Ball bearing cart axle end.
Country
USA
State/Province
Pennsylvania
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Object detail
Description
Cart axle end and wheel hub box utilizing ball bearings. Ball bearings were used in cart and buggy wheels/axles in the 1890s. Their use was shortlived as ball bearing bearing races supposedly were damaged by lateral thrusts on wheels.
Classification
TRANSPORT Horse cart axle
Maker
Production place
Measurements
300mm
70mm
70mm
Media/Materials description
Case hardened steel axle end
Steel wheel box
Steel wheel box
Signature/Marks
<SHELDON AXLE CO R PATENTED>
History and use
Ball bearing cart axles were introduced in the mid-1890s to reduce friction and improve mechanical efficiency. (Most cart axles used a metal sleeve in the wheel hub which revolved around the greased axle end.) Ball bearing cart axles were not to prove a success as latereal thrust damaged the ball races. Later tapered roller bearings (c1900) achieved greater success in the area of wheeled vehicle technology.
Associated person
Registration number
H49441
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