Abstract: A loader slot bearing includes a housing and a truncated ball. The housing has an interior area that is defined by an inner bearing surface which has a concave contour defining a circumference. A single slot extends axially partway into the inner bearing surface and has a slot arc section area extending axially inward. The slot arc section area has a first circumferential slot-end, a second circumferential slot-end, and a slot arc length measured between the first circumferential slot-end and the second circumferential slot-end. A ratio of the slot arc length to the circumference of the interior area is about 0.20 to 0.35. The truncated ball has a convex exterior surface. The truncated ball is positioned in the slot and rotated so that the truncated ball is rotatably retained by the inner bearing surface. The truncated ball is angularly misalignable relative to the annular housing.

Abstract: A loader slot bearing includes a housing and a truncated ball. The housing has an interior area that is defined by an inner bearing surface which has a concave contour defining a circumference. A single slot extends axially partway into the inner bearing surface and has a slot arc section area extending axially inward. The slot arc section area has a first circumferential slot-end, a second circumferential slot-end, and a slot arc length measured between the first circumferential slot-end and the second circumferential slot-end. A ratio of the slot arc length to the circumference of the interior area is about 0.20 to 0.35. The truncated ball has a convex exterior surface. The truncated ball is positioned in the slot and rotated so that the truncated ball is rotatably retained by the inner bearing surface. The truncated ball is angularly misalignable relative to the annular housing.

Abstract: A maintenance-free bearing system having self-lubricating features, seals, grooves and slots for use in a cushion hitch assembly for a hitch pull scraper vehicle. An interconnected bearing linkage system having two or more horizontal two-axis combined journal and thrust bearings with self-lubricating liners therein, two or more vertical single-axis sleeve bearings with self-lubricating liners therein and one or more vertical thrust bearing with self-lubricating liners therein, that cooperate with one another to accommodate vertical and horizontal angular movement relative to one another. The vertical thrust bearings incorporate an outer seal assembly and/or an inner seal assembly with a tapered configuration that improves retention of the seal assembly during rotation.

Abstract: A maintenance-free bearing system having self-lubricating features, seals, grooves and slots for use in a cushion hitch assembly for a hitch pull scraper vehicle. An interconnected bearing linkage system having two or more horizontal two-axis combined journal and thrust bearings with self-lubricating liners therein, two or more vertical single-axis sleeve bearings with self-lubricating liners therein and one or more vertical thrust bearing with self-lubricating liners therein, that cooperate with one another to accommodate vertical and horizontal angular movement relative to one another.

Abstract: A maintenance-free bearing system having self-lubricating features, seals, grooves and slots for use in a cushion hitch assembly for a hitch pull scraper vehicle. An interconnected bearing linkage system having two or more horizontal two-axis combined journal and thrust bearings with self-lubricating liners therein, two or more vertical single-axis sleeve bearings with self-lubricating liners therein and one or more vertical thrust bearing with self-lubricating liners therein, that cooperate with one another to accommodate vertical and horizontal angular movement relative to one another.

Abstract: A maintenance-free bearing system having self-lubricating features, seals, grooves and slots for use in a cushion hitch assembly for a hitch pull scraper vehicle. An interconnected bearing linkage system having two or more horizontal two-axis combined journal and thrust bearings with self-lubricating liners therein, two or more vertical single-axis sleeve bearings with self-lubricating liners therein and one or more vertical thrust bearing with self-lubricating liners therein, that cooperate with one another to accommodate vertical and horizontal angular movement relative to one another.