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Best Hanger Bearing Options for Screw Conveyors: Top Pillow Block Choices

The right hanger bearing or pillow block is essential for reliable screw conveyor performance. This guide highlights top Sealmaster pillow block bearings and a versatile hanger bolt option that can support various screw conveyor setups. Each product is selected for solid housing, durable bearings, ease of installation, and long service life in normal-duty environments. Use this overview to compare key specs and decide which unit best fits your conveyor shaft size and load requirements.

The following table summarizes the featured products to help you quickly compare bore sizes, base-to-center heights, and bolt hole spacings. This snapshot focuses on compatibility with typical screw conveyors and general mounting fitment.

Product Bore Base To Center Height Bolt Hole Spacing
Sealmaster NP-16 1″ 4-1/8″ 4-1/8″
Sealmaster NP-24 1-1/2″ 1-15/16″ 5-3/8″
Sealmaster NP-19 1-3/16″ 1-11/16″ 4-3/4″
Sealmaster NP-20 1-1/4″ 1-7/8″ 5″
Sealmaster NP-12 3/4″ 1-5/16″ 3-3/4″
Sealmaster NP-27 1-11/16″ 2-1/8″ 5-3/4″
Sealmaster NP-28 1-3/4″ 2-1/8″ 5-3/4″
Hicarer Hanger Bolts (5/16-18 x 4″) 5/16-18 thread N/A N/A

Sealmaster NP-16 Pillow Block

Sealmaster NP-16 Pillow Block

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The NP-16 is a non-expansion, normal-duty pillow block with a 1″ bore and a 4-1/8″ base-to-center height. Its cast iron housing and steel bearing unit provide solid support for radial or thrust-loaded shafts commonly found on screw conveyors. The relubricatable, solid one-piece housing supports maximum strength and rigidity, while a setscrew locking collar and felt seals help secure the shaft and protect bearings from contamination. This model is designed for quick mounting with a two-bolt housing, enabling straightforward installation on aligned conveyor shafts.

Sealmaster NP-24 Pillow Block

Sealmaster NP-24 Pillow Block

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The NP-24 offers a larger 1-1/2″ bore and a base-to-center height of 1-15/16″, making it suitable for higher torque or longer shaft installations on screw conveyors. The two-bolt housing with a ball bearing insert allows for immediate mounting, while the cast iron housing paired with a steel bearing unit provides reliable support for radial or radial-and-thrust loading. This unit also features a regreasable, solid one-piece housing for long-term rigidity and wear resistance, particularly useful in demanding environments where lubricant management is critical.

Sealmaster NP-19 Pillow Block

Sealmaster NP-19 Pillow Block

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The NP-19 model provides a 1-3/16″ bore with a 1-11/16″ base-to-center height. Its 4-3/4″ bolt hole spacing width aligns with a range of mounting patterns used in screw conveyors. As with other NP-series units, it features a two-bolt housing, cast iron construction, and a regreasable, solid one-piece housing that delivers robust support for shafts under radial or combined loads. This configuration is well-suited for mid-range conveyor applications where space between supports is moderate and reliability is essential.

Sealmaster NP-20 Pillow Block

Sealmaster NP-20 Pillow Block

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The NP-20 offers a 1-1/4″ bore with a 1-7/8″ base-to-center height and a 5″ bolt hole spacing width. Its two-bolt housing with a relubricatable solid one-piece housing ensures persistent rigidity and load-bearing capacity for screw conveyors that demand dependable alignment. Cast iron housing and steel bearing unit provide strong support for radial or radial-and-thrust loads, while felt seals help protect the bearing from contaminants common in rugged conveyor environments.

Sealmaster NP-12 Pillow Block

Sealmaster NP-12 Pillow Block

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The NP-12 is designed for smaller shaft applications with a 3/4″ bore and a compact 1-5/16″ base-to-center height. The 3-3/4″ bolt hole spacing width supports lightweight screw conveyor configurations where space is limited. Like other NP-series pillow blocks, it employs a two-bolt mounting, a cast iron housing, and a regreasable bearing unit, ensuring reliable operation in normal-duty service while providing straightforward maintenance and relubrication access.

Sealmaster NP-27 Pillow Block

Sealmaster NP-27 Pillow Block

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The NP-27 model uses a 1-11/16″ bore and a base-to-center height of 2-1/8″, with a wider 5-3/4″ bolt hole spacing width for additional mounting stability on longer screw conveyors or multiple-support spans. The unit retains the two-bolt housing and the relubricatable, solid one-piece construction common to NP-series bearings. It delivers robust support for shafts under radial or radial-and-thrust loads, making it a solid choice for mid-to-larger conveyor setups requiring enhanced rigidity and longer service life.

Sealmaster NP-28 Pillow Block

Sealmaster NP-28 Pillow Block

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The NP-28 provides a 1-3/4″ bore with a 2-1/8″ base-to-center height and a 5-3/4″ bolt hole spacing width. This configuration offers greater bore size and mounting footprint for larger shaft assemblies in screw conveyors. It continues the NP-series design philosophy: a two-bolt housing, cast iron housing, steel bearing unit, and relubricatable solid one-piece housing for maximum stiffness and reliable operation under radial and thrust loading. This variant is suitable for higher-capacity or longer-span conveyors where strength and longevity are priorities.

Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations

  • Load type and shaft configuration: Determine whether your conveyor experiences mainly radial loads or a combination of radial and thrust loads, and choose a bearing with a compatible bore size and base-to-center height.
  • Mounting footprint: Compare bolt hole spacing and overall dimensions to ensure compatibility with existing support frames and frame spacings on your screw conveyor.
  • Lubrication and maintenance: Relubricatable (greaseable) housings reduce downtime for long-term maintenance. Verify lubricant access points and recommended lubricant type and interval.
  • Material and environmental conditions: Cast iron housings and steel bearings are common for standard industrial use, but consider corrosion resistance or exposure to moisture, dust, or chemicals when selecting seals and housings.
  • Ease of installation: Look for pillow blocks with simple mounting, adjustable alignment features, and quick-connect seals to minimize installation time and ensure proper shaft alignment.
  • Compatibility with conveyor length and spans: Longer conveyors may require blocks with larger base-to-center heights and wider bolt spacing to maintain accurate alignment and reduce deflection.
  • Brand and support: Reputable brands like Sealmaster offer robust spare parts availability, technical documentation, and service networks, which can reduce downtime in maintenance and replacements.

For diverse screw-conveyor projects, it is typical to balance bore size, mounting footprint, and load capacity. The NP-series Sealmaster pillow blocks cover a broad range of shaft sizes and support conditions, while the Hicarer hanger bolts provide a cost-effective option for wooden assemblies or non-standard mounting scenarios. When selecting, review product datasheets and installation drawings to confirm fit with your specific conveyor model and support frame design.