Cylindrical roller bearings have a high radial load capacity because the rollers and raceway are in linear contact, and they are suitable for applications that provide heavy radial and impact loads.A cage-guided cylindrical roller bearing helps keep the rolling elements in place, which becomes more crucial as loads get heavier. A cylindrical roller bearing can support light-thrust movement, with the double-row type also able to support axial loads in both directions.Cylindrical roller bearings are similar to ball bearings, but rather than a spherical rolling element, they feature cylinders that have a slightly greater length than diameter. The cylinders are usually guided by flanges on the inner and outer ring.

Cylindrical roller bearings are also available in sealed or split designs. In sealed bearings, the rollers are protected from contaminants, water and dust, while providing lubricant retention and contaminant exclusion. This provides lower friction and longer service life.Two-row or double row cylindrical roller bearings are used in gear drives, rolling mills, and machine tools. The bearings are designed for additional strength and are used when the application carries radial loads.