Product Description
Bearing ass'y (17mm)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the Z designation mean on the 6203Z bearing?
A: The Z designation indicates a single metal shield (not a seal) on one side of the bearing. Unlike rubber-sealed versions (RS, DDU, LLU), the 6203Z offers minimal contamination protection and is better suited for clean, dry industrial applications such as certain fork lift load wheel assemblies operating indoors.
Q: What are the dimensions of the 6203Z bearing?
A: The 6203Z is a 17 mm bore diameter bearing with a 40 mm outside diameter and 12 mm width. These dimensions are standard for fork lift and some manual pallet jack wheel applications. Verify the shaft size and hub bore diameter of your equipment before ordering to ensure correct fitment.
Q: Is the 6203Z sealed and what type of environment is it best for?
A: The 6203Z has a single metal shield on one side and is open on the other, providing no sealing protection. It is best suited for clean, dry indoor environments such as climate-controlled warehouses or indoor fork lift operations. Do not use in wet storage, outdoor, or dusty conditions where contaminant ingress would rapidly damage the bearing.
Q: What cross-reference parts are equivalent to the 6203Z?
A: The 6203Z cross-references to standard 6203 deep groove ball bearings from major manufacturers like SKF, NSK, NTN, and KOYO. Verify the clearance grade (typically C3 for industrial applications) and shield design before ordering to match your original equipment specification.
Q: How does the 6203Z perform compared to sealed bearing alternatives?
A: The 6203Z is lighter, spins more freely, and costs less than sealed alternatives. However, it requires more frequent lubrication and inspection since the open design allows grease loss and water ingress. In clean environments, this trade-off is acceptable. In wet or contaminated settings, sealed bearings like 6203-2RS or 6203DDU deliver longer life and lower maintenance cost.