Timken bearing sets

No, for some reason Timken sets are just a good value in many applications. Often cheaper than import junk.
They are also the best.

All I run is Timken or SKF.

SidecarFlip wrote:
All I run is Timken or SKF.

I rebuild lots of gear boxes every year small to 6,000lb +. Always Timken or SKS. If you want it to last use the best.

I know they are the best! Everyone knows!

The question is why are the sets so much less expensive. I keep thinking there is no such thing as a free lunch.................

I think the answer is volume. They've been making many of the common sizes for countless years - 60+ in some cases. The equipment is ancient and paid for many times over. Plus, they continue to supply more of the bearings to industry than probably anyone else.

I have seen the same thing with vintage car bearings. Timkens are cheaper than off-brands in almost every case.

The price is set by the retailer and they know nothing other than what the market will bear.

Probably sale 10 sets to every one piece individually sold and packaged in a single box. Next time our bearing rep drops by I'll ask him.

Be careful about automatically assuming they are made in the US.

Timken has manufacturing plants around the world. I haven't seen wheel bearing sizes made outside the USA, but perhaps some are. At least the Timken brand might have some semblance of quality control unlike those made you know where.

cougar28 wrote:
Probably sale 10 sets to every one piece individually sold and packaged in a single box. Next time our bearing rep drops by I'll ask him.

Yes, I would assume a price break in any item sold as a "package or kit" vs. individual components. But when the kit costs less than either of the individual components, to me that's a strange marketing concept.

However, I'm just happy to find out about the savings because individual Timken products are costly, and I'm about to replace all of my bearings, getting rid of the Chinese ones.

I found out several years ago that Timken manufactured all over the world. I don't think that's of any concern as overall, they probably hold their quality control to a high standard, regardless of country of origin.