The paper analyzes the influence of operating conditions of agricultural machinery on the performance of bearing units. The author lists main reasons for low reliability and durability of cup-type seals of agricultural machines: progressive deterioration (deterioration) of the physical and mechanical properties of cups, lower antifriction properties of materials, the presence of abrasive particles in grease and on the working surface of cups. Then he suggests some ways of reducing the shaft wear and the friction coefficient in the coupling. The ways of increasing the efficiency of the "shaft-cup" coupling are studied, in particular: the treatment of working surfaces with epilating compounds (EC); finishing antifriction non-abrasive treatment (FANAT); surface treatment with organofluorine compounds (OFC). As a result of the experiment, it has been established that coatings made of antifriction materials reduce the friction coefficient and increase the wear resistance of working surfaces, the use of EC and OFC has also contributed to decelerated aging of rubber components. The epilamation of the working surfaces of shafts and cups provides for increased wear resistance of couplings of 1.2 times and more. This method is especially effective for newly produced couplings and machinery couplings intended for storage. Surface treatment of OPC can be effective for both new couplings and for the restoration of the worn out ones. Combined treatment methods using FANAT are more time-consuming and expensive.