Grease 101 for tractors and other farm machinery
Grease is nothing more than a heavy oil with soap (frequently) to make it thick and clingy enough to stay in place, and identifying tractor grease points can help set up a preventive maintenance (PM) program.
Grading, Testing, and Types
The consistency of grease is determined by a test that places a penetrometer (funnel) on a smooth cup of grease. Most greases fall into two families: soap-based and non-soap-based. Formulation percentages are generally 80 percent to 95 percent oil, 2 percent to 20% soap thickener, and 0 percent fat.
Grease Point Identification
Identifying the points to grease, such as rotating driveshaft universal joints, steering components, and backhoe pivot points, is equally important. Once those points have been identified, a handy spreadsheet checklist can help remind you where they are, as well as serve as a PM checklist.
PM Frequency
Alemite fittings use a small bearing ball that is pushed out of the way by grease gun pressure to allow grease in, then springs back to seal the fitting when the pressure is released.
Wrap Up
Grease-free fittings and sealed bearings are becoming more common, and the operator needs to understand this important factor to get the most out of a tractor.
What is the best tractor grease?
What does NLGI mean? NLGI stands for National Lubricating Grease Institute, and it is the organization that certifies grease. Grease can be NLGI #000 to NLGI #6, but the most common is NLGI #2, which can be used in a wide temperature range.
Is Lithium grease good for tractors?
Most greases will be made with API Group I and II base stocks, which are suitable for most applications. For example, a John Deere owner’s manual might recommend a John Deere Multi-purpose SD polyurea grease or a John Deere HD Lithium Complex grease as the best options.
Does the color of grease mean anything?
Color, whether red, green, blue, or yellow, does not denote a specific type of grease; it is simply a dye added by manufacturers for marketing purposes, making it easier to distinguish between the various greases in their product lines.
What grease does Kubota use?
Kubota: High-Performance Moly-Lithium All-Purpose Heavy Duty Grease, NLGI 2, GC-LB rated extreme pressure grease with 3% molybdenum disulfide/graphite. Designed for use in agricultural, construction, automotive, and industrial applications.
What’s the difference between lithium grease and regular grease?
The main difference between standard lubricating grease and lithium grease is that standard grease is typically used in industrial settings, whereas lithium grease is typically used in domestic settings.
Does lithium grease damage rubber?
Is white lithium grease suitable for rubber? Silicone grease is safe for rubber and also helps to keep it soft, whereas all other mineral oil-based greases degrade natural rubber.
What is the difference between white lithium grease and lithium grease?
What’s the Difference Between Lithium Grease and White Lithium Grease? The ingredients used to make the grease differ. White lithium grease has zinc oxide added to the formulation and is intended for use in moderate load applications.
How often should I grease my John Deere?
Lubricate machine grease fittings (A) every 10 hours of operation or on a daily basis in extremely wet and muddy conditions; lubricate machine grease fittings (B) every 50 hours of operation in all other conditions.
How often should I grease my John Deere lawn tractor?
Every 25 hours of operation, we recommend thoroughly greasing your John Deere lawnmower.
What color is John Deere grease?
Physical properties: Amber color, thickened lithium-complex, corrosion and water washout resistant formula.
How often should I grease my mower deck?
Lower the cutting deck, remove the cover from the spindle assembly, and use a grease gun to lubricate the spindles. Greasing the spindles should be done twice a season for household mowers, and daily for commercial operations. You can do this yourself or take it to a shop.
Can you over grease mower spindles?
“MOWER SPINDLE GREASE FITTINGS” “Grease fittings on mower spindles are only for assembly; do not grease spindles or bearing seals may be damaged.”
Can you over grease a bearing?
Too much grease in a bearing cavity (overgreasing) causes the rotating bearing elements to churn the grease, pushing it out of the way, resulting in energy loss and higher temperatures.