61980-MA bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 61980-MA is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 400 x 540 x 65 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 400 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 540 mm |
| Width B | 65 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 345 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 570 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 11.2 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 2200 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 1800 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 41500 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 61980 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 | 15.748 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 21.26 in |
| Width B | 2.559 in |
| ISO bore code | 80 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 70 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) | 49 of 63 |
| Bore above smallest 61900-series size | 397 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61980 | NTN | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | NTN counterpart NTN 6980 on the same 400×540×65 mm envelope with ratings within 10 % — interchange after checking seal, cage and precision details on both pages. |
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 61980-MA model number is decoded
In the 61900-series, the last two digits encode the bore: 61980 carries code 80 = 400 mm (code × 5). The envelope is 400×540×65 mm (15.748×21.26×2.559 in) with a 70.0 mm radial section height, C 345 kN, C0 570 kN and Pu 11.2 kN. The open 61980 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 1800 r/min, catalogue mass 41500 g. A thin section saves space but leaves little margin for misalignment or shaft deflection.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- industrial fans and blowers
- mill and kiln auxiliaries
- pulp and paper machinery
- marine deck machinery
Known failure patterns
- contamination wear when the open arrangement is used without external seals
- lubricant starvation where no regreasing interval is maintained
- false brinelling from vibration while the shaft stands idle
- fretting corrosion on a creeping shaft or housing seat
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Deep-groove geometry tolerates only minutes of misalignment; if the 540 mm housing bore cannot be aligned, move to a self-aligning bearing rather than shimming 61980-MA.
- Do not preload 61980-MA to silence it: a deep-groove ball bearing is not angular-contact, and axial preload only raises temperature and shortens grease life.
- The MA suffix on 61980-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 41500 g quoted mass includes the heavier cage.
- Open 61980-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 61980-MA; run-to-failure on open deep-groove bearings is the dominant early-failure cause.
- Mount by heating the inner ring (max 120 °C) — driving 61980-MA home through the outer ring or balls brinells the raceways.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of 61980-MA?
The SKF 61980 MA measures 400 mm bore × 540 mm OD × 65 mm width (15.748 × 21.26 × 2.559 in), mass about 41500 g. It is open, with no shields or seals.
How does the bore code in 61980 work?
The final two digits of 61980 are bore code 80, multiplied by 5 to give 400 mm.
How heavy is 61980-MA?
Catalogue mass is 41500 g for 61980 MA; seal and cage executions of the same envelope differ by a few grams.
What load can 61980-MA take?
Catalogue values for 61980 MA: dynamic C 345 kN, static C0 570 kN, fatigue limit Pu 11.2 kN. Use C in life calculation and C0 for static checks at 400 mm bore.
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.