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How to Vet a Lubricant Supplier: A 5-Point Framework for Lubricants Sourcing and Procurement
Lubricants sourcing works best when you score each supplier on five checks: certifications, capacity, R&D and testing, portfolio, and track record. Certifications: get the certificate number and check it on the certifier's or the ...
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Calcium Sulfonate Grease: The High‑Performance Lubricant Powering Modern Industry
Calcium sulfonate grease is a top lubricant made from a calcium sulfonate thickener, base oil, and special additives. It works well under heavy loads and in extreme conditions, and industries around the world use it for its long life an...
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Slideway Oil (Way Oil): How It Stops Stick-Slip, Which Grade to Use, and How It Differs from Hydraulic Oil
Slideway oil, also called way oil, is the lubricant for the sliding guideways and tables of machine tools. It differs from an ordinary hydraulic or gear oil in three respects: friction modifiers that stop the stick-slip judder of slow-m...
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Lithium vs Silicone vs PTFE Grease: Which to Use on Metal, Rubber, Plastic and Food Equipment
Lithium vs silicone grease comes down to what the grease touches. Lithium grease is a mineral-oil grease for loaded metal-on-metal parts such as bearings, hinges and chassis points. Silicone grease is for rubber seals, O-rings, plastics...
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How to Choose the Right Grease for Heavy Machinery: Type, NLGI Grade and Interval by Part
The right grease for heavy machinery depends on the part, not the machine. Most fittings on excavators, loaders and dozers take an NLGI 2 lithium or lithium complex grease with extreme-pressure (EP) additives. Slow, heavily loaded pins ...
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High Viscosity Diesel Oil: When a Thicker Grade Helps, and When It Hurts
High viscosity diesel oil usually means a 20W-50 or a straight SAE 40 or 50 used where most heavy-duty engines run 15W-40. A thicker grade can suit an older, worn engine working in a hot climate, as long as it sits inside the viscosity...
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Switching Grease? How to Remove Old Grease From Bearings First
To remove old grease from bearings before you switch products, start with the thickeners. If the old and new greases are compatible, purge the old grease out through the fitting until fresh grease appears at the relief port. If they ar...
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Base Oil Shortage 2026: How the Strait of Hormuz Closure Hit Group III and What Buyers Can Do
The US-Iran war that began in late February 2026 left the Strait of Hormuz largely closed, and Group III base oil has been hit hardest because the Gulf makes about a fifth of the world's supply. In Asia, Group III 4 cSt was assessed at ...
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Excavator Pin Grease: Why Pins and Bushings Wear Fast and What to Use
Excavator pins and bushings usually wear out early because grease is squeezed out of a slow, heavily loaded, oscillating joint faster than it is replaced, or because dirt gets in with it. The fix is the grease the machine maker specifie...
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