Mixing Grease Brands

[DanielTerence]

I greased my L2800 FEL for the first time a few weeks ago with Lucal Oil Heavy Duty grease $4.84 (green color) which was described as being great for farm equipment. As I injected it I noticed the original grease was a light brown color. Trying to find a cheaper grease I went to a tractor dealer who sold me Case multipurpose lithium grease #2. The Case grease says not to use with sodium or calcium greases. So I went on the web to see what was in the Lucas grease and don't see those ingredient listed. In doing that I read two different articles that warned about mixing different kinds of greases - which I may have already done.

So, should I take the Case grease back and get more Lucas to avoid mixing, or is using the Case with the Lucas not a problem?

Thanks.

 

[DanielTerence]

I greased my L2800 FEL for the first time a few weeks ago with Lucal Oil Heavy Duty grease $4.84 (green color) which was described as being great for farm equipment. As I injected it I noticed the original grease was a light brown color. Trying to find a cheaper grease I went to a tractor dealer who sold me Case multipurpose lithium grease #2. The Case grease says not to use with sodium or calcium greases. So I went on the web to see what was in the Lucas grease and don't see those ingredient listed. In doing that I read two different articles that warned about mixing different kinds of greases - which I may have already done.

So, should I take the Case grease back and get more Lucas to avoid mixing, or is using the Case with the Lucas not a problem?

Thanks.

 

[Lockport]

Due to different compounds in the variety of brands available, it is not advisable to mix different types of grease. However, the procedure you are looking for is to inject whatever grease you are going to use, until all the old grease (lets say brown) comes out, and keep injecting until you see your new grease, say, Chevron, EP #2, (purple), ooz out at the contact areas.
Personally, I always use an EP (Extreme Pressure) grease. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Lockport]

Due to different compounds in the variety of brands available, it is not advisable to mix different types of grease. However, the procedure you are looking for is to inject whatever grease you are going to use, until all the old grease (lets say brown) comes out, and keep injecting until you see your new grease, say, Chevron, EP #2, (purple), ooz out at the contact areas.
Personally, I always use an EP (Extreme Pressure) grease. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[dholly]

Mixing different grease base types is NOT recommended, and can lead to bearing failure. However, mixing different brands of similar base type is not a problem. Lucas X-TRA Heavy Duty Grease is Lithium based (pic of cartridge attached). I would say there is a 99.9% probability the dealer used a lithium based Multi-Purpose Grade #2 grease at setup for all zerks on your tractor, including your FEL. I think you are fine, no worries.

 

[dholly]

Mixing different grease base types is NOT recommended, and can lead to bearing failure. However, mixing different brands of similar base type is not a problem. Lucas X-TRA Heavy Duty Grease is Lithium based (pic of cartridge attached). I would say there is a 99.9% probability the dealer used a lithium based Multi-Purpose Grade #2 grease at setup for all zerks on your tractor, including your FEL. I think you are fine, no worries.

 

[DanielTerence]

Here's what I just found out: the Lucas grease is polyurea based, not lithium based (their red & tacky is lithium based)
Here's a link to the specs sheet (don't know if this will work here):
http://www.lucasoil.com/images/medialibrary/xtra_hd_grease.pdf
I called Lucas and they said the Lucas was not incompatible but I should inject until I see the new grease coming out to flush out the old.

 

[DanielTerence]

Here's what I just found out: the Lucas grease is polyurea based, not lithium based (their red & tacky is lithium based)
Here's a link to the specs sheet (don't know if this will work here):
http://www.lucasoil.com/images/medialibrary/xtra_hd_grease.pdf
I called Lucas and they said the Lucas was not incompatible but I should inject until I see the new grease coming out to flush out the old.

 

[dholly]

Daniel - my apologies, I stand corrected with a very red face! The only thing I can add is that, unlike high-speed bearing lubrication, in the case of FEL lubrication it shouldn't matter much if any. The oils contained in the greases are compatible, but what may happen when mixed is the carriers could become stiff and not lube or they may become more fluid and release the oils. Potentially catastrophic for high-speed bearings but a relative non-event for a simple point-to-point friction application. I would flush bearings if mixed, but in such a non-critical application I'm not sure I would feel a need to push all the Lucas grease out immediately. Probably just hit it with the correct lithium per the regular service interval recommendation and let it work itself out. YMMV.

 

[dholly]

Daniel - my apologies, I stand corrected with a very red face! The only thing I can add is that, unlike high-speed bearing lubrication, in the case of FEL lubrication it shouldn't matter much if any. The oils contained in the greases are compatible, but what may happen when mixed is the carriers could become stiff and not lube or they may become more fluid and release the oils. Potentially catastrophic for high-speed bearings but a relative non-event for a simple point-to-point friction application. I would flush bearings if mixed, but in such a non-critical application I'm not sure I would feel a need to push all the Lucas grease out immediately. Probably just hit it with the correct lithium per the regular service interval recommendation and let it work itself out. YMMV.