Why should I care about selecting a lubricant?
A good quality lubricant in the right place will not only improve the
operation of equipment, but also extend its life for many years. All
mechanical equipment is expensive to replace. It is also true that "down
time" can cost the owner hundreds of dollars per hour. There is a quotation
that says, "Lubricant does not cost - it pays". The best lubricants
properly applied are the most economical in the long run.
It follows that care must be taken in the selection of the correct lubricant.
Whether one operates an automobile, stripping shovel, hydraulic dredge, automatic
screw machine, or conveyor, the manufacturer has provided an "Operator's
Manual". There will be a section in it devoted to "Lubrication".
What factors should I consider when selecting a lubricant?
Some of the factors which must be considered are:
- The viscosity of oil or penetration of grease is significant. A rule of thumb is to use
light oils or semi-fluid grease when high speeds are encountered, while
slow speeds require comparatively heavier lubricants.
- When the operating temperatures are high, the stability of the oil or
grease becomes an important consideration.
- When extreme pressure conditions exist, a straight mineral oil does not do
the job, and a lubricant containing extreme pressure additives is required.
- In the presence of moisture, a straight mineral oil fails because it does not
displace moisture on the frictional surface; rusting and corrosion may result. There are
specific lubricants to combat these conditions.
- Internal combustion engines, both gasoline and diesel, form carbon deposits in their operation.
Unless they are removed and held in suspension by the engine oil, faulty operation and wear
results. Today's top quality modern motor oils and diesel oils are more than capable of
keeping "high output" engines in tip-top shape.
- Operation of equipment under low or cold temperatures also has a bearing on the
selection of the right oil or grease. Certain oils and greases congeal at low temperatures
and thereby fail to lubricate well.
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