NU260-M bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NU260-M is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 300 x 540 x 85 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 | 540 mm |
| Width B | 85 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 1420 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 2120 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 183 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 1300 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 1400 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 89500 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF NU 260 M |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings |
| Last verified | 2026-09-26 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings) · extracted 2026-09-26
Parameters extracted from the official SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings); 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 & NU200-series range
| Bore d | 11.811 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 21.26 in |
| Width B | 3.346 in |
| ISO bore code | 60 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 120 mm |
| Smallest bore in NU200-series | 15 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in NU200-series | 580 mm |
| Width range across NU200-series | 11–92 mm |
| Bore position in NU200-series (smallest first) | 34 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest NU200-series size | 285 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
No verified interchange data yet. Send an inquiry and our team will confirm equivalents manually.
How the NU260-M model number is decoded
NU260-M is the 300 mm bore entry in the NU200 range: a 300×540×85 mm single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with a one-piece machined brass cage, rated C 1420 kN / C0 2120 kN. Structurally, the NU design has two integral flanges on the outer ring and no flanges on the inner ring, so the inner ring together with the roller set is separable. In arrangement terms it is non-locating: the inner ring assembly can float axially in both directions and the bearing cannot support axial load. The M suffix marks the basic (non-E) execution with a machined brass cage, the standard choice for the larger and earlier-design sizes. The one-piece machined brass cage is reflected in the published speeds and temperature limits. Speed planning for NU260-M: the catalogue lists 1,300 r/min thermal reference speed and 1,400 r/min mechanical limiting speed. The mass entry 89500 g covers the complete catalogue execution. Fit practice for NU260-M: fit the inner ring and roller assembly onto the shaft and the outer ring into the housing independently; thermal expansion is absorbed by axial float, so do not trap the inner ring between shaft shoulders. Single-row cylindrical rollers tolerate only about 3–4 minutes of arc misalignment, so verify shaft and housing alignment.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- mining hoist and winder shafts
- offshore drawworks shafts
- large rolling-mill drive trains
- marine propulsion line shafts
Known failure patterns
- inner-ring raceway spalling from overload or contamination in the line-contact hertz zone
- outer-ring raceway fatigue after extended service at loads above the catalogue L10 rating
- cage pocket wear from roller skew at light load
- polymer cage cracking or softening after sustained running above 120 °C or with incompatible lubricant
- roller-end scoring from inadequate oil flow in the roller-raceway contact
- edge-loading fatigue after shaft deflection beyond the 3–4 minute alignment limit
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling after the rated L10 life is exceeded
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Do not use a NU bearing where axial load must be carried — the design carries radial load only
- The dimension series 2 (light-section ISO 15 envelope) envelope is shared with the N/NU/NJ/NUP executions of 260, but flange configuration and axial-locating behaviour differ — quote the full SKF NU 260 M and do not substitute rib styles without checking the shaft locating scheme.
- Catalogue reference and limiting speeds are different criteria: observe the mechanical ceiling even when thermal calculations allow more.
- Catalogue reference and limiting speeds are different criteria: observe the mechanical ceiling even when thermal calculations allow more.
- The 1420/2120 kN ratings are SKF catalogue 17000 (2018) values for the M execution; re-verify against the current catalogue for critical drives and keep the catalogue version with the specification.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions and catalogue data of NU260-M?
SKF NU 260 M is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with 300 mm bore, 540 mm OD and 85 mm width per ISO 15. SKF lists C 1420 kN, C0 2120 kN, Pu 183 kN, reference speed 1,300 r/min and limiting speed 1,400 r/min, mass about 89500 g.
What does the NU designation and M suffix mean?
The M suffix marks the basic (non-E) execution with a machined brass cage, the standard choice for the larger and earlier-design sizes. Structurally this execution has two integral flanges on the outer ring and no flanges on the inner ring, so the inner ring together with the roller set is separable.
Can NU260-M take axial load and locate the shaft?
No — the inner ring has no flanges, so the NU bearing is non-locating and carries radial load only; use NJ (one direction), NUP (both directions) or a paired thrust bearing for axial duty.
How does NU260-M compare with the other executions in the same envelope?
The N/NU/NJ/NUP executions share the ISO 15 envelope and load ratings but differ in flange arrangement and axial-locating behaviour; quote the exact order number.
What limits the service life of this bearing most often?
Line-contact fatigue above the L10 rating, cage wear at light loads and high temperatures, and edge loading from misalignment beyond about 3–4 minutes of arc are the typical failure drivers.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings on 2026-09-26. Read our editorial & correction policy.