Summarize

When to comes to greases, the price a customer is prepared to pay is directly related to the lubrication and performance advantages they can expect. So while it sells world-leading greases, Habot Performance Lubricants also understands the importance of a customer selecting the most suitable greases their money will buy.

“There are several crucial considerations required to unlock best performance when choosing the right grease for any application,” Habot Performance Lubricants marketing manager Adam Williamson explains. “Not everyone understands all these parameters, so helping make the right choice is as vital to Habot as just delivering the best product.

“Many factors are crucial when selecting the grease to do the job, from the thickener type to a grease’s consistency, from its base oil viscosity to the load conditions and speed of each application. Then there’s the dropping point, operating temperature range, and worked stability, never mind wear resistance the grease offers, and more.”

All greases have specific upper and lower temperature limits. These are determined by the grease’s thickeners and drop points, or the temperature at which the grease starts to lose efficiency. “It is crucial to check the base oil viscosity and thickener type of a grease, and its thermal stability versus the application,” Adam points out. “Upper operating temperature should be around 50°C lower than the drop point of the grease.”

Load Conditions are another crucial consideration. Determined by the grease’s 4-Ball weld load, the higher the weld-load, the higher the load capacity. “The 4-Ball Weld load is the point to which a grease will prevent metal to metal welding,” Williamson offers. “Operating speed is another critical grease factor. The higher the bearing speed, the lower the viscosity of the base oil, and vice-versa. Low-speeds need thicker base oils.”

Other important factors include a grease’s NLGI consistency grade, which determines its thickness or stiffness and its compatibility. “Mixing different greases can lead to softening or hardening. Mineral base oil greases are best used for general applications, while greases based on synthetic oils are better suited to extreme temperatures, longer life, superior film strength, and maximum performance.

“Then there are the anomalies,” Adam warns. “For instance, the colour of a grease has nothing to do with its quality. Colourants are only used to assist in the identification of greases within a particular brand and in some cases to make them seem more appealing from a marketing point of view. Never, ever identify a grease by its colour!” 

In summary, there are a few simple ways to help choose the right grease for any application: First off, select the correct temperature range to ensure best thermal stability. Then make sure that the grease has the right load capacity for the task at hand. And that it properly matches the speed rating of the application. 

Other vital considerations include the environment the grease must work in. Is it exposed to water, dust, or chemicals? Or does it operate in a sealed environment? Then, is it compatible? Avoid mixing greases, be that different thicknesses, heat ratings, or mineral or synthetic based. 

Be sure to always match a grease to its application’s needs. Remember that viscosity is linked to operating speed and temperature and ensure that its NLGI consistency is the appropriate stiffness for a grease’s application. And finally, be cognisant of a grease’s additives, be they anti-wear or corrosion inhibitors. And of course, always adhere to the application’s OEM original equipment certifications and specification.

Habot Performance Lubricants offers a huge range of greases, from its own developed range to top international brands including premium Brugaloras to satisfy any and every need. Habot also offers advice to end users as to which grease is best suited to an application, and what the best alternatives may be, to ensure that you get the best grease your money can buy.

“Selecting the correct grease for an application can be bewildering,” Adam Williamson concludes. “Each aspect to be considered is also an entire subject on its own. So making the right choice can be a minefield. Habot’s mission is to ensure that precise selection. Our website covers all aspects of every grease and oil, and you can also contact us to help you make that best grease choice.”

Log on to www.habot.co.za for your every grease and lubricant need.