A Guide to Grease for Industrial Applications

Understanding the different types of grease needed for heavy machinery, fleet maintenance, and other commercial uses will help keep your operations running smoothly. Premium grease tailored to your machinery’s demands ensures you can stay ahead of potential operation issues and reduce costly repairs.

In this grease guide, we’ll review different types of grease and how to choose the right product based on your equipment, environment, and application. Lawson Canada offers premium branded and national-brand greases that perform under pressure, in heat, and through washdown after washdown.

Essentials of Grease and Its Core Components

What exactly is grease? Fundamentally, it’s made of three main elements:

·         Base oil (80–90%): Derived from petroleum or synthetic sources, offering essential lubrication

·         Thickener (5–15%): Substances like lithium or calcium sulfonate, responsible for the grease's structure

·         Additives (2–7%): Enhancements such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), graphite, or PTFE to boost performance

The effectiveness of grease is determined by its ability to withstand heat, resist water, carry hefty loads, and endure over time. Certain machinery might face high-temperature conditions, others might be exposed to moisture, and some, like earthmoving equipment, require a combination of these protections.

For technical specifications, the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) provides industry-standard guidelines used across North America.

Selecting the Right Grease for Your Environment and Application

Every workplace presents unique challenges. The grease that excels under the heat of an Alberta summer might not withstand the conditions in a rain-drenched port in Vancouver. The choice of grease should align with both the environment and specific application needs.

Below is a quick reference table to help identify which grease works best depending on your operating conditions:

Grease Certifications and Industry Standards

Choosing a high-performance grease is important, but choosing one that meets the right industry standards is essential.

Caterpillar MPGM Specification:

Greases like Dyna-Grease LI3 meet CAT’s widely adopted spec for earthmoving and heavy equipment. If it meets those requirements, it can be used for many other specifications.

Grease Application Guidelines for Canadian Conditions

There’s no universal grease application schedule, as needs vary greatly depending on the demands of the equipment and the surrounding environmental conditions. Here are important factors to consider for Canadian climates:

Operating Environment

Is the equipment being used in harsh, cold mines or in a food processing plant subjected to rigorous sanitation standards? Extreme cold can affect grease viscosity, requiring a formulation suited for sub-zero temperatures, while washdowns can remove grease, demanding a more robust, water-resistant formula. Each scenario calls for a specialized grease to maintain equipment efficiency and extend application intervals.

Load Intensity

For equipment operating under significant stress, like the axles on a snow plow or the joints on a logging truck, the choice of grease becomes even more critical. These components may necessitate a grease fortified with extreme pressure (EP) additives to ensure their continued functionality. Regularly assessing these factors can prevent unexpected maintenance and downtime.

NLGI Consistency Grade

Grease is classified by the internationally recognized National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) ranging from 000 (very soft) to 6 (very hard). In terms of industrial and transportation needs, NLGI #2 is often preferred for its balance of firmness and ease of application. In colder climates, however, using a lower grade like NLGI #1.5 or #1 may be beneficial, enhancing flow and performance.

Recently, a Lawson field representative assisted a maintenance team in a high-moisture facility, where equipment needed frequent greasing due to exposure to water and regular cleanings. Standard grease couldn’t withstand these conditions. After evaluating the situation, our representative suggested a premium Lawson grease with superior washout resistance. This advice transformed their maintenance schedule from daily greasing to a weekly routine, significantly reducing labor hours and prolonging equipment durability.

Lawson Grease Product Comparison

You might assume that the colour of grease is what indicates the type or performance rating. But grease colour is just for identification, so that technicians can tell when an old grease has been flushed out and replaced by a new one. The colour itself has nothing to do with composition or quality.

Rather than colour, pay attention to formulation details when selecting the right grease. This includes the thickener type, base oil, operating temperature range, and any added solids like moly or PTFE — these determine how a grease performs under pressure, in heat, or in wet conditions.

Here’s a deeper look at Lawson’s best-in-class grease offerings, designed for the real-world demands of mining, DOT fleets, rental operations, and more.

Pick the Right Grease for Best Performance

Choosing the proper grease requires evaluating your operating conditions, equipment demands, and service requirements. From keeping rental equipment operational to maintaining machinery in underground mining operations, Lawson's industrial-grade greases deliver reliable, long-lasting performance.

Ready to reduce downtime and extend equipment life? Our experts are here to help. Contact us today to select the best grease for your operation—and discover how Lawson’s equipment rental maintenance solutions and streamlined Managed Inventory Services can keep you running.

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