EP-GE20ES is a 20 mm-bore standard radial spherical plain bearing in the greaseable GE..E / GE..ES family. It is a useful reference size because the compact envelope appears in many industrial pivots and has clear same-bore alternatives in sealed, heavy-duty and maintenance-free families.
GE20ES dimensions and load ratings
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | EP-GE20ES |
| Bore d | 20 mm |
| Outside diameter D | 35 mm |
| Width B | 16 mm |
| Inner-ring width C | 12 mm |
| Dk | 29 mm |
| R1s / R2s min | 0.6 / 0.3 mm |
| Articulation alpha | 9 deg |
| Dynamic load Cr | 30 kN |
| Static load C0r | 146 kN |
| Weight | 61 g |
Part number breakdown
GE identifies the standard radial family and 20 identifies the nominal 20 mm bore. In this catalogue, the ES construction includes lubrication grooves and holes in the rings. If the marking also includes 2RS, the model belongs to the sealed version and must not be confused with the open reference construction.
Drawing and interface check
The key dimensions for replacement are d, D, B and C. Dk and the corner radii matter when checking shoulder clearances and the surrounding bracket. Use the model drawing and the actual machine drawing together; a matching bore alone does not prove the housing or shoulder geometry is correct.
Fitting tolerance reference
| Interface | 20 mm range reference |
|---|---|
| H7 bore class for 18-30 mm | 0 / +0.021 mm |
| h6 shaft class for 18-30 mm | 0 / -0.013 mm |
These tolerance values are references, not a universal fit prescription. Ring loading, housing stiffness, pin condition, temperature and assembly method can change the fit decision. See the full fitting tolerance table before machining a production housing or pin.
Same-bore alternatives
| Model | Construction | d / D / B mm | Cr / C0r kN |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP-GE20ES 2RS | Sealed standard | 20 / 35 / 16 | 30 / 146 |
| EP-GEG20ES 2RS | Heavy-duty sealed | 20 / 42 / 25 | 48 / 240 |
| EP-GE20C | Maintenance-free PTFE composite | 20 / 35 / 16 | 31 / 78 |
| EP-GE20ET 2RS | Maintenance-free PTFE fabric | 20 / 35 / 16 | 42 / 83 |
Cross-reference starting points
| Brand family | Reference |
|---|---|
| EVER POWER | EP-GE20ES |
| SKF | GE20ES |
| FAG / ELGES | GE20ES / GE20DO family |
| IKO | GE20ES family |
| NTN | SA1~20B family |
Typical applications
EP-GE20ES can be considered in medium-size hydraulic eyes, agricultural linkages and general industrial pivot joints where the compact 20 x 35 x 16 mm envelope fits and routine lubrication is practical. Selection still depends on load path, movement, contamination and the surrounding pin/housing condition.
Installation and service notes for EP-GE20ES
Because EP-GE20ES is a greaseable steel/steel bearing, the assembly should preserve the intended lubrication path. During installation, press the ring being fitted rather than transmitting force through the spherical contact. After the pin and retainers are installed, move the joint through its full articulation and confirm that shoulders, seals on adjacent components and bracket faces do not interfere.
How to use the load ratings
The 30 kN Cr and 146 kN C0r ratings are model data, not direct machine load limits. The designer must still account for load direction, oscillation, shock, lubrication and the machine service factor. In a joint that spends most of its life nearly stationary under high force, static loading may dominate the first screening calculation. In a continuously cycling linkage, dynamic behavior and lubrication become increasingly important.
Field replacement checklist
- Confirm the old bearing really is an open GE20ES and not a sealed or maintenance-free 20 mm variant.
- Measure the housing; do not assume it has retained the original fit after years of service.
- Check the pin for scoring or a wear step at the inner-ring edges.
- Compare the old grease path with the grooves and holes in the replacement construction.
- Review the 9 degree articulation against the actual machine movement.
When to move away from GE20ES
If contamination is the recurring problem, GE20ES 2RS may address the bearing-face exposure without changing the 20 x 35 x 16 mm envelope. If the joint needs a much higher load rating and has room for a larger bearing, GEG20ES is the heavy-duty route. If grease access is the problem, GE20C or GE20ET 2RS may be more appropriate depending on sealing and liner requirements.
Need EP-GE20ES or an alternative construction?
Send the old marking or the 20 mm joint drawing. We can compare standard, sealed, heavy-duty and maintenance-free options.
