Apply core land-based engineering principles: mechanical principles

This standard covers the application of mechanical principles within core land-based engineering principles. It provides the knowledge of the characteristics and properties of bearings, bushes, seals and plugs, their location and retention, as well as the skills and knowledge required for the setting of components, such as tension, preload, end-float, backlash, protrusion, clearance and interference fit.

It also covers the principles of centrifugal force, torque and speed, the centre of gravity, dynamic and static balance, stability, ground pressure, fulcrum points and leverage.

When working with machinery or equipment you should be trained and hold current certification where required, in accordance with the relevant legislation.

When working on high voltage (hazardous voltage/HaV) electric vehicles, de-energising must be done by a person who has been trained in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures.

This standard is for those who work in land-based engineering under supervision.

Note – in accordance with current regulations mains electricity work must be carried out by a competent person, usually an electrician.

1. be aware of the hazards and risks associated with the activity and the location where it is to be carried out
2. be aware of the potential environmental impact associated with the activity and the ways in which this can be controlled
3. select and wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
4. select, prepare, use, maintain, and store the tools and equipment required to carry out the activity in accordance with relevant legal requirements, manufacturer's instructions and company practices
5. remove and refit components applying core land-based engineering mechanical principles and techniques
6. determine if the bearings are suitable for reuse
7. check the suitability of bearing locations, seats, journals, housings, ovality and concentricity 
8. set bearings and bushes, torque limiting devices, and components to suit the application and manufacturer’s specification
9. fit oil, grease, pressure, dust and water seals, where required
10. test and verify that component settings meet requirements
11. remove and refit components secured by interference fit, taper fit, shrink fit and chemical bonding
12. check components and machines for static and dynamic balance and stability
13. set linkages and select components to gain maximum mechanical advantage
14. leave the workplace in a safe condition following completion of the activity
15. deal with the different types of waste, including hazardous and non-hazardous, caused by the activity, in accordance with instructions and relevant legal and environmental requirements 
16. complete records, as required, in accordance with company instructions

1. the hazards and risks associated with land-based engineering
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. the tools and equipment required to carry out the activity and how to select, prepare, use, maintain and store these safely and correctly, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and company practices
4. the types of bearings and bushes, their construction, application and characteristics
5. how to remove bearings, seals and other components
6. how to check if bearings are suitable for reuse
7. how to check the suitability of bearing locations, seats, journals, housings, ovality and concentricity, etc
8. the reason for setting up bearings and the effect of incorrect settings
9. the methods of setting up bearings and components
10. the methods of checking bearing and component settings
11. the construction, characteristics and fitting methods of oil, grease, pressure, dust and water seals and their importance in preventing leakage and ingress
12. the types of gear-tooth profile and their application, characteristics and meshing patterns
13. how directional rotation, reciprocating movement and balance is achieved
14. the principles of transmitting drive through shafts, pulleys, sprockets, belts and chains, their construction, types, characteristics and applications
15. the importance of leaving the workplace in a safe condition following completion of the activity
16. how to deal with the different types of waste, including hazardous and non-hazardous, caused by the activity, in accordance with instructions, and the relevant legal and environmental requirements
17. the potential impact that the activity could have on the environment and the ways in which this can be controlled
18. the records that need to be completed and the company procedure for these

• bearing and bush types - e.g. needle, roller, taper roller bearings, ball bearings, floating, self-aligning, sealed, self-lubricating, plain bushes, shell bearings, thrust bearings and washers
• check components and machines - e.g. rotary blades, wheels, combine and forage harvester cylinders
• instructions may be verbal or written
• set linkages - e.g. hydraulic and pneumatic ram sizes, lift linkages
• mechanical principles and techniques - e.g. leverage, pressure, impact, shock loading, expansion and contraction
• methods of checking bearing and component settings - e.g. torque wrenches, feeler gauges, rolling resistance, measurement, lead wire, engineer’s blue
• methods of setting up bearings and components - e.g. shimming, calculation, applied tension and pressure
• principles of transmitting drive - e.g. universal joints, CV joints, identification of belt types and their sections, matched belts, chains and their limits of serviceability
• application and manufacturers’ specification - e.g. preload, end-float, protrusion, recess, meshing, slipping torque
• test and verify component settings - e.g. rolling resistance, torque settings, positioning, clamp pressure, tension
• types of gear-tooth profile - e.g. straight spur, helical, hypoid