Radial spherical roller bearings typically feature two rows of rollers with a shared sphered raceway in the outer ring. Offering superior radial load capacity compared to bearings of similar size, they can compensate for significant misalignment and shaft deflections, up to 3°. They are also capable of handling combined radial and axial loads, although heavy axial loads are not recommended as only one row of rollers will be engaged.

These bearings find application in various heavy-duty machinery such as pumps, powerful fans, rolling mills, and saw frames. They are particularly suitable for environments with high radial loads and inevitable seat misalignment.

Available with cylindrical or tapered bores in the inner rings, the latter can be mounted on tapered shaft necks or adapter sleeves. Bearings with tapered bores or withdrawal sleeves are often used in terminal supports. Sealed versions with contact seals on both sides are increasingly common for heavy-duty operations, requiring slightly larger dimensions in the bearing unit.

Radial spherical roller bearings are equipped with pressed steel, glass fiber reinforced polyamide, or machined brass cages.