Industrial lubricants keep parts moving. They reduce friction, dissipate heat and protect against corrosion. Their extensive applications cover the whole gamut of machinery, hand tools, pneumatic devices, vehicles and pumps in all types of environments and temperature extremes. Proper lubrication keeps everything performing as designed and automated lubrication systems deliver cost reductions from less downtime and labor costs.

Choosing a lubricant designed for your use requires several considerations. A general-purpose lubricant contains about 95% oil with 5% additives. Grease typically contains soap and synthetic oils contain various compounds. Synthetic applications typically provide longer periods of use, while equipment needing regular lubrication usually requires oil based products. When buying industrial lubricant consider the following:

1. The industrial lubricant's viscosity required for your business operation.

2. The type of application using the lubricant that includes operating speed, rolling or sliding friction, load and environment.

3. Consider the long-term quantity needed for better pricing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate industrial lubricants for your business

These companies provide a broad array of industrial lubrication products. For heavy to light machinery, bearings, cranes, construction and heavy equipment they supply the grade of lubricant you require.

I recommend: For industrial oils designed for high speed, pneumatically operated equipment, worm gears, machine tool slides, heavy machinery and others see the product list at Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. Go to Southwestern Petroleum Corporation and click the type of lubricant needed for industrial greases, gear lubricants, oils and specialty products. Click “back” then “place an order” to find several ordering methods. Select from the list the product you need that includes chain oils, gear oils, greases and air tool oil, then request a quote from Castrol-Lubecon.

Select lubrication systems

Lubrication systems offer controlled amounts of industrial lubrication to reach the areas where needed. Contra manual lubrication these systems provide lower costs and more efficiency.

I recommend: Consider a controlled automatic lubrication system manufactured by PLI, LLC for production, mining, pumps, fans, cranes, chains and more. Contact the company for a distributor. Click the automated lubrication system of your choice at Lincoln Industrial Corp., that includes single-line parallel and progressive systems, pump-to-point lubricators and non-mist systems, then click “Where to Buy” for further information. Go to Lube Devices, Inc., and click the type of lubricator or dispenser you’re looking for, then contact the company for price quotes or further information.

Get specialty lubricants

With high-speed machinery under heavier loads temperatures rise. Industrial lubes provide better cooling and tolerance. These companies provide specialized products.

I recommend: Check out D-A Lubricant Company, Inc., for specialty products by clicking “Specialty Products” or by scrolling down the page that includes anti-seize, plunger fluid, synthetic compressor oil and others. Visit Anderol Inc., and click the product selection guide for “Grease” or “Industrial” for their synthetic lubricants used in gears, chains, bearings, lines, conveyors and other industrial applications.

Go to an industrial lubricant distributor

These distributors carry a wide variety of supplies for industrial lubricants for sale.

I recommend: Choose from the extensive list of lubricating oils and industrial greases at Fort Payne Hardware Co., Inc., a distributor of industrial lubricants for two manufacturers. For a distributor of Mobil and Chevron industrial lubricant supplies go to REIT Lubricants Company and click the brand name, then contact for pricing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Every application differs and needs specific types of lubrication to reduce wear while providing optimal performance. What works for one type of application doesn't always work for another.
• •  Synthetic oils cost more than regular oil but the benefits might out weigh the cost factor when considering reduced operating costs and energy savings.