#00 grease application - gear oil better for low temps?

Jay4200 · Oct 4, 2009

I have a mid-80's vintage LT16 Snapper lawn tractor that uses #00 grease (whatever that is) in the tranny (chain/gear drive). I am going to be using this tractor exclusively to run a snowblower attachment - and subsequently will be run only in low temperatures. Knowing that grease thickens up pretty fast with low temps, I'm wondering if I should punt the recommended lube, and run a standard gear oil instead. Any opinions and/or suggestions?

Thanks - JayC

slickstuff · Oct 5, 2009

I always suggest following the owner's manuel. You can get a #00 grease from Schaeffer Oil 3.0 | Industrial Lubricants | Diesel Fuel Additive | Synthetic Motor Oils, ask for 274 #00

You may also choose to use an ISO 150 gear oil with no tack. I would suggest a full synthetic since you will be using in the winter.

Jay4200 · Oct 5, 2009

slickstuff said:
You may also choose to use an ISO 150 gear oil with no tack. I would suggest a full synthetic since you will be using in the winter.

What is "tack"?

JayC

slickstuff · Oct 6, 2009

Tack is an additive that will cause the gear oil to climb and cling to gear. your application requires no tack

Jay4200 · Oct 6, 2009

Is 'tack' what you get when you dump that Lucas treatment stuff into oil? I've seen the counter displays where you hand crank a vertical gear train, and the Lucas treated side climbs right to the top, where the other just sloshes in the bottom. Seemed like a good feature.

So, what are the characteristics that makes a "flowable grease" different from a heavy gear oil? I know grease is technically a solid vs. oil a liquid, but that are the differences in lubricating qualities? Sorry to drag this out, but I'm curious as heck.

JayC