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What Are Cam Followers?

Engineers at the McGill Manufacturing Company developed the first needle bearing cam follower in 1937. A cam follower is a specialty bearing used to follow or track the cam along various linear motion systems. This device is an alternative to using a standard bearing and bolt in various applications. There are different types of cam followers and some cam followers are ideal for particular types of mounting. In addition, manufactures may opt for cam and follower systems in the production of a multitude of products including automobiles, trucks, lawn ornaments and pumping devices.

Needle Roller Cam Follower
- A needle roller cam follower is a compact device that provides anti-friction and static load carrying. This type of cam follower has a tough outer ring and needle rollers. Manufactures opt for needle roller cam followers in linear motion systems.
Heavy Stud Cam Followers
- Heavy stud cam followers are strong, tough devices that withstand and endure components of an application that may unexpectedly fall or drop on the unit or surface such as a snowmobile hitting a terrain covered with snow. Additionally, it is ideal for applications that frequently carry large and heavy loads of material such as dump trucks. You can find this type of cam follower with crowned outer rings, without seals or with seals.
Yoke Type Cam Followers
- When loading conditions exceed the capabilities off the stud type cam follower, manufactures can opt for yoke type cam followers. This type of cam follower is ideal when you want clevis mounting. This offers support on each side of the cam follower and lets you use a heavy-duty pin. This kind of cam follower comes without seals, with seals or with crowned outer rings.
Standard Stud Type Cam Followers
- A standard stud cam follower has a threaded stud that is ideal for medium loads. This type of cam follower is available as a crowned outer ring, which is ideal for applications that may have misalignment issues. Additionally, the standard stud cam follower comes without and with seals.

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