Fitting an autolube system

We’ve all done it. Had a spare minute to do some greasing and then found a nipple that won’t take a few pumps, or is really hard to get to and think we’ll do it another day. These get left and as grease nipples are meant to be greased, machine bearings can fail and costs can escalate.

The solution? Either have a very officious maintenance regime or if the machine allows, fit an autolube system, says Julian Athawes, of Gloucester-based Halomec. Julian says that an autolube system can not only reduce wear and downtime, but also means that grease gets to the specific area while in use.

“All manner of agricultural equipment will benefit from a system,” says Julian, “and we can supply a retro-fit kit for balers, telehandlers and cultivators, in fact anything that requires multiple lubrication.”

Lincoln’s Quicklub system, possibly the most common seen, works by pumping lubricant from a central reservoir to a series of distribution blocks, and from then on to each outlet. The sequential nature of these blocks will ensure that all points are lubricated, and will not move to next point unless successful. This ensures grease points do not miss the required amount of lubricant.

A primary and secondary distribution system can be put in place which allows for numerous points to be reached - especially useful on larger and long equipment such as a tillage train or potato harvester. Some points will need greasing less frequently than others, and this can be set up accordingly. The flow of grease is actuated by an electric pump, with amounts regulated by both the times of pump and pause between.

Halomec supplies a self-fit kit with detailed schematics, which will take a couple of days to fit in a well-equipped workshop by someone with some basic mechanical know-how, or the company can supply and fit if required.

These systems can also be specified to handle oil too, so can lubricate chains via brush applicators - ideal for round balers.

Manufacturers are also getting in on the autolube bandwagon. Simba has had its Speedlube for a few years now, with a closed transfer system for refreshing the grease to avoid contamination from water, dust or soil.

On the largest Solo 600 model, 49 grease points receive a dose of grease as required which Simba says can save 90 minutes per day on maintenance duties. A list price of £5,840 plus VAT for a Solo 600 system is not cheap, but Ben Covell of Simba points out that the system can be retro-fitted by dealers or those competent in the workshop, and can pump lubricant to a further trailed implement too.

“We have also found that when we have autolube equipped machines in for refurbishment, the bearings, wing pivots and other moving parts are almost like new, which in turn reflects of second-hand prices,” says Ben.

Have your say

Please do not complete the following form field for security reasons.

Name

E-mail

Comment

Post as

Anonymously

Display name