61972-MA bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 61972-MA is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 360 x 480 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 | 360 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 480 mm |
| Width B | 56 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 291 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 450 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 9.15 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 2600 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 2200 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 28000 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 61972 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 | 14.173 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 18.898 in |
| Width B | 2.205 in |
| ISO bore code | 72 |
| 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) | 47 of 63 |
| Bore above smallest 61900-series size | 357 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61972 | NTN | partial Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ. | NTN bearing NTN 6972 on the same 360×480×56 mm envelope, but catalogue C/C0 differ (291/450 kN vs 330/455 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 61972-MA model number is decoded
In the 61900-series, the last two digits encode the bore: 61972 carries code 72 = 360 mm (code × 5). The envelope is 360×480×56 mm (14.173×18.898×2.205 in) with a 60.0 mm radial section height, C 291 kN, C0 450 kN and Pu 9.15 kN. The open 61972 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 28000 g. A thin section saves space but leaves little margin for misalignment or shaft deflection.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- textile and packaging machinery
- slew and indexing drives
- large industrial gearboxes
- heavy conveyor drives
Known failure patterns
- contamination wear when the open arrangement is used without external seals
- lubricant starvation where no regreasing interval is maintained
- brinelling from static overload or hammer blows during mounting
- false brinelling from vibration while the shaft stands idle
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- The fatigue load limit is 9.15 kN; it feeds the equivalent-mean-load check, not the basic life calculation — do not substitute one for the other.
- Mount by heating the inner ring (max 120 °C) — driving 61972-MA home through the outer ring or balls brinells the raceways.
- The MA suffix on 61972-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 28000 g quoted mass includes the heavier cage.
- Open 61972-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 61972-MA; run-to-failure on open deep-groove bearings is the dominant early-failure cause.
- The fatigue load limit is 9.15 kN; it feeds the equivalent-mean-load check, not the basic life calculation — do not substitute one for the other.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of 61972-MA?
The SKF 61972 MA measures 360 mm bore × 480 mm OD × 56 mm width (14.173 × 18.898 × 2.205 in), mass about 28000 g. It is open, with no shields or seals.
How does the bore code in 61972 work?
The final two digits of 61972 are bore code 72, multiplied by 5 to give 360 mm.
What load can 61972-MA take?
Catalogue values for 61972 MA: dynamic C 291 kN, static C0 450 kN, fatigue limit Pu 9.15 kN. Use C in life calculation and C0 for static checks at 360 mm bore.
What is the speed rating of 61972-MA?
SKF lists a 2600 r/min thermal reference speed and a 2200 r/min mechanical limiting speed for 61972 MA; real limits also depend on lubrication and fits.
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.