Rail is already one of the most sustainable forms of mass transport – and SKF is working to make it even better.
As rail operators face pressure to improve reliability, reduce costs and lower emissions, SKF’s life-cycle approach to bearings and rotating equipment is helping the industry stay on track.
“We support the entire life-cycle – design, testing, manufacture and aftermarket – so customers know their assets are covered from day one to retirement,” said Thanh Huynh, Business Development Manager at SKF Australia.
That offering includes not just bearings, seals and lubrication systems, but a deep bench of local engineering knowledge, condition monitoring tools and value-added services like remanufacturing. And it’s the combination of technologies, support and experience that makes the difference.
Data-driven reliability
One area where SKF has seen significant traction is in condition-based maintenance. Rather than replacing components at fixed intervals, rail operators are increasingly relying on real-time health data to guide servicing decisions.
“Real-time condition monitoring lets operators see a bearing’s health as it runs, so they can fix problems before failure,” said Huynh. “Planned maintenance cuts both emissions and cost compared with running to breakdown.”
That shift from schedule-based maintenance to data-driven servicing is delivering results across the industry.
“Moving from fixed-interval servicing to live health data means longer gaps between overhauls, lower spend, and a smaller environmental footprint,” said Patrick Hofstadler, Head of Operations at SKF Australia.
The environmental benefit may seem incremental, but in the context of rail’s already low emissions profile, it’s meaningful. According to the International Energy Agency, rail emits about one-fifth the CO2 per passenger-kilometre of aviation – so each efficiency gain contributes to a greener network.
According to Gavin Acker, Segment Business Manager – Marine / Rail at SKF Australia, efficiency and sustainability also tend to go hand-in-hand.
“It’s more life and less waste,” he said. “Condition monitoring keeps passengers off the platform and bearings out of the scrap bin.
“Additionally, passenger trains in particular are subject to strict performance benchmarks from local governments, so unplanned downtime resulting in late arrivals could be especially costly.”
Hybrid technology with hard savings
One standout in SKF’s product portfolio is its hybrid deep groove ball bearing (DGBB) – a component gaining popularity with rail fleets that use onboard power electronics.
In traditional bearings, stray electrical currents can pass through the rolling elements, causing arc damage that leads to premature failure. SKF’s hybrid DGBB solves this by replacing steel rollers with ceramic ones, which are non-conductive.
“The ceramic rolling elements act as a built-in insulator, preventing electrical arcing,” said Hofstadler. “And lower friction across an entire fleet translates into measurable energy savings – all part of decarbonisation.”
The bearing also performs better in marginal lubrication conditions, further extending service life and reducing the need for interventions. For operators, that means lower maintenance costs, higher uptime, and another tool in the push for more sustainable transport.
Built for Australian conditions
SKF’s rail team in Australia supports customers across the passenger and freight sectors – from axle-box bearing sets and bearing units to lubrication, monitoring and remanufacturing services. Backed by global R&D and local supply chains, the team works closely with OEMs, operators and service providers to match the right solutions to the application.
“We understand the operating environments in Australia are some of the toughest in the world – extreme heat, high dust loads, long distances,” said Huynh. “Our designs account for that from the start.”
Whether it’s extending bearing life through smarter maintenance or preventing premature failure with hybrid technology, SKF is focused on helping Australia’s rail sector run cleaner and more efficiently.
“In the end, supplying components is just one part of the equation,” said Hofstadler. “It’s our aim to be a performance partner – supporting reliability, safety, and sustainability every step of the way.”
For more on SKF’s rail solutions, visit: www.skf.com/au/industries/railways
