Bearing and rotating technology specialist SKF has introduced its latest advancement in lubrication technology with a new line of air‑operated grease pumps. The range comprises three models – LAGG 18AF, LAGG 50AF and LAGG 180AF – that are specifically engineered for demanding industrial environments.

“Designed for modern industry needs, these innovative grease pumps have been enhanced to assist organisations in optimising maintenance practices while advancing sustainability goals,” says SKF South Africa product manager: MaPro Eddie Martens.

Martens explains that friction is one of the leading causes of component damage, costly breakdowns and operational unreliability, noting: “[These] air‑operated grease pumps deliver a significantly enhanced flow rate of 1.1 kg/min, ensuring faster, more efficient lubrication cycles, helping operators reduce downtime, optimise maintenance schedules and achieve greater productivity across demanding industrial applications.”

In addition to delivering high pressure and an increased flow rate for improved lubrication efficiency, the LAGG AF pumps are designed to ensure fast, clean and reliable greasing of lubrication points with large grease pack sizes. They are suited for topping up centralised lubrication system reservoirs and provide contamination protection both when stationary and during grease distribution. Martens adds that the grease pumps are easy to install across multiple applications and are fully compatible with all SKF 18, 50, and 180 kg grease drums along with most drums of equivalent size standards.

Purpose‑built for industries working with medium to large grease pack sizes, the pump series is tailored for sectors such as metals, pulp and paper, mining, mineral processing, cement, and food and beverage and can be used in almost any industrial application that requires lubrication solutions.

Each model is named to correspond with its capacity, LAGG 18AF (18 kg), LAGG 50AF (50 kg) and LAGG 180AF (180 kg), for ease of selection and to ensure correct application.

“To simplify identification, we’ve replaced the traditional AE suffix with AF across the new series,” explains Martens who concludes by noting: “Our trusted hand‑operated LAGG 18M model remains unchanged and will continue to be offered alongside the LAGG 18AF, LAGG 50AF and LAGG 180AF pumps as part of our complete product line.”