What grease do you use?

[southerniltractor]

Howdy folks,

I was reading another thread where greasing our tractors was discussed. What type of grease do you use? My tractor was delivered with what I'd call "normal" colored grease - kind of yellowish.....not Red, Black or Blue. When buying grease, I see many types for different applications and the one I'm most familiar with is for front wheel bearings on tapered bearings. I've used the red and black stuff that is rated for wheel bearings. Just wondering what your preference is and why?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[sixdogs]

Having gone through lots of kinds over the years, I now exclusively use Deere grease except for most wheel bearings.

Here's the Deere grease site.

https://www.deere.com/en_US/parts/batteries_and_fluids/maintenance_fluids/grease/grease.page

I use polyurea for most things, especially my loader. It's thick and tightens up the slop in the bucket.
Some things get the lithium-moly blend and wheel bearings get "Red and Tackey" from a big box store.

That's all I use.

 

[LD1]

If it moves slow, I use black moly grease. That would be things like pins/bushings, ball joints, axle pivots, etc

IF it moves fast, I use a synthetic grease. Mobil SHC460 or SHC32 presently.

But most will say (and I agree) that any grease, doesnt matter what type, is better than no grease. It is more important to keep things well greased, than the type of grease being used. However, some greases do better than others, and thats what I use.

 

[Looking4new]

I use Shell Donax in both summer and winter, for everything except wheel bearings which get the really thick 'wheel bearing grease'.

 

[Billrog]

I've been using blue guard for a no. of yrs. backhoe every 8 to 10 hrs. not overly expensive seems to do the job tractor loader when ever it needs it but the front axle pivot very regular. I keep the grease where it's warm and grease right after work while the machines are still warm to get a good flow.

 

[DB Pilot]

I use the red stuff from TSC exclusively. Besides the fact that I just like the color, sometimes I have to grease a pin with my fingers and the stuff seems cleaner than other stuff. Also when it turns dark or black I know it is full of dirt and grit so its time to re-grease. :2cents:

 

[Sawyer Rob]

For many years now, i've use automotive synthetic grease and I've not lost any bearing or any other part from a grease failure...

SR

 

[sixdogs]

For many years now, i've use automotive synthetic grease and I've not lost any bearing or any other part from a grease failure...

SR

As noted earlier in the thread, ANY grease is better than no grease. Modern grease is far superior to that stuff of decades earlier. Some tight clearance, heavy pounding or high speed applications do need better greases, however. My best buys on equipment over the years came on things filthy with dirt and grease. Newbies were scared away but the grease was a sign of good care.

 

[jrclark]

Not trying to thread hijack, but what do some of you use for grease guns? I had it yesterday with my brand new Lincoln and tossed it into the dumpster. I'm looking for something that simply works when you reload it, one that doesn't need constant maintenance and attention.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Not trying to thread hijack, but what do some of you use for grease guns? I had it yesterday with my brand new Lincoln and tossed it into the dumpster. I'm looking for something that simply works when you reload it, one that doesn't need constant maintenance and attention.

I have NO problems with my Lincoln, it's a good gun... I wish you had thrown yours in MY dumpster...

I think it's about how you load the gun that makes the difference...

SR

 

[sixdogs]

Not trying to thread hijack, but what do some of you use for grease guns? I had it yesterday with my brand new Lincoln and tossed it into the dumpster. I'm looking for something that simply works when you reload it, one that doesn't need constant maintenance and attention.

Here's a recent thread on grease guns. My post #22 has some pics of the best grease gun I have ever used.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/oil-fuel-lubricants/331947-grease-guns.html

 

[mikehaugen]

Some guns that are made to bulk loaded need to have the plunger seal flipped. Maybe that is the source of some people's problems?

 

[sixdogs]

Some guns that are made to bulk loaded need to have the plunger seal flipped. Maybe that is the source of some people's problems?

Explain flipped a little better.

 

[DFB]

Lots of different greases to choose from and many applications have specific recommendations

I like the moly grease on especially for loader pins and I never had hardened grease fittings either.

I had a big excavator and dozer here for a while and those guys I knew were using that tacky heavy "red" grease so I used some on tractor and the next time I went to grease (granted it had been awhile) but that stuff had dried and hardened in my fittings and gave me all kind trouble.

And I always like to use the green waterproof wheel bearing grease for any wheel bearings I do

Many guys I know just buy a basic multi purpose grease...

Like the man said already "Any grease is better than no grease"

John Deere does have some good greases and always been happy with them

 

[ritcheyvs]

Not trying to thread hijack, but what do some of you use for grease guns? I had it yesterday with my brand new Lincoln and tossed it into the dumpster. I'm looking for something that simply works when you reload it, one that doesn't need constant maintenance and attention.

I have one powered by compressed air for big jobs and a manual gun for small jobs. Links to photos in this post. Both guns were pretty cheap.

For big grease jobs I park next to my barn where I have a compressor and long air hose. I didn't want a battery-operated gun because (with my drills) it always seems the battery needs to be charged before I can use it. I find the lock-N-Lube well worth the high cost.

 

[jrclark]

Thanks for the info gentlemen. I'll pursue all of those avenues, and will definitely get the lock-n-lube end. My old man had a couple of grease guns that were way older than me, never had issues filling or using them - ever.

 

[mikehaugen]

Explain flipped a little better.

On the plunger there is a rubber seal, it has a "fatter" and "skinnier" side to it. The fatter side is just flared out a little. If you bulk fill the grease, that side should be toward the grease because without a tube it will seal better against the inside of the gun. If you are using tubes the skinnier side should be toward the grease so it fits within the tube.

It's just speculation, but years ago I worked at a place where the drivers were responsible for greasing their forklifts. Me, being in maintenance, would always be brought grease guns that weren't working... it seemed none of the guns ever wanted to work right and grease would always leak past the plunger. I would take the guns apart and never could see anything wrong with them. I was young at the time, but I always think back and wonder if the problem was that plunger. The guns were bulk filled, and new grease guns usually come set up for using tubes. I didn't know the difference back then so I would have never noticed. I always assumed that they were being over filled causing the grease to leak past the plunger.