact between the hinge components and to replace maintenance-intensive grease lubrication with a lubrication-free bearing solution. This reduces wear and maintenance costs and makes sure that the flap doors operate smoothly at all times.

Products used

iglidur G plain bearings and thrust washer

Our all-round material with very good coefficient of friction, suitable for medium to high loads

iglidur G plain bearings in the shop

Problem:

In daily use, the hinges of the flap doors on dump trailers are exposed to high mechanical loads and demanding environmental conditions: humidity, splash water, dirt and dust can permanently stress the bearing points and make metallic components prone to corrosion. At the same time, the hinges must absorb the loads reliably and ensure smooth movement of the doors. The direct contact of the metallic hinge components led to increased friction and corresponding wear.

The design engineers were looking for an alternative to the standard solution with grease lubrication, which entails a high level of maintenance and increases maintenance costs. If regular re-lubrication is neglected, the doors become harder to move. Dirt adhering to the bearing point and loss of lubricant also increase the risk of abrasion and wear.

Solution:

To support the hinges, ZASŁAW relies on plain bearings made from the all-round material iglidur G. The polymer bearings act as sliding sleeves within the hinge connection, reduce friction and prevent direct contact between the metal components. Thanks to the solid lubricants embedded in the material, the bearings operate permanently without external lubrication. This reduces maintenance and prevents dirt particles from adhering to the bearing point. In addition, the polymer bearings are corrosion-free and suitable for use in outdoor applications with permanent exposure to the weather.

This allows ZASŁAW to minimise maintenance costs and ensure reliable flap door operation in the long term.