Electric grease pumps are devices that deliver a controlled amount of grease to various lubrication points on an excavator or other heavy equipment. They can reduce friction, wear, and maintenance costs, as well as improve machine performance and reliability. In this essay, I will introduce some features, benefits, and examples of electric grease pumps on excavators.
One of the features of electric grease pumps is that they can operate on different power sources, such as batteries, solar panels, or the machine’s own motion. They can also be programmed with timers or controllers to provide the optimal amount and frequency of lubrication. Electric grease pumps can handle different types of grease, such as oil or fluid grease, and deliver them at high pressure and flow rate to ensure that the lubricant reaches the necessary components in the excavator.
One of the benefits of electric grease pumps is that they can extend the equipment life. Grease-lubricated bearings last longer than oil-lubricated bearings because grease provides a thick film that prevents metal-to-metal contact. This reduces friction and wear, which extends bearing life. According to one source, grease-lubricated bearings can last up to 10 times longer than oil-lubricated bearings1.
Another benefit of electric grease pumps is that they can reduce the consumption of lubricant. Electric grease pumps provide the correct amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the machine at the most appropriate time, preventing over- or under-lubrication. This can save up to 50% of lubricant compared to manual lubrication2. Moreover, electric grease pumps can prevent contamination of the lubricant by dirt, dust, or moisture, which can degrade its quality and performance.
A third benefit of electric grease pumps is that they can reduce the maintenance costs. Electric grease pumps eliminate the need for manual greasing, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Manual greasing can also expose workers to hazardous lubricants and increase the risk of accidents or injuries. By using electric grease pumps, the maintenance staff can focus on other tasks and reduce the labor costs.
Some examples of electric grease pumps on excavators are:
- The P300 series from Mesolube, which are electric grease pumps that can handle up to 250 lubrication points with oil or fluid grease. They have a reservoir capacity of 2, 4, or 8 liters, and a maximum working pressure of 350 bar. They can be programmed with a timer or a controller, and they have various monitoring and diagnostic features. They are suitable for applications such as construction, mining, agriculture, and industrial machinery3. Here is a picture of a P300-4L electric grease pump on an excavator:
