Which type of bearing is known for supporting axial loads and handling higher loads than ball bearings?

Tapered roller bearings are specifically designed to support axial loads in addition to radial loads. Their construction allows them to effectively handle greater loads compared to ball bearings, which are generally limited in the amount of axial load they can bear. The tapered shape of the rollers ensures an optimal contact area between the roller and the raceway, facilitating the transfer of loads. This design also enables tapered roller bearings to manage loads that have both radial and axial components, making them ideal for applications where heavy loads need to be supported alongside resistance to directional forces.

In contrast, plain bearings do not have rolling elements and therefore can support loads but are not focused on axial load capacity. Needle bearings are designed for radial loads and typically feature a greater length than diameter but also lack the capacity for significant axial load support. Self-aligning bearings, while excellent for accommodating misalignment, do not specialize in handling higher loads in the same way tapered roller bearings do. Therefore, the distinctive features and functionality of tapered roller bearings make them the best choice for situations requiring support of significant axial loads alongside higher load capacities.