61960-MA bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 61960-MA is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 300 x 420 x 56 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 300 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 420 mm |
| Width B | 56 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 270 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 375 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 8.3 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 3000 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 2400 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 24500 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 61960 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 & 61900-series range
| Bore d | 11.811 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 16.535 in |
| Width B | 2.205 in |
| ISO bore code | 60 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 60 mm |
| Smallest bore in 61900-series | 3 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 61900-series | 1120 mm |
| Width range across 61900-series | 3–118 mm |
| Bore position in 61900-series (smallest first) | 44 of 63 |
| Bore above smallest 61900-series size | 297 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61960 | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | SKF SKF 61960 (open arrangement) shares the 300×420×56 mm envelope with ratings within 10 % — execution variant of the same size; boundary dimensions interchangeable. |
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 61960-MA model number is decoded
In the 61900-series, the last two digits encode the bore: 61960 carries code 60 = 300 mm (code × 5). The envelope is 300×420×56 mm (11.811×16.535×2.205 in) with a 60.0 mm radial section height, C 270 kN, C0 375 kN and Pu 8.3 kN. The open 61960 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 2400 r/min, catalogue mass 24500 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
- cage damage from running beyond the limiting speed
- raceway smearing under marginal lubrication at start-up
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Deep-groove geometry tolerates only minutes of misalignment; if the 420 mm housing bore cannot be aligned, move to a self-aligning bearing rather than shimming 61960-MA.
- Fillet radii must clear the 61960-MA chamfer so the 56 mm-wide ring seats square; an oversized shaft radius creates point contact on the ring face.
- The MA suffix on 61960-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 24500 g quoted mass includes the heavier cage.
- Open 61960-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 61960-MA; run-to-failure on open deep-groove bearings is the dominant early-failure cause.
- Clearance suffixes follow the seal code in the designation stack (e.g. 61960-2Z/C3 in SKF spelling); no suffix means normal CN internal clearance.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of 61960-MA?
The SKF 61960 MA measures 300 mm bore × 420 mm OD × 56 mm width (11.811 × 16.535 × 2.205 in), mass about 24500 g. It is open, with no shields or seals.
How does the bore code in 61960 work?
The final two digits of 61960 are bore code 60, multiplied by 5 to give 300 mm.
What is the speed rating of 61960-MA?
SKF lists a 3000 r/min thermal reference speed and a 2400 r/min mechanical limiting speed for 61960 MA; real limits also depend on lubrication and fits.
What is the difference between 61960-MA and a same-bore 62-series bearing?
Section height differs: 61960-MA has a 60 mm radial section and C 270 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.