Cylindrical roller bearings feature high radial load capacity because the rollers and raceway are in linear contact. These bearings are suitable for applications that involve heavy radial and impact loading. They are also appropriate for high-speed applications in that they can be machined very accurately due to their structure. Having a separable inner ring or outer ring, these bearings can be mounted and dismounted easily.

Single-row cylindrical roller bearings.The NU and N types exhibit their best performance when used as free side bearings since they adjust to the shaft's axial movement, to a certain extent, relative to the housing position.The NJ and NF types carry axial load in one direction, while the NUP and NH types can carry a certain degree of axial load in both directions.Type R cylindrical roller bearings feature enhanced load rating compared with standard series, though both have equal dimensions. This is because type R bearings have different interior design. They are identified by supplementary code "R".

Double-row cylindrical roller bearings.Double-row cylindrical roller bearings come in two types : with a cylindrical bore, and with a tapered bore. As for those with a tapered bore, the specified amount of clearance can be obtained by adjusting the press-in distance. Some bearings have lubrication holes and lubrication grooves on the outer ring. They are identified by supplementary code "W".

These bearings can accommodate high radial loads, and are often used on machine tool spindles.