Concrete Pump Lubrication
A concrete pump is generally considered to be a construction machine whose task is to transport and pump concrete in horizontal and vertical directions.
We distinguish concrete pumps: stationary, mobile, tracked, car, mixer pumps, depending on the type of concrete transport and dosing. The most popular and recognizable is the mixer pump. This is a machine that is a combination of a concrete mixer and a concrete pump mounted on a truck chassis.
Lubrication of a concrete pump is one of the most critical issues in its operation.
Concrete pump operating instructions recommend greasing the pump components, valves and boom once a week. Most concrete pumps are equipped with systems that automatically lubricate key components in a central lubrication system, meaning the operator only needs to select the right grease for the concrete pump.
Lubricants and their proper selection play a key role in ensuring reliable operation of a mobile concrete pump. Proper lubrication not only minimizes friction, but also protects mechanical components from wear and corrosion, which extends their service life and reduces service costs. Selecting the right lubricant depends on several factors, such as operating conditions, operating temperature, and specific needs of the device.
The manufacturer often recommends calcium grease for this purpose, which is characterized by good resistance to water, which is important for pumps operating in the open air, exposed to moisture and changing weather conditions. Calcium greases also provide effective anti-corrosion protection.
The properties of calcium grease come down to:
- Water resistance – does not wash out or dissolve under the influence of water, which is important when the pump comes into contact with rain or moisture.
- Anti-corrosion protection – prevents metal parts from rusting, which is crucial for working in changing weather conditions.
- Good adhesion – this grease adheres well to surfaces, ensuring effective lubrication even under heavy loads.
Depending on the specific operating conditions of the pump, other lubricants may also be considered:
- Lithium grease – more versatile and performs better at higher temperatures. It has good water resistance, although slightly worse than calcium grease.
- Lithium complex grease – even better thermal stability, ability to work in more demanding conditions and under greater loads.
- Calcium-lithium grease – combines the advantages of both greases, providing good water resistance and thermal resistance.
Below are the operating conditions of a concrete pump when more time should be devoted to selecting the right lubricant for the pump.
- High operating temperatures : Calcium greases have limited thermal stability (typically up to about 60-70°C), so if the pump operates in hot conditions, a lithium or complex grease may be a better choice.
- Extreme loads : For heavy-duty applications, lithium or calcium sulfonate greases may provide better wear protection.
- Changeable weather and extreme conditions: When exposed to extreme weather conditions (e.g. heavy rain, mud), a calcium sulfonate-based grease may provide the best protection.
Choosing the right lubricant is one thing, but proper application and maintenance are just as important:
- Regular lubrication: Following a lubrication schedule prevents excessive wear and tear and protects against failure.
- Cleanliness before application: Before applying grease, clean the surfaces to be lubricated to avoid mixing contaminants with the new lubricant.
- Monitoring grease consumption: Regularly checking grease levels allows for early detection of potential problems such as leaks or excessive grease consumption.
Our offer includes many greases that meet the conditions necessary for lubricating a concrete pump, but the most popular in this regard is the red calcium grease NLGI 0 Vegatol WR 0.
The WR 0 grease used by many pump services owes its popularity to its excellent price-quality ratio. The grease, thanks to its formula based on calcium soaps and high-quality mineral oils, works perfectly in environments exposed to high humidity and contact with water, as well as in variable temperatures.
Vegatol WR0 is distinguished by its intensive red colour, which facilitates its control during application and control of the lubrication state. The consistency of NLGI 0 makes it suitable for lubrication of nodes with difficult access and in central lubrication systems, where the fluidity of the grease is crucial for effective operation.
The Vegatol WR0 formula has been designed to provide high resistance to water washout, which is invaluable when working with construction machinery exposed to intensive contact with moisture and mud. Thanks to its hydrophobic properties, this grease creates a durable protective layer on metal surfaces, which minimizes the risk of corrosion and extends the life of moving parts.
The manufacturer recommends using grease for machines and devices operating in:
Shipbuilding industry, forestry machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, highly loaded bearings, corrosive working environments, bearings in aquatic environments, but the high viscosity of the grease significantly broadens the scope of application of the Vegatol WR 0 grease.
Full product details and purchase options can be found on the product page
Using a calcium grease for your concrete pump, whether recommended by the manufacturer or not, is usually the best solution for the standard operating conditions of a mobile concrete pump. Its water resistance and good corrosion protection are essential for use in wet and variable conditions. However, when operating at high temperatures, under heavy loads or in very demanding environments, it is worth considering other options, such as lithium or calcium sulfonate greases, to provide better protection.
