The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Equipment => Topic started by: PipKelpy on May 02, 2021, 07:17:56 am

Title: Grease for older tractors
Post by: PipKelpy on May 02, 2021, 07:17:56 am
We have 2 tractors, B and G reg, anyone know what kind of grease would suit them? I have a shop supply of WD40 (normal and spray grease) but mum says we need the heavy duty stuff that doesn't dry out as easy.
Title: Re: Grease for older tractors
Post by: Rupert the bear on May 02, 2021, 09:21:18 am
Depends on what part you are greasing, generally an EP2 / lithium  grease, either in a tub for brush / wipe on applications or in a cartridge for the grease gun  application via grease nipples. Remember grease is cheaper than worn and seized components ,and should be done frequently.
Title: Re: Grease for older tractors
Post by: arobwk on May 02, 2021, 07:33:40 pm
Interesting question:  I imagine [member=194324]PipKelpy[/member] you are wondering whether the wear and tear on an older tractor requires a more careful selection of greasing product/s (?). 

I'm no grease expert and I'm going to run with Rtb's knowledge about mechanical stuff and stick with his answer, i.e. use an EP2 Lithium grease for pretty much everything (because, if one researches grease spec's it will soon "do your head in").  However, I have a couple of thoughts AND a question myself:

I use a molybdenum disulphide reinforced (moly) lithium grease for all of my 7 yr young tractor's  greasing points - steering pivots/linkages and 3PL.  (Tractor wheel bearings and front/rear axle-swivel bearing are sealed.)  I also use the same grease on my disk harrow's plain axle bearings and on my flail mower (both for the flails axle** and rear ground-roller bearings).

I went for moly grease based on general guidance that layers of molybdenum disulphide are deposited on bearing surfaces over time and helps protect bearings even if the protective qualities of other constituent parts of the grease have reduced during operations.  (Not an excuse though for lax bearing greasing regimes !!)

**HOWEVER, reviewing my universal greasing choice at this point, I am wondering whether I should re-consider how I grease the flail mower's flail-axle bearings which turn at a very high lick (I've just checked and more than 2000 r.p.m apparently). 

Q - should I use something else for my flail's flail-axle bearings perhaps ??  (Normally re-greased every 8 hrs against a 10 hrs servicing recommendation.) 
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