61872-MA bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 61872-MA is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 360 x 440 x 38 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 360 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 440 mm |
| Width B | 38 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 182 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 285 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 6.1 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 2600 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 2200 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 12000 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 61872 MA |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) |
| Last verified | 2026-09-27 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018)) · extracted 2026-09-27
Parameters extracted from the official SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018)); SKF® and SKF Explorer® are trademarks of AB SKF, used here for identification only — mpnbase is not an authorized SKF distributor. Boundary dimensions are ISO 15 interchangeable; current production values may differ, verify at skf.com.
Dimensions in inches & 61800-series range
| Bore d | 14.173 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 17.323 in |
| Width B | 1.496 in |
| ISO bore code | 72 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 40 mm |
| Smallest bore in 61800-series | 1 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 61800-series | 1820 mm |
| Width range across 61800-series | 1–140 mm |
| Bore position in 61800-series (smallest first) | 50 of 74 |
| Bore above smallest 61800-series size | 359 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61872 | NTN | partial Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ. | NTN bearing NTN 6872 on the same 360×440×38 mm envelope, but catalogue C/C0 differ (182/285 kN vs 207/258 kN) — envelope interchange only after a load check. |
Interchange levels: full standard interchange · partial verify parameters · verify manual confirmation required. Links resolve to the equivalent model's specification page where available.
How the 61872-MA model number is decoded
In the 61800-series, the last two digits encode the bore: 61872 carries code 72 = 360 mm (code × 5). The envelope is 360×440×38 mm (14.173×17.323×1.496 in) with a 40.0 mm radial section height, C 182 kN, C0 285 kN and Pu 6.1 kN. The open 61872 MA carries no shields or seals and relies on application lubrication and external sealing. The MA suffix identifies the machined brass cage execution, a separate order number from the pressed-steel version. Limiting speed 2200 r/min, catalogue mass 12000 g. A thin section saves space but leaves little margin for misalignment or shaft deflection.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- pulp and paper machinery
- marine deck machinery
- crusher auxiliary drives
- space-constrained gearboxes
Known failure patterns
- contamination wear when the open arrangement is used without external seals
- lubricant starvation where no regreasing interval is maintained
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling once the catalogue L10 life is exceeded
- brinelling from static overload or hammer blows during mounting
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Mount by heating the inner ring (max 120 °C) — driving 61872-MA home through the outer ring or balls brinells the raceways.
- Fillet radii must clear the 61872-MA chamfer so the 38 mm-wide ring seats square; an oversized shaft radius creates point contact on the ring face.
- The MA suffix on 61872-MA denotes a machined brass cage: it is the choice for high speeds, marginal lubrication and shock/vibration duty, and it is temperature-tolerant where polymer cages are not — the 12000 g quoted mass includes the heavier cage.
- Open 61872-MA needs external sealing at the arrangement level; in dusty housings its life depends entirely on those external seals and the regreasing schedule.
- Plan a relubrication interval for 61872-MA; run-to-failure on open deep-groove bearings is the dominant early-failure cause.
- Do not preload 61872-MA to silence it: a deep-groove ball bearing is not angular-contact, and axial preload only raises temperature and shortens grease life.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of 61872-MA?
The SKF 61872 MA measures 360 mm bore × 440 mm OD × 38 mm width (14.173 × 17.323 × 1.496 in), mass about 12000 g. It is open, with no shields or seals.
How does the bore code in 61872 work?
The final two digits of 61872 are bore code 72, multiplied by 5 to give 360 mm.
What is the speed rating of 61872-MA?
SKF lists a 2600 r/min thermal reference speed and a 2200 r/min mechanical limiting speed for 61872 MA; real limits also depend on lubrication and fits.
What is the difference between 61872-MA and a same-bore 62-series bearing?
Section height differs: 61872-MA has a 40 mm radial section and C 182 kN; always match d, D and B — same bore alone never makes two bearings interchangeable.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) on 2026-09-27. Read our editorial & correction policy.