The rigidity of a spherical roller bearing is determined by the amount of elastic deformation that occurs when it is under load. In general, this deformation is small and can be ignored. But in some machines, such as machine tool spindle system, the static stiffness and dynamic stiffness of spherical roller bearings have a great influence on the characteristics of the system. Spherical roller bearings have higher stiffness than ball bearings.

Spherical roller bearings suitable for heavy loads. The magnitude of the load is often the determining factor in the selection of bearing size. Roller bearings have a higher load carrying capacity than ball bearings with the same external dimensions. Generally, ball bearings are suitable for light or medium loads, and roller bearings are suitable for heavy loads.