Introduction
Machines face various challenges due to their task of digging and breaking through the hard materials, due to which their moving parts undergo a rush of friction. This friction can cause grinding of metal components with each other resulting in excessive wear. To prevent this, it is important to lubricate the machines properly. But it is difficult to properly lubricate the machine with the correct grease in terms of maintenance of heavy equipment. Also, it should be kept in mind that all greases are not made equally. It becomes complicated to choose the correct grease due to the wide range of greases and lubricants available in the market.
Types of Heavy Equipment Grease
Grease used for heavy equipment is made from mineral or synthetic oils. The differentiation among these greases can be done on the basis of their viscosity level or any special additive they comprise of. Following are the types of common greases:
- Moly Grease: Molybdenum disulfide also called ‘Moly’ is a solid lubricant that provides outstanding anti-friction properties to the grease. This grease is mainly used for heavy machineries imperilled to extreme pressures.
- Multi-Purpose Grease: As the name suggests, this grease is used for various applications. It is designed to provide general lubrication and protection to a wide range of components. The performance of multi-purpose grease is modest in terms of loading capacity and prevention from wear.
- Synthetic Grease: Synthetic grease is made up of advanced synthetic base oils and additives due to which it gives enhanced performance in comparison to conventional-mineral grease. This type of grease is used to bear variations in extreme temperatures, heavy loads and corrosive environments.
- Hammer Paste Grease: Hammer Paste Grease is used to address demands of hydraulic hammers and breakers. This grease is made specifically to bear heavy shock loads, high pressure and monotonous impacts to the applications.
- Marine Grease: Marine Grease is used in the operation of heavy equipment in marine time or in water environments. The ability of this grease to be water resistant makes it different. This also prevents water intrusion and subsequent corrosion of the equipment.
Consideration of Factors while Selecting the Grease:
Following are some of the factors one should keep in mind while selecting the grease:
- Type of Equipment: The selection of grease should be done by taking into consideration the design, material composition and function of the machines.
- Environment while Operating the Machine: The environment under which the machine is functioned plays a key role in selection of grease. The environment can be judged on the following factors:
- Temperature: Equipment operating in high temperatures may require grease with some specific properties such as high-temperature stability.
- Moisture: Equipment exposed to water requires grease with water resistance and corrosion protected properties.
- Dust and Contaminants: Machines that are operated in a dusty or colder environment require grease which can prevent the incoming of contaminants.
- Performance Required: The performance requirements of the machines should be assessed to identify the correct features of grease for example high-load carrying capacity or oxidation stability.
NLGI Ratings
A definite standard has been decided regarding the viscosity of grease by National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI). Grease with low viscosity has less NLGI rating whereas grease with high viscosity has more NLGI ratings. For example, grease with 1 NLGI rating is more consistent in terms of liquid state at room temperature whereas grease with 6 NLGI ratings is semi-solid at room temperatures. It is important to choose the grease with appropriate NLGI rating because components that require more heat need more viscous grease whereas other components require less viscous grease. It is important to note that the machines may require viscous grease with high NLGI ratings in summer while viscous grease with low NLGI ratings in winter.
Grease Additives
Apart from viscosity, additives are also an important form of grease. Some types of grease consist of additives that can decrease or increase the properties of the grease. Its common examples are Molybdenum disulfide or ‘Moly’ grease and Marine Grease. Grease having molybdenum has the ability to get into even the tiniest place of the component. Marine Grease also consists of a lithium complex which makes it thicker and water-resistant.
Selection of the Correct Grease
You can begin the selection of correct grease for your machine by reading the service manual provided with it. This service manual of the machine will give an idea about types of greases and their correct uses along with the locations where grease should be applied. It is also possible that different parts of the machine may require a variety of grease. The service manual will guide you about the components that require greasing. It should be kept in mind that different types of greases can’t be mixed together.
Best Practices for Greasing Heavy Equipment
The approach of greasing after the machine starts to grind, leads to breakdowns and costly repairs. Thus, it is advisable to grease your machine according to a proper schedule. Frequent and regular greasing of machines is the best way to avoid excessive wear on friction components of the machine. It also helps in saving the repair cost. Following are some best practices of greasing:
- Grease your machine often.
- Use the correct type of grease for every component that requires greasing.
- Keep your zerks clean. Especially, before adding the new grease.
- Weather should be considered while selecting the grease.
- Do not over grease.
- Also check the worn-out components.
Take away
This is the brief explanation about choosing correct grease for your machine along with its benefits. Frequent greasing of machines with the use of correct lubricant helps you to increase the life of your machine. We hope those topics will be effective for you to get clarity about its usage. Please let us know through your valuable feedback and the suggestion in the drop box.