Abstract:
Proper maintenance and fixing of the right bearings offer a significant cost reduction, longer service
life and improve wagon performance. The study examines the operational performance of SKF
bearings 16375018-11 carrying capacity at TAZARA Workshops in Dar es Salaam. Wagons fitted
with bearings 97720T and 97720KT on 100 mm and 99.5 mm diameter axle journals respectively
frequently experienced hot axle failures while in operations. A random sample of 27 serviceable
covered wagons (CO) chosen from a population of 70 serviceable covered wagons fitted with 8
number SKF bearings 16375018-11. Findings indicated that SKF bearings 16375018-11 fitted
onto the covered wagons improved wagon performance. Results were significantly important to
customers and TAZARA in improving services and customer satisfaction. Based on these findings
the study recommends that, TAZARA should implement the programme of fitting the rest of the
serviceable covered wagons which are in operation with SKF bearings 16375018-11 to improve
wagon performance and services to customers.
