A new lithium-free grease is said to outperform lithium-based greases on several parameters including mechanical stability, load carrying capacity, wear protection and grease life.

The SKF LGNL 3 grease offers several technical benefits including long grease life, says the company’s product manager: MaPro Eddie Martens. Listing advantages such as mechanical stability, excellent load carrying capacity, a wide temperature range and anti-wear properties, Martens adds that owing to the LGNL 3 grease’s independence from the lithium market, which is mainly driven by electrification trends, customers can also look forward to cost benefits, noting that grease consolidation opportunities will lead to stock savings for end-users.

“Grease compatibility, which refers to the extent to which two greases can be temporarily mixed together without showing extensive hardening or softening of the mixture, is extremely important,” says Martens and warns that either one of these outcomes could endanger the lubrication of the bearing. A grease compatibility test aims to provide certainty about the risks associated with the transition from one grease to another if a thorough cleaning cannot be performed due to operational conditions. SKF LGNL 3 has been tested against LGMT 3, LGEM 2, LGHB 2, LGHP 2 and LGWA 2 and shows good compatibility with all five products, says Martens. Customers are encouraged to contact SKF or an authorised distributor for any queries related to the compatibility of the grease being used.

In addition to vertical shaft and high load applications, SKF’s LGNL 3 grease is suitable for use on pumps and fans, mills and crushers, as well as on wheel bearings of passenger and commercial vehicles and trailers.