Cast iron bearing blocks coupled with various types of insert bearings are one of the most commonly deployed load bearing systems across many industries and agricultural applications
The cast iron blocks are best suited for light to medium duty installations
Cast iron blocks are less expensive to deploy than more expensive spherical or taper roller units (see Timken® Blue Brute SRB's and Type-E taper blocks)
Cast iron blocks are used for prototyping before investing in more expensive, robust designs
These blocks are all equipped with a 360° grease groove that is machined into the bearing cavity where the bearing rides
Pillow block grease grooves line up with the grease holes/grease grooves found on all greaseable insert ball bearings regardless the manufacturer; however, the same is not true with regard to cast iron flange blocks