What bearing specifications should I check when buying a meat grinder?

Start with the bearing designation and precision class, then verify whether the seal is a contact lip seal or a labyrinth ring—this decides how well meat particles and high-pressure washdown water stay out of the housing. Check the lubrication method too: food-grade grease is preferred in the product zone, and for centralized systems confirm grease nipple location and shot quantity. If the bearing sits near the auger shaft front, match its axial and radial load ratings to the actual duty. Ask for rated life and replacement intervals, and whether a puller is needed for removal. On high-throughput lines, list the exact bearing number as a spare, then run the first unit at full capacity for one shift and open the housing afterward—emulsified grease or meat residue on the raceway means the sealing design fails.