COMPARE
APPLES TO APPLES WHEN SOURCING AN AUTO LUBE SYSTEM
There
are several manufacturers offering automatic lubrication
systems in the industry today, so when you're sourcing a system, it's
important to make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Ask the following questions:
Does the pump package include a high-pressure, inline, lubricant filter?
A filter prevents contaminants that can cause system failure, costly
component replacement and labour costs from being introduced into the
distribution lines. For most system manufacturers, a
filter IS NOT supplied as standard - it must be specified. Every
FLO system comes standard with a high pressure, inline, lubricant filter
included with the pump package.
Are
the hose and fittings standard NPT thread?
Some system manufacturers use metric hose ends and fittings. Special
adapters are required to adapt to NPT bearing inlets causing increased
costs and labour and possible delays during servicing. All FLO system
hose and fittings are standard re-usable NPT threads.
Does
the pump reservoir incorporate a revolving paddle or a follower plate?
A FLO pump with transparent reservoir and revolving paddle
eliminates grease cavitation (air bubbles in the grease that can cause
system failure if they enter the system) and offers visual grease level
monitoring. It also functions as a visual indicator to the
operator that there is a problem if the paddle stops turning.
Does
the system include a pressure gauge?
A pressure gauge allows for visual monitoring of the system pressure
during regular maintenance inspections. For most system manufacturers, a
pressure gauge IS NOT supplied as standard - it must be specified.
Every
FLO system comes standard with a pressure gauge installed at the pump.
How
are the steel lines mounted on the machine? (Typical Off-road
applications)
Some system manufacturers weld heavy wall steel lines (or tube)
directly to the machine structure. The tube is connected directly to the
bearing points. Replacement of damaged lines or bearings requires
grinders, torches and welders to remove and replace the line. On FLO
installations, lines are clamped and guarded with steel angle and
C-channel. This allows for quick and easy trouble-shooting and
replacement of any damaged line or guard in the field.
Do
the metering valves incorporate high-pressure, manual grease fittings?
(Typical Off-road applications)
Having a manual grease fitting at every metering valve allows for
easier trouble-shooting, servicing, priming and flushing of grease
lines. Not having a manual grease fitting means lines have to be
disconnected to perform many of these tasks, substantially increasing
labour costs. Most manufacturers either DO NOT include grease
fittings, or use standard grease fittings which leak when faced with the
high back pressure of a blocked line. FLO uses grease fittings
specifically designed to handle high back pressure so in the unlikely
event of a blocked line, the only leak will occur where the machine
operator will see it - at the pressure relief valve on the pump
package. FLO installs these fittings on every metering valve in
the system.
How
do you lubricate your unit if the pump fails?
(Typical On-road applications)
FLO installs a manual grease fitting at the pump outlet where you
can connect and manually cycle the entire system. Manual grease fittings
are also incorporated at the inlet of every metering valve assembly,
allowing for easier manual priming, flushing, trouble-shooting and
servicing of each zone independently. These fittings are specifically
designed to handle high back pressure so in the unlikely event of a
blocked line, the only leak will occur where the machine operator will
see it - at the pressure relief valve on the pump package. The operating
principle of a parallel system (pressure & vent) is not conducive to
remote manual cycling of the entire system. Also, not having manual
grease fittings means lines have to be disconnected to perform many of
the standard servicing activities, substantially increasing labour
costs.
Does
the system require special grease?
(Typical On-road applications)
A typical competitive parallel chassis system has a maximum
operating pressure of approximately 800 psi, with small diameter
hose/tubing and can only handle lube 000 through 0. In addition, if
temperatures fall below -10°C, the #0 grease becomes too hard to pump
and thinner grease must be used. Alternatively, in warmer climates, the
thinner grease will drip away, causing potential damage to the bearings
and environmental issues. FLO's progressive system has a maximum
operating pressure of 3500 psi. This gives it the ability to lubricate
"tight" bearing points with any lubricant 000 through EP2 (can
use any #2 chassis grease rated to perform at -25°C).
Is
the timer unit integrated into the pump, or is it a separate, remote
unit?
(Typical On-road applications)
The typical competitive parallel chassis system uses a separate
programmable timer component sealed in epoxy and wired into the
cab. This requires another connection with potential for problems,
increasing the degree of difficulty for installation and service.
If it fails, the entire unit must be replaced. FLO's system
incorporates an integrated timer in the pump, allowing for ease of
setting and testing at a centralized location. In case of failure, the
circuit board is serviceable, requiring only 1/2 hr to replace.
How
do you know if a bearing is not getting grease?
With a progressive system, the divider valves work in series to each
other. FLO incorporates a cycle indicator pin (CIP) at the master
divider valve assembly to provide visual confirmation of system cycling
every time. If any line/bearing is not taking grease the entire
system shuts down and there is visual indication (CIP + pressure gauge)
to the operator that there is a problem, allowing the operator an
opportunity to take action before any damage occurs. And we mount
the pump in a location readily visible to the operator.
In a parallel type system, the metering valves operate simultaneously
but are independent. The parallel type system incorporates a
pressure switch which only monitors main line pressure, so there is no
indication (related to pressure) if each individual feed line is
operating. The remainder of the system will continue to function
normally, but the grease starved bearing will likely be lost. For
some manufacturers' systems, if any feed line or bearing is not taking
grease, the only visual indication is the lack of lubricant at the
bearing point. FLO's
parallel systems include indicator pins on every injector which move in
and out as lubricant is dispensed to visually confirm each individual feed line is
operating.
