Keeping Your Operations Rolling: The Right Bearing for Every Need
As leading bearing suppliers and distributors, we supply bearings from some of the worlds leading bearing manufacturers.
Explore Howcroft's diverse range of roller bearings, including radial and thrust bearings, among our vast catalogue.
Explore our selection below to find the perfect bearing solution to keep your operations running efficiently and without interruption. Consider us your crucial partner in ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity – your 'fourth emergency service' for motion control.
Angular / Ball / Roller / Radial / Thrust - We've got them all...
Discover precision-engineered bearings suitable for various applications, supported by advanced bearing technology. Whether you seek linear bearings for precise motion or spherical bearings for versatile performance, our collection caters to your requirements

Core Categories of Bearing
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are the workhorses of industrial motion, known for their versatility and ability to handle both radial and thrust loads. Their simple design and low friction make them ideal for a wide range of applications within warehousing, from electric motors and gearboxes to light-duty conveyors and packaging machinery.
Roller Bearings
When your warehouse equipment demands high load-carrying capacity and durability, roller bearings are the answer. Utilising cylindrical, needle, or tapered rollers, these bearings distribute load over a larger surface area, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications such as forklift truck wheel bearings, conveyor system support rollers, and the robust components of automated storage and retrieval systems.
Plain Bearings
(Sleeve Bearings or Bushings)
Plain bearings, also known as sleeve bearings or bushings, offer a cost-effective and simple solution for many warehousing applications. These bearings operate with sliding contact between surfaces, often with a lubricant to minimize friction and wear. They are commonly found in pivot points, linkages, and slower-moving components of machinery.
Linear
Bearings
In automated warehousing systems, robotics, and precision material handling equipment, linear motion is critical. Linear bearings are specifically designed to allow for smooth, low-friction movement along a linear axis. They ensure the accuracy and efficiency of automated picking systems, robotic arms, and linear actuators.
Mounted Bearings
(Pillow Block, Flange, Take-Up Units)
Mounted bearings consist of a bearing housed within a mounting unit, simplifying installation and maintenance. These units are widely used in conveyor systems, agricultural machinery within warehouse environments, and other applications where ease of assembly and alignment is crucial. They offer robust support and reliable performance.
Ball Bearings
Key Benefits:
- Smooth Operation: Minimizes friction, leading to efficient energy consumption.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for various equipment types.
- Cost-Effective: Provides a reliable solution at a competitive price point.
- Wide Availability: Easy to source and replace, minimizing downtime.
Roller Bearings
Key Benefits:
- High Load Capacity: Handles heavy loads with ease.
- Durability: Robust construction for long service life in demanding environments.
- Shock Load Resistance: Withstands impacts and vibrations common in material handling.
- Precision Performance: Ensures accurate and reliable movement of heavy equipment.
Plain Bearings
Key Benefits:
- Precise Linear Movement: Ensures accuracy in automated processes.
- Low Friction: Enables smooth and efficient operation.
- High Speed Capability: Suitable for fast-moving automation.
- Long Service Life: Designed for repetitive linear motion.
Linear Bearings
Key Benefits:
- Precise Linear Movement: Ensures accuracy in automated processes.
- Low Friction: Enables smooth and efficient operation.
- High Speed Capability: Suitable for fast-moving automation.
- Long Service Life: Designed for repetitive linear motion.
Mounted Bearings
Key Benefits:
- Easy Installation: Reduces assembly time and complexity.
- Pre-Lubricated: Often supplied with initial lubrication for immediate use.
- Versatile Mounting Options: Pillow block, flange, and take-up units cater to various configurations.
- Robust Support: Provides stable and reliable bearing performance.
Ball Bearings
Types We Offer (Examples):
- Deep Groove Ball Bearings: For general-purpose applications.
- Angular Contact Ball Bearings: For combined radial and axial loads, ideal for high-speed applications.
- Self-Aligning Ball Bearings: Accommodate shaft misalignment, crucial in demanding environments.
- Thrust Ball Bearings: Designed to handle axial loads, important in specific machinery.
Roller Bearings
Types We Offer (Examples):
- Cylindrical Roller Bearings: For high radial loads.
- Needle Roller Bearings: Compact design for applications with limited space.
- Tapered Roller Bearings: For combined radial and axial loads, often used in wheel bearings.
- Spherical Roller Bearings: Self-aligning and capable of handling very heavy loads and misalignment.
Plain Bearings
Types We Offer (Examples):
- Solid Bronze Bushings: Durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Wrapped Bushings: Cost-effective for lighter loads.
- PTFE-Lined Bushings: Self-lubricating for low-maintenance applications.
- Fiber Wound Bushings: High load capacity and good wear resistance.
Linear Bearings
Types We Offer (Examples):
- Ball Bushings: Utilizing recirculating balls for smooth linear motion.
- Linear Roller Bearings: For higher load capacities in linear applications.
- Profile Rail Guides: Providing rigid and accurate linear guidance.
Mounted Bearings
Types We Offer (Examples):
- Pillow Block Bearings: Mounted units with a base for bolting to a surface.
- Flange Bearings: Mounted units with a flanged housing for attachment to vertical surfaces.
- Take-Up Units: Mounted bearings with a mechanism for adjusting belt or chain tension.
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