Advisor
Whether truck & buses, motorcycles & ATVs, marine, construction, industry, agriculture and forestry or classic cars - to keep wear to a minimum, most machines require regular maintenance and greasing with lubricating grease. But what exactly is this and how do I choose the best grease? Midland reveals the most important information in this article.
What is grease?
Grease is a semi-fluid lubricant whose primary purpose is to reduce friction in mechanical components. Grease forms a thicker protective layer than lubricating oil. To enable the semi-solid state, grease usually consists of three different components:
- Base oil (80-95%): Base oil has the same function as lubricating oil - it reduces friction between moving surfaces.
- Thickener (at 5-20%): Soaps that hold the oil together until it is needed for lubrication. Triggers such as motion, vibration or temperature increase cause the thickener to release the oil.
- Additives (at 0-10%): Additives that improve the lubricating properties of the base oil to provide additional protection against wear and corrosion.
- In some applications, a solid lubricant is added to the grease.
What is grease used for?
The main function of grease is to protect against the ingress of water and thus also against corrosion. In addition, lubricating grease prevents rapid frictional wear on machines of all kinds. Some application examples:
- Since lubricating greases are water-repellent, they are often used as sealants in the automotive industry (both cars and trucks & buses), for example on the gearbox or wheel bearing.
- In industry, greases are used to lubricate machines or components that are used only occasionally, are stored for long periods, or are used under extreme conditions.
- If lubricants are to retain their lubricating properties for as long a period as possible, for example in the case of machines that are difficult to access in the construction sector, it is advisable to use lubricating greases. In this way, the respective components need to be lubricated less frequently. Components with high wear also benefit from lubricating grease, as the thick grease film adheres better in the gaps than oil. In addition, lubricating grease has a noise-reducing effect.
Discover all Midland greases here.
To the productsNot all lubricating greases are the same. To meet every requirement, numerous variations are available. We have compiled the most important types of lubricating grease for you:
Lithium lubricating grease
Lithium lubricating greases are produced by the neutralization of 12-hydroxystearic acid with lithium hydroxide in oil. Lithium lubricating greases are usually multipurpose greases that are used in numerous areas because they exhibit the best performance behavior among the so-called simple soaps.
Temperature range: -30 to 120°C in continuous operation, with short-term operation up to a maximum of +130°C
Dropping point: >180°C
Lithium complex soap grease
Lithium complex soap greases are enriched lithium lubricating greases with better stability and good high-temperature behavior. They are also available in a biodegradable version.
Temperature range: -30 to 140°C in continuous operation, with short-term operation up to a maximum of +220°C
Dropping point: >260°C
Aluminum complex soap grease
Aluminum complex soap greases are particularly convincing due to their above-average water resistance and good pumpability. Therefore, these lubricating greases are frequently used for lubricating components, systems in the industrial sector.
Temperature range: -30 to 160°C
Dropping point: >230°C
Barium complex soap grease
Barium complex soap greases contain mixtures of organic acids as thickeners saponified with barium hydroxide. This type of lubricating grease has excellent water and steam resistance, a high dropping point, and reliable corrosion protection. Barium complex soap greases are suitable for both low and high temperatures and are often used in running rolling equipment in the industry.
Temperature range: -30 to 150°C
Dropping point: >220°C
Calcium complex soap grease
Calcium complex soap greases contain mixtures of various, mostly organic acids as thickeners saponified with calcium hydroxide. Calcium complex soap grease has good corrosion protection properties, a high load-carrying capacity, and above-average water resistance.
Temperature range: -30 to 120°C in continuous operation, with short-term operation up to a maximum of +130°C
Dropping point: >140°C
Sodium complex soap grease
Sodium complex soap greases are often used as transmission flow greases. This lubricating grease uses mixtures of organic acids as thickeners saponified with sodium hydroxide. Sodium complex soap grease has excellent demulsifying behavior (water separating ability).
Temperature range: -30 to 180°C
Dropping point: >220°C
Bentonite lubricating grease
Bentonite lubricating grease has good high-temperature behavior. It is noteworthy that it has no dropping point. Depending on the base oil type, bentonite lubricating greases show good low-temperature behavior.
Temperature range: -30 to 160°C
Dropping point: not present
PTFE lubricating grease
PTFE lubricating greases (polytetrafluoroethylene lubricating greases) find their application in areas with very high technical requirements. This lubricating grease convinces with a wide range of operating temperatures. Furthermore, PTFE lubricating greases are resistant to aggressive media, have a high load-carrying capacity, and offer emergency running properties. Classic PTFE lubricating greases use a PFPE oil (perfluorinated polyether oil) or silicone oils as base oils.
Temperature range: -50 to 260°C
Dropping point: not present
Synthetic grease or mineral oil-based grease?
Before purchasing grease, many consumers are faced with the question of whether to choose a synthetic grease or a mineral oil-based grease. Both options have different advantages and disadvantages. To help you make an informed decision, we have summarized the most important properties for you:
Mineral oil-based grease:
Conventional mineral oil-based greases offer reliable performance for numerous applications, as they are known for their excellent lubricating properties. They are typically used for multi-purpose lubrication of mechanical components such as ball bearings, chains, gears, guides, and threaded connections, with an operating temperature range of typically -17°C to 150°C.
Mineral oils are suitable for additive blending, which can achieve a range of performance benefits for specific requirements, such as protection against micro-welding in threaded connections. Mineral oils are also compatible with many thickeners.
Synthetic grease:
Synthetic greases offer significant advantages, such as longer service life and use over a wider temperature range. Synthetic oil thins out less at high temperatures, forming a thicker oil film. Additionally, synthetic components offer more reliable protection against rust and wear, as they do not oxidize as quickly with oxygen from the ambient air.
What makes good grease?
Greases are used in marine, agricultural, construction, motorcycle, automotive, and industrial applications, among others, where they are subject to a wide range of requirements. Temperature resistance, consistency, and perfect adhesion to metallic surfaces are the three most important properties that make a good grease. Depending on the application, additional properties are crucial, such as the grease's ability to withstand saltwater in marine applications.
Specialized greases are labeled and standardized according to their properties, which can be found in the product description or on the product packaging.
What to consider when choosing grease?
There is no single grease that is best for all purposes and temperature ranges. It is important to consider the different requirements and external influences when selecting grease. If you are unsure about choosing the right grease, involve a professional expert. Midland is happy to help you with your needs. Simply call +41 62 889 10 30 or contact us via the contact form. We will assist you in finding the right grease from our range of greases, including:
- Bioplex NLGI 2 - Biodegradable lithium complex grease
- Caltima NLGI 2 - Calcium grease
- Dentax EP NLGI 00 - Lithium flowing grease
- GS15 Gear Spray - Alassca complex grease spray
- K7 Chain Spray - White chain spray
- Litoma NLGI 2 - Lithium grease
- Multi Complex NLGI 2 - Lithium complex grease
On our website, you can find all Midland greases for various applications, including:
- Grease for commercial vehicles
- Grease for motorcycles & ATVs
- Grease for marine applications
- Grease for construction machinery
- Grease for industrial applications
- Grease for agriculture & forestry
- Grease for classic cars.
Stay in Motion Smoothly - Lubricants from Midland
With Midland's lubricants, everything runs smoothly! Whether for passenger cars, trucks & buses, motorcycles & ATVs, marine, construction machines, industry, agriculture & forestry or classic cars - we offer you the full range of quality lubricants for all areas of application. This includes engine oils, transmission oils, hydraulic oils, additives, coolant protection and supplementary products. Since 2017, we have had the most modern fully automated lubricant production plant in Switzerland to constantly provide you with consistent and constantly carefully controlled quality. That's what our company slogan "Swiss Quality Oil" stands for.
Midland: A Brand of the Swiss Traditional Company Oel-Brack AG
The Midland brand was launched by Oel-Brack AG in 2004, which has been producing and importing products of American oil companies under license as a family business since 1880. Under the Midland brand, the Swiss family business trades in heating oil and fuels domestically and produces quality lubricants for domestic and foreign markets in Aargau (Hunzenschwil). In Switzerland alone, Midland lubricants are delivered to over 3000 passenger car and truck garages, motorcycle dealers, workshops, yards, forest offices and industrial companies, while almost half of the total production is exported.
Find the right lubricant with just a few clicks - Midland's Oil Finder
What engine oil should I use for my classic car? What hydraulic oil is best suited for my motorcycle? What should I look for when buying additives? Finding the right lubricants is not easy due to the large selection of different products. But now that's a thing of the past. Midland provides you with a convenient online Oil Finder, with which you can now reach the right lubricant with just a few clicks. Simply select the vehicle or machine and browse through the individually compiled product selection. You will receive product recommendations for each application area, including important interval hints for changing. Try it now!
Buy lubricants at Midland and get good advice
Midland offers quality lubricants and provides expert advice. If you have any questions about their products or would like to purchase motor oil, their specialists are available to assist you via phone +41 62 889 10 30, email info@oelbrack.ch, or their contact form. They are dedicated to providing personalized advice and are happy to answer your questions with their years of experience in the field of lubricants and fats.
Contact Midland for expert advice and support.
More questions about Grease
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For the best possible results in lubricating agricultural machinery, a suitable lubricating grease should be used. Midland reveals which lubricating grease is recommended in this article.
When lubricating mechanical systems or machine parts, an appropriate lubricant should be used for the best possible result. Midland reveals in this article which lubricant is best recommended for which situation.
When lubricating mechanical systems or machine parts, an appropriate lubricant should be used for the best result. Midland reveals in this article which lubricant is best recommended for which purpose.