Making farm equipment smarter and more sustainable

A third of commercial farms now generate some form of renewable energy and as agriculture adopts alternative power sources, precision technologies and automation, how many businesses consider the components underpinning this transformation? In this article Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains why industrial bearings are vital to the next generation of farm equipment.

Reducing agriculture’s reliance on conventional diesel will not happen overnight. DEFRA’s figures show how central the fuel remains to British farming, particularly for machinery-intensive operations. Dairy farms used an average of 26,200 litres of red diesel in 2024/25, while general cropping farms averaged 19,300 litres.

Farms are also investing in other forms of energy. DEFRA found that 33 per cent of commercial farms generated renewable energy in 2024/25. Among farms generating solar power, 76% said reducing energy bills was a reason for installing it. This illustrates the economic and environmental pressures encouraging farmers to reconsider how energy is produced and used.

Similar challenges are shaping agricultural machinery development across Europe. In a June 2026 position paper, the European agricultural machinery association CEMA highlighted climate change, labour shortages, energy security and pressure on margins as simultaneous challenges facing European farmers. The organisation supports a technology-neutral transition involving solutions like electrification, renewable fuels and hydrogen, depending on the application.

There is unlikely to be one universal replacement for conventional diesel machinery. Battery-electric systems, hydrogen, renewable fuels and hybrid technologies may each suit different applications, depending on the required power, operating hours and available infrastructure. Whatever form the transition takes, its success will depend on the efficiency and reliability of the machinery involved.

Turning innovation into integration
While the potential benefits of lower-emission agriculture are increasingly evident, reaping these rewards calls for a rethinking of the mechanical systems at the heart of every machine.
Heavy-duty farming equipment must operate for long hours across rough terrain, variable weather and narrow maintenance windows. It must also withstand vibration, shock loads and exposure to contaminants without compromising performance during critical planting or harvesting periods.

Alternative power sources introduce further engineering considerations. Battery-electric machinery must accommodate charging requirements, battery capacity and weight distribution. Hydrogen-powered equipment presents different storage, packaging and safety demands, while hybrid systems must integrate multiple power sources efficiently.

Optimising these machines means paying attention to the components supporting every movement. Bearings may be small, but they play an important role in limiting friction, supporting loads and maintaining precise motion.

Reducing frictional losses can support overall energy efficiency and help machinery achieve more productive operating time from the energy available. In applications where performance depends on consistency, such as seeders, harvesters and agricultural drones, high-quality bearings also help deliver repeatable motion over demanding operating cycles.

Supporting smarter systems and hardware
Precision is no longer a luxury in agriculture. It is increasingly essential to productivity, resource efficiency and commercial competitiveness. Bearings support these technologies through carefully engineered geometry, suitable materials and tight manufacturing tolerances. Selecting the correct bearing can improve movement accuracy, reduce unnecessary resistance and help equipment perform consistently under changing loads.

Pic: Hybrid ceramic bearings offer low friction and high durability, supporting the shift to electric and autonomous farming machinery

Take variable-depth planters, for example. These systems rely on smooth, accurate adjustments in real time, based on field data. The bearings used within their actuators must operate quietly and consistently under load, sometimes without the benefit of regular bearing lubrication. Thin-section or hybrid ceramic bearings are often chosen for their low friction, corrosion resistance and ability to function in tight spaces.

Agricultural environments are inherently tough on machinery. Dust, moisture, fertiliser spray and mud are everyday realities, especially during planting and harvest seasons. Bearings exposed to these conditions must not only perform but endure. Sealed stainless steel bearings and ceramic types are often favoured for their ability to resist contamination and corrosion, helping keep machines running longer between service intervals.

Sustainability is also driving changes in materials and manufacturing processes. Recycled steel and aluminium reduce the carbon footprint of machinery. Lightweight structural designs, paired with high-strength bearing materials, help minimise fuel use or battery draw. Bio-based plastics are appearing more frequently in non-load-bearing components, offering yet another way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Bearings and electrification
Electrified systems present unique engineering demands. Motors in battery-powered or hydrogen-powered machinery generate heat and, in some cases, electrical currents that can damage bearings over time. Hybrid ceramic bearings address both issues — they are naturally insulating and generate less friction, making them ideal for use in motors, generators and other high-speed components.

Moreover, the shift to electric power has implications across the drivetrain. Bearings must operate efficiently at higher speeds, with minimal lubrication, and sometimes in more compact mechanical layouts than traditional internal combustion machines allow. Selecting the right bearing here is not just a matter of compatibility — it’s essential to overall performance.

Autonomous equipment adds another layer of complexity. Whether it’s a robotic sprayer or a GPS-guided tractor, autonomous systems require compact, highly precise motion control. Here again, thin-section bearings are key. Their uniform cross-sections and low weight allow for tight packaging within robotic arms or control mechanisms, without sacrificing strength or service life.

Because these machines operate independently — sometimes for extended periods without human intervention — reliability is paramount. Bearings must be able to perform consistently across thousands of operating cycles, often with minimal lubrication or maintenance. Bearings with tight tolerances, such as P6 or better, help ensure repeatable performance in these demanding conditions.

As farmers invest in smart platforms, low-emission machinery and AI-powered automation, it’s easy to focus on the flashy technologies leading this transformation. But behind every self-steering tractor, real-time soil sensor and hydrogen harvester lies a foundation of mechanical performance.

Top picture: Agricultural drones rely on high-performance bearings for accurate, efficient operation in the field