A slewing reducer consists of two planetary gearsets which require a good load distribution over the gear tooth flank for enhanced durability. This work investigates how the bearing characteristics influence the load distribution over the gear tooth flank. A complete system model is developed to analyze a slewing reducer, including the non-linear mesh stiffness of the gears and the non-linear stiffness of bearings. The results indicate that the type, arrangement and preload of the output shaft bearings greatly influence the gear mesh misalignment, contact pattern, face load factor, gear safety factor and lifetimes of the parts.