Leading the Way in Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings

Since Dr. Albert Kingsbury’s 1912 invention, Kingsbury has led the development of tilting pad bearings, evolving designs through patented innovations that improve performance and reliability.

Leading Edge Groove (LEG^®) Bearings - Direct Lubrication

Kingsbury’s LEG® Thrust Bearings use less oil and run cooler than older designs, helping machines last longer and perform better. They’re built for turbines, compressors, pumps, motors and marine systems where reliability matters. With efficient lubrication and industry recognized durability, LEG Bearings offer real savings and strong performance backed by over 100 years of engineering experience.

Slimline Tilting Pad Thrust (LEG^®) Bearing

Kingsbury’s LEG SlimLine Thrust Bearing combines the efficiency of Leading Edge Groove lubrication with a compact, equalizing design. It runs cooler, uses less oil, and fits into tight spaces where older bearings can’t. Each pad shares the load evenly, improving alignment and reliability. The SlimLine Thrust Bearing boosts performance while simplifying installation and maintenance.

KingCole Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing

The KingCole thrust bearing blends Kingsbury’s LEG lubrication with a European-style non-equalizing design. It runs cooler, uses less oil, and fits easily into existing setups. Each pad pivots freely for better alignment and temperature control. Built for tough applications and retrofits, KingCole offers reliable performance and easy installation.

G-MD Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing

Kingsbury’s G-MD Thrust Bearing is a modular, flexible solution built in Germany to handle a wide range of applications. It supports uni- or bi-directional rotation, flooded or directed lubrication, and equalized or non-equalized designs. With pad counts from six and higher and interchangeable parts, it’s easy to customize and maintain. G-MD Bearings deliver reliable performance and fast turnaround.

Equalizing Flooded Thrust Bearing

Kingsbury’s EQH Thrust Bearings use a self-renewing oil film to carry axial loads with minimal wear. Each pad adjusts to share the load evenly, thanks to leveling plates and spherical pivots. Designed for steady performance and long life, EQH Bearings absorb shock, dampen vibration, and work reliably across turbines, motors, pumps, and marine systems.

Vertical Hydro Thrust (VK) Bearings

Kingsbury’s VK Thrust Bearings are designed to replace older spring plate bearings in hydro turbines, offering higher thrust load capacity and reduced vibration. They fit into existing spaces while delivering a more robust, low-maintenance design. With durable materials and optional features like insulation and temperature monitoring, VK Bearings ensure long-term reliability and smoother operation in demanding hydroelectric environments.

Non-Equalizing (NE) Thrust Bearings - Flooded Lubrication

Kingsbury’s Non-Equalizing (NE) Thrust Bearings are built for compact spaces and lighter loads, making them ideal for pumps and horizontal motors. They match the dimensions of European M-style Bearings and use standardized pad configurations, allowing quick replacements during breakdowns. With a large inventory and drop-in compatibility, NE bearings offer a practical solution for low to moderate speed, low thrust load applications.

Advanced Materials for Process-Lubricated Bearings

When water, process fluid, or harsh chemistry rules out a traditional babbitted surface, Kingsbury can apply engineered pad materials on thrust or journal bearings to support long-life operation in hostile environments.

Vespel Thrust Bearings

Kingsbury stainless steel bearings with Vespel® pads replace traditional carbon steel lined with babbitt as a proven solution for petrochemical pumps using process fluids as lubricants. Vespel Bearings offer superior lubricity, manufacturability, and cost advantages. Sizes range from 100 mm to 279 mm in diameter with up to eleven pads per side, mostly non-equalized. Dozens of sets have been sold and continue to perform reliably, supporting our push for alternative bearing liners in demanding applications.

Advanced Materials (Vespel) - Flooded Lubrication

Kingsbury’s Vespel® Thrust Bearings are designed for process-fluid lubrication in petrochemical pumps. Vespel pads offer excellent lubricity, chemical resistance, and durability, making them ideal for harsh fluids like diesel. These Bearings replace traditional babbitt-lined designs, perform reliably across a range of sizes, and have proven successful in vertical canned motor pump applications worldwide.