Bushings and Hubs
The taper lock bush, also referred to as a taper bush or taper fit bush, is a locking mechanism commonly used in power transmission drives for locating pulleys, sprockets, and couplings to shafts. The taper-lock bushing is pre-bored and keyed to match the required shaft and keyway diameters. Weld-on hubs are essential parts designed for secure and permanent attachment to power transmission components facilitating the transfer of motion and power. Crafted with precision, our weld-on hubs ensure a straightforward welding process, resulting in a durable and long-lasting connection.
Types of Bushings and Hubs

XTB Bushing

FHPK Bushing

Split Taper Weld-on Hub

QD Weld-on Hub

XTH Weld-on Hub

Taper Lock Weld-On Hub

Taper Bore Bolt-On Hub

Taper Lock Adapter

Splined Hubs
What are Bushings and Hubs?

Applications of Bushings and Hubs
1. Power Transmission Systems
- Sprockets and Pulleys: Taper bushes are commonly used to secure sprockets, V-belt pulleys, and timing belt pulleys to shafts. Weld-on hubs enhance this setup by providing a robust base that can be welded onto these components, ensuring a strong and concentric connection for transmitting torque in machinery like conveyors, mixers, and pumps.
- Chain Drives: In chain-driven systems, weld-on hubs paired with taper bushes allow plate sprockets to be securely mounted, facilitating smooth power transfer in applications such as material handling equipment and agricultural machinery.
2. Fan Rotors and Ventilation Systems
- Weld-on hubs are welded into fan rotors in air conditioning, ventilation, and exhaust systems. The bushings ensures the rotor is firmly attached to the shaft, enabling efficient rotation and airflow management under varying operating conditions.
3. Conveyor Technology
- Weld-on hubs with bushings are used to mount pulleys or rollers in conveyor belts. This combination provides a quick and adjustable connection, making it easier to replace or reposition components during maintenance in industries like mining, manufacturing, and logistics.
4. Agitators and Mixers
- In industrial mixing equipment, weld-on hubs are attached to impellers or agitator blades, while taper bushes lock them onto the drive shaft. This setup ensures reliable torque transmission and stability, even under high loads or in harsh environments like chemical processing plants.
5. Agricultural Machinery
- Equipment such as grain augers, combines, and harvesters use taper bushes and weld-on hubs to connect drive components (e.g., pulleys or gears) to shafts. The system’s ease of installation and removal simplifies repairs in the field, reducing downtime.
6. Steel and Welded Constructions
- Weld-on hubs are integral in custom steel fabrications where components like plate wheels or custom pulleys need to be welded and then mounted onto shafts using bushings. This is common in heavy-duty machinery and structural applications.
7. Industrial Machinery
- From compressors to woodworking machines, bushings and hubs are used to mount various rotating elements. Their versatility accommodates different shaft sizes and allows for easy adjustments or replacements without extensive machining.

Bushings and Hubs for Sprockets

Bushings and Hubs for Pulleys
Taper Lock Bushings vs. QD Bushings
QD Bushings: Quick detachable bushings (or QD) feature a flange on the outside diameter which is often used to secure the bushing to a sprocket or pulley. More distinctly, QD bushings also feature a split through the flange and taper which makes installation and removal much easier while also improving the holding power by tightening cap screws. A QT bushing is a specific size of QD bushing which features reverse mounting and, unlike most QD bushings, do not have a setscrew over the key. Other QD bushing sizes include: SD, SK, J, F, E, SF, SDS, SH, and JA.
Like QD bushings, taper-lock bushings also feature a split side for enhanced clamping power. Unlike QD bushings, taper-lock bushings gradually taper along the length-thru-bore in order to provide an even tighter fit on the drive shaft. This tapering allows for a shorter length-thru-bore and narrower sprocket hubs. Taper-lock bushing sizes include: 1008, 1108, 1210, 1215, 1310, 1610, 1615, 2012, 2517, 2525, 3020, and 3030.
The main difference between the two is that the QD bushing has a flange around the outside diameter. The taper-lock bushing has straight sides on the OD which is meant to mount flush.
Feature | Taper-Lock Bushings | QD Bushings (Quick Detachable) |
---|---|---|
Design Principle | Uses a tapered design that locks into a matching hub | Features a split flange and taper for quick removal |
Installation | Requires pressing or tightening screws to seat | Bolts tighten the bushing onto the shaft easily |
Removal | Requires removal of screws and sometimes a puller | Quick removal by loosening bolts, no puller needed |
Mounting Style | Keyed to the shaft with a taper fit | Keyed with a flange and split design |
Ease of Installation | Moderately easy, requires precise alignment | Very easy due to split design and flange |
Ease of Removal | More time-consuming, may need tools | Fast and simple, designed for quick detachment |
Torque Transmission | High torque capacity due to tight taper fit | High torque capacity with secure flange clamping |
Shaft Size Range | Wide range of shaft sizes accommodated | Wide range, often slightly broader compatibility |
Reusability | Reusable if not damaged during removal | Highly reusable due to easy removal process |
Cost | Generally cost-effective | Slightly higher cost due to design complexity |
Applications | Common in pulleys, sprockets, and couplings | Widely used in pulleys, sheaves, and gearboxes |
Maintenance | Requires periodic checking of screw tightness | Minimal maintenance, easy to inspect and adjust |
Alignment Sensitivity | More sensitive to misalignment during installation | Less sensitive due to flange and split design |
Space Requirement | Compact design, no external flange | Requires slightly more radial space due to flange |
Load Distribution | Evenly distributed along the taper | Evenly distributed with flange support |

Taper Lock Bushings
