SKF greases and lubrication: guide to choosing by load, speed and environment

SKF greases are lubricants formulated to protect bearings and other moving parts under demanding working conditions. A grease combines a base oil, a thickener and additives that improve properties such as oxidation resistance or corrosion protection. The right choice reduces friction, dissipates heat and prevents the entry of contaminants. In Argentine industry, these greases are used in electric motors, pumps, fans and machine tools, among other equipment.

Each grease has specific characteristics depending on its application. For example, consistency is indicated by the NLGI grade, which ranges from 000 (very soft) to 6 (very hard). The most common greases for bearings are NLGI 2 and NLGI 3. The type of thickener also matters: lithium greases are versatile, polyurea greases withstand high temperatures and lithium complex greases offer good water resistance. We supply the SKF line with different formulations to cover varied needs.

When ordering a grease, it is advisable to identify the exact code on the packaging or in the technical data sheet. Some SKF grease codes we quote frequently are LGMT 3/1 and LGHP 2/5. If you have doubts, send us the code or a photo of the product and we will quote it for you.

The load that the bearing supports is a determining factor when choosing grease. In applications with high loads or impacts, a grease with extreme pressure (EP) additives is needed to prevent metal-to-metal contact. The viscosity of the base oil also matters: heavy loads require more viscous oils to maintain the lubricating film. Conversely, light loads allow the use of greases with lower-viscosity oils.

The speed of rotation affects the working temperature and the ability of the grease to remain in the contact zone. In fast bearings, a soft grease (NLGI 1 or 2) with low resistance to movement is advisable. In slow bearings or with oscillating movements, a more consistent grease can be used. Within the SKF line we also quote greases such as LGEP 2/5; send us the application data and we will see together which one is suitable.

To get a quote, indicate the approximate load (light, medium, heavy), the rotation speed in RPM and the type of bearing. The code of the grease you have been using or that of the bearing to be lubricated is also helpful. We help you choose the right option within the SKF line. We distribute these greases from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and we reply promptly.

In equipment working at high temperatures, such as ovens, dryers or overloaded motors, greases with synthetic base oils and heat-resistant thickeners are required. These greases maintain their consistency and do not carbonize easily. If you work with high temperatures, tell us the equipment and the grease you have been using, for example LGHP 2/5, and we will quote the corresponding SKF option.

In humid environments or with frequent washdowns, the grease must resist water without losing its properties. Greases with lithium complex or calcium thickeners offer good washout resistance. This point weighs heavily in agricultural equipment, food plants and industrial wash bays. If you already use a grease such as LGWA 2/5, send us the code and we will quote it for you.

When ordering a grease for these conditions, mention the maximum working temperature and whether water or moisture is present. Also indicate whether the equipment is exposed to dust, mud or chemicals. With that data, we recommend the most suitable SKF grease. You can write to us via WhatsApp or email with the code of the current grease or a photo of the bearing to be lubricated.

A centralized lubrication system distributes grease or oil from a single point to multiple lubrication points on a machine. This ensures that each bearing receives the correct amount of lubricant at the right time, without depending on the operator. SKF systems include pumps, metering devices, pipes and control accessories. They are ideal for machines with many lubrication points or difficult access, such as production lines, presses or mills.

Centralized lubrication reduces maintenance time and improves equipment reliability. By automating greasing, errors such as excess or lack of lubricant, which are common causes of bearing failures, are avoided. It also allows lubrication while the machine is running, which increases availability. In plants with continuous shifts, it helps reduce unplanned stoppages.

To quote a system, we need to know the number of points to be lubricated, the distance between them, the type of grease or oil to be used and the desired lubrication frequency. It is also helpful if you have an existing system and need spare parts or expansions. We supply SKF centralized lubrication components such as LL/963, LL/740, LL/817 and LL/MX-7. Send us the data and we will put together a proposal.

SKF centralized lubrication systems are made up of several elements that work together. The pump is the heart of the system: it generates the pressure needed to drive the lubricant. Pumps can be manual, pneumatic or electric, depending on the size of the installation.

The metering devices or distributors divide the lubricant flow into measured quantities for each point. Progressive systems use metering blocks that operate in sequence, ensuring that each outlet receives its dose. If you have the code of the installed component, such as LL/963 or LL/817, send it to us and we will quote it for you. These components are mounted near the points to be lubricated to minimize piping.

In addition to pumps and metering devices, accessories such as connectors, flexible pipes, valves and controllers are needed. The choice of each component depends on the working pressure, the type of lubricant and the environmental conditions. If you are building a system from scratch or expanding an existing one, we quote all SKF elements. Send a diagram or list of points and we will indicate the necessary components.

To order an SKF grease, the most practical thing is to copy the exact code from the packaging or the technical data sheet. With a code such as LGMT 3/1 or LGHP 2/5 we identify it immediately. If you do not have the code, you can send a photo of the product or of the bearing to be lubricated. The equipment manual is also helpful, as it usually indicates the grease recommended by the manufacturer.

In the case of centralized lubrication systems, the components have engraved or labeled codes. For example, a component may have the code LL/740 on its body. If it is not legible, take a photo with good light and bring the detail closer. It is also useful to know the brand and model of the machine where the system is installed, because sometimes the manufacturer uses its own codes.

A common mistake is to order a grease only by color or brand, without verifying the specification. Two greases can look the same but have very different properties. Another mistake is mixing incompatible greases: if you change type, it is advisable to purge the bearing well. If you have doubts about compatibility, consult us before making the change. We guide you so that you choose the right grease.

One of the most frequent mistakes is over-greasing. Too much grease in a bearing increases internal friction and raises the temperature, which can degrade the lubricant and damage the bearing. The correct amount depends on the bearing and the speed; it is advisable to follow the equipment manufacturer's indication. Using a grease with the right consistency helps control the amount.

Another mistake is not respecting relubrication intervals. If you wait too long, the grease becomes contaminated or dries out, and the bearing works without protection. If you lubricate too often, old grease accumulates and problems arise. Ideally, follow the equipment manufacturer's recommendations or calculate the intervals according to load, speed and temperature. A centralized lubrication system eliminates this problem by dosing automatically.

It is also common to use the wrong grease for the application. For example, a high-temperature grease is not necessary in a bearing working at ambient temperature, and an EP grease may be excessive for light loads. Before changing grease, verify compatibility with the previous one. If you are not sure, send us the data of your application and we will recommend the right SKF grease.