Connect with us

Business

Selecting the Correct Grease Pump for Your Industry

Published

on

Selecting the Correct Grease Pump for Your Industry

Grease pumps are an important part of machinery maintenance within industries and provide a critical role to maintain lubrication for equipment to maintain a smooth running operation, limit friction, lessen wear, and extend the usable life of machinery. That said, grease pumps are not created equally, choosing the right grease pump depends heavily on the industry you are in. It is essential to understand the type of machinery being used, the environment the machinery is being operated in, the frequency of lubrication, and volume of lubrication needed.

In this article, we will outline how different industries can benefit from grease pumps, what different types of grease pumps there are, and what things to think about before purchasing a pump. Whether your operation is automotive service, manufacturing, agriculture, or heavy construction, selecting the correct grease pump can improve performance, reduce maintenance costs, and minimize down time.

Why Industry Counts When Selecting a Grease Pump

Each industry comes with its own unique working conditions. Some companies rely upon large equipment that may remain in front of clients for a whole day. These industries will require pumps that are high-pressure to accommodate higher volumes under extreme conditions.

Some industries, including automotive and workshops may have controlled and shorter grease volume applications on smaller components. Pump choices are again more transportable – ease of use is critical.

A farmer will always have a mix of large equipment and the potential to grease on the field, so pressure output (14800 psi would be challenging on the field due to weight and size of pump) and mobility (the farmer does not want to drive the equipment back to the shop) will be considerations for a greasing pump.

Finally, manufacturing and industrial plants which would prefer centralized, fixed installations for automated, consistent application. In heavy-duty applications where pumps are incorporated into the fixed installation can result in an ongoing lubrication loop that the plant operators themselves may have never experienced.

Grease Pump Types

Each grease pump comes in many different types, for many uses and situations.

General categories of pumps include:

1. Manual Grease Pumps

Manual (i.e. hand-operated) grease pumps are best for light to moderate use, usually quite portable and affordable, and commonly used in small workshops or farms where the ability to move the pump is most important while no power source is available.

2. Pneumatic (Air-Operated) Grease Pumps

Pneumatic (or air operated) grease pumps use compressed air as the power source. Pneumatic grease pumps are used mainly in high throughput industrial and automotive applications where operational consistency is a must, and to a certain extent, pneumatic grease pumps allow more operational demand than manual units.

3. Electric Grease Pumps

 

Electric grease pumps may typically be found in controlled/automated systems. They are suitable for precise control, and a solution for continuous lubrication, frequently required in a manufacturing/production facility or for scheduled lubrication.

4. Hydraulic Grease Pumps

Hydraulic grease pumps are typically used in specific industrial applications. They provide high pressure grease discharge for special use applications. Hydraulic grease pumps are also electrically operated within machinery systems that are powered with hydraulic power.

If you are looking for a selection of strong and robust grease pumps and piston pumps, checkout this collection of piston grease pumps that provide the industrial advantage!

Essential Considerations When Choosing a Grease Pump

1. Volume Requirements

Assess how much grease your equipment uses on a daily or weekly basis. Larger applications may require high-capacity grease drums or automatic refill capabilities.

2. Operating Pressure

Be familiar with the recommended pressure range for your equipment. Heavy duty applications require high-pressure grease pumps to ensure grease reaches into the deepest parts of bearings and hard to reach areas.

3. Portability

If your maintenance includes mobile work, select a pump with wheels or a handle. Manual and pneumatic pumps tend to provide the most portability and power.

 

4. Availability of Power Source

Is it going to be run in a shop with electricity or in the field? For remote applications, manual or pneumatic options are the best choice.

5. Type of Grease Compatibility

Make sure that the pump is capable of handling the viscosity of grease you work with. Thicker greases will need a pump with a more powerful delivery system.

6. Durability / Build Quality

If working in fields like construction or mining, select a pump with a more robust construction, corrosion-resistant components, and sealed designs to reduce the risk of contamination.

Examples of Industry Use Cases

Automotive Service Centers

Service professionals are working with a wide range of vehicles and machinery in the automotive service industry. Mobility and quick-change nozzle systems would be critical in this industry. Ideal situations for pneumatic grease pumps with foot pedals or lever handles for faster application of grease for frequent and repetitive tasks.

Heavy Equipment Maintenance

Construction, mining, and transportation industries require heavy workloads. Electric or air-operated grease pumps with higher pressure output would be the best option. It is critical that long hoses and flexible dispensing be incorporated to reach hard to access areas.

 

Agricultural Machinery

Farm equipment often operates in dusty and rough terrain. Grease pumps should be secure and constructed from durable materials with moderate pressure output so tractors and harvesters are working correctly.

Manufacturing & Industrial Plants

Centralized lubrication systems with electric pumps are used in factories, where products are pushed through multiple machines and even more pumps provide enough grease for each machine to operate properly and consistently. Centralized systems help reduce labor time and production downtime by allowing for a scheduled lubricating cycle because humans are removed from the process.

 

Tips for Maintaining Long-Term Performance

  • Regular Cleaning: Make sure to not allow contaminants into the system.
  • Inspect Hoses and Fittings: Look for cracks, leaks or blockages.
  • Use reasonable quality grease: Make sure to follow manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Check Seals and Connections: Making sure seals are tight will help maintain pressure and flow.
  • Calibrate Flow Rates: Especially true for electric systems, you want to confirm the flow is neither too little or too much

Closing Thoughts

Selecting a grease pump is not a one-size-fits-all selection. It takes a good understanding of your equipment, workplace, and lubrication requirements. No matter whether you need a mobile grease pump solution for in-field repair or a high-capacity grease pump for a heavy industrial plant, finding the right type for your type of industry will give you the best performance and longest operational life.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *