Which grease for forklift masts to choose? Today, forklifts have become an indispensable tool in warehouses, logistics centers, etc. Their purchase is a real investment, and their safety and efficiency depend on their proper operation. That’s why it pays to take care of the forklift in the right way, especially their masts, which serve to lift goods to significant heights. Lubricating forklift masts is very important, in the following article we will describe what to pay attention to when choosing the right lubricant and what type of grease to choose.

Lubricating forklift masts — better to prevent than repair

Forklifts, like any other equipment, require regular maintenance. The more intensive the use, the more necessary it becomes to check whether all components are working properly: lubrication, adjustment and performing other similar tasks. Seemingly minor and insignificant activities, such as lubricating rollers or mast chains to maintain their smooth operation — significantly extend the forklift’s working life and reduce the risk of breakdowns. Regular forklift inspections performed by specialists authorized by the Technical Supervision Office are also significant. Enforcing them is an obligation, but also an opportunity to catch even the smallest damage early. This, in turn, translates into lower costs and repair time.

Recovery lubrication? Cheaper doesn’t mean better.

Often used hydraulic oil, engine oil or transmission oil is used to lubricate chain links. The savings are obvious in this case, you use a “free” product, but on the other hand, the grease used by the chain at best has very little lubricating function, and often has a harmful effect on chain operation and can significantly shorten its lifespan. The simplest example is the use of products that leave a sticky coating on the chain when working in a very dusty environment, which can cause dirt to stick, increase wear and ultimately crack the chain itself. Obvious savings can lead to serious expenses and often multi-day machine downtime due to breakdowns. Which grease for forklift masts to choose?

Which grease for forklift masts — selection criteria

The first rule that cannot be forgotten is choosing the right grease. This is necessary because by choosing the wrong product, we can achieve effects opposite to those intended. Chains are used in difficult conditions, often in changing weather or extreme temperatures. Therefore, they are particularly susceptible to corrosion.

In connection with the above, greases should have specific properties that correspond to our individual needs. Fortunately, this is not a problem, as many different greases are available on the market, including those providing:

  • Protection against high temperatures (up to 250°C),
  • adhesion,
  • longer lifespan,
  • Protection against moisture.
  • Odorless, suitable for work in food storage areas.

Grease for forklift masts – operating materials group

Special greases for forklift chains ensure proper operation and long lifespan, reducing costly downtime and loss of efficiency. Products with molybdenum disulfide additives form a thin layer of grease when applied, protecting the chain surface and protecting it from water and other external factors. In this way, the chain is protected from breaking and faster wear. Forklift mast chain maintenance is easy and quick, thanks to the spray formulation that applies the product easily and accurately. The applied aerosol thoroughly penetrates the chain structure and prevents rusting

List of example grease types

  1. Ceramic — metal-free ceramic grease with excellent adhesion. Used to coat parts subject to heavy loads and exposed to very high temperatures. Resistant to temperatures up to 1200°C. Equipped with a special nozzle for application in hard-to-reach places.
  2. Teflon — is a general-purpose grease with excellent mechanical and thermal stability for coating mechanical parts made of metals and plastics. It has a very low friction coefficient, fine structure (particle size about 5 microns), excellent adhesion. It is waterproof, resistant to atmospheric conditions and weak acids and bases, has neutral pH. Prevents seizing and sticking, is resistant to temperatures from -30°C to +160°C.
  3. Silicone — for lubricating and protecting plastic and rubber parts. It is waterproof, has neutral pH, is resistant to atmospheric conditions and weak acids and bases. Prevents freezing and drying of rubber elements and squeaking of plastic elements. It has excellent mechanical and thermal stability. Its temperature range is from -50°C to +200°C.
  4. Universal — oil for lubricating, protecting and cleaning metal and plastic parts. Has good penetrating and cleaning properties. Removes moisture, oils, fats, waxes, preservatives and tar, leaving a protective layer after cleaning. Prevents rusting.
  5. With high copper content — to prevent wear and seizing of screw connections exposed to extremely high temperatures. Copper grease has high thermal stability and corrosion protection. Withstands temperatures from -40°C to +1100°C.