When to grease?

[CurlyDave]

I have 50 plus grease points between the loader, the hoe, the 4-n-1, and the hydraulic thumb.

It is easiest to grease the loader if I move it into two different positions, and the hoe requires at least 4 positions, full left, full right, straight extended and straight retracted, although I can do it in 3 but not in the same logical sequence as if I use 4.

Even on the best day this takes at least an hour, and five engine starts. There are enough calendar days between greasings that I never develop a real routine, so 90 minutes is not too far off.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I have 50 plus grease points between the loader, the hoe, the 4-n-1, and the hydraulic thumb.

It is easiest to grease the loader if I move it into two different positions, and the hoe requires at least 4 positions, full left, full right, straight extended and straight retracted, although I can do it in 3 but not in the same logical sequence as if I use 4.

Even on the best day this takes at least an hour, and five engine starts. There are enough calendar days between greasings that I never develop a real routine, so 90 minutes is not too far off.

Just wondering, how many tubes of grease does it typically take? Not having ever greased your machine, it sure does sound like a long time to get it done.

 

[crashz]

You may want to fully grease the machine is based on hours (8-10), but hit the high wear points in between. We have done this for years on my father's equipment and have never re-pinned or rebushed an excavator, loader or backhoe.Typically we would fully grease a machine at the end of the day, but prior to the the day's start, hit the bucket(s) pins, the loader boom pins and backhoe boom and stick pins as well as the swing. Then at lunch hit the bucket pins again as they seem to collect the most dirt and grime and are cycled the most during work. These pins also have a larger degree of rotation, so imbedded dirt can theoreticaly do more damage.

 

[Sully2]

You may want to fully grease the machine is based on hours (8-10), but hit the high wear points in between. We have done this for years on my father's equipment and have never re-pinned or rebushed an excavator, loader or backhoe.Typically we would fully grease a machine at the end of the day, but prior to the the day's start, hit the bucket(s) pins, the loader boom pins and backhoe boom and stick pins as well as the swing. Then at lunch hit the bucket pins again as they seem to collect the most dirt and grime and are cycled the most during work. These pins also have a larger degree of rotation, so imbedded dirt can theoreticaly do more damage.

You would grease the whole machine (bucket pins and all) at the end of the work day.....and then turn right around the next morning and RE-grease the pins etc....??...and then mid-day re-grease the bucket pins AGAIN..??...only to grease the whole machine AGAIN at the end of the work day?

Im lost to see ANY sort of proper greasing routine there????

 

[crashz]

Keep in mind that these machines could be used steadily or may sit outside for a few days in between uses. A couple shots of grease at the highest wear point is desirable and not at all time consuming.

Also purging any accumulated dirt from the joint is highly desirable. Most new equipment have O ring seals to keep the grease clean and dirt out, but older machines do not.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Same with me - can't grease enough, and grease is cheap insurance, along with cleaning air filter every 4-8 hours depending on dust conditions.

 

[RavensRoost]

CurlyDave, I see a battery-powered grease gun in your future....

RavensRoost

 

[CurlyDave]

CurlyDave, I see a battery-powered grease gun in your future....

RavensRoost

I have one. Not one of the Lincolns, but a Harbor Freight one ($40-50). Not bad gun, but it needs a shut off switch. Pick it up the wrong way and you touch the trigger. Then you get just amazing amounts of grease all over every surface in the area, including the bottom of your shoes.

Gotta learn how to load the grease cartridge to prevent airlock, but there is a thread on that somewhere.

Typical consumption is 1.5 tubes per grease session. I always have to reload once, and if there is only a squirt or two left in the gun, it is twice.

 

[ahoude]

Not sure if its applicable to your situation, but was once told (or read I'm not sure) a farmer that took good care of his disc would grease it prior to use, at lunch, and at the end of the day to force and water or dirt out. I'm sure a disc sits idle longer than your FEL though.

Andy

 

[Sully2]

Not sure if its applicable to your situation, but was once told (or read I'm not sure) a farmer that took good care of his disc would grease it prior to use, at lunch, and at the end of the day to force and water or dirt out. I'm sure a disc sits idle longer than your FEL though.

Andy

THATS the greasing schedule that I cant begin to understand? I can easily see greasing equipment in mid-day..sure...but if you grease it at the END of the day....why does it need greased at the BEGINNING of the NEXT day?? Someone using it at night that the person isnt aware of or what???