Correct Grease Types for Pins, Bushings and Linkage Points

A grease nipple on a linkage point exists to be used, but not every grease works the same. The wrong grease washes out, does not protect against water, or fails under load. Choosing the right type for pins, bushes and pivots is a small detail that doubles component life.

Start with a lithium-based general grease

Most farm pins and bushes work well with a lithium-based general-purpose grease. It holds its structure, resists water wash-out and stays in the joint. NLGI grade 2 is the standard consistency for hand-gunned grease points. It is the safe default where the equipment manual does not specify otherwise.

Use EP grease for loaded joints

Heavily loaded joints, such as kingpins and hitch pins, see pressure that squeezes ordinary grease out of the contact. Extreme pressure, or EP, greases carry additives that form a protective film under heavy load. They suit pivot points that carry the whole weight of an implement. Do not mix different thickener types of grease, because incompatible greases can break down.

Match the grease to the temperature

Cold weather makes thick grease stiff, and the joint fails to receive lubrication. In winter conditions, choose a grease with good low-temperature flow. Hot work, such as near exhaust components, calls for a high-temperature grease. Using the right seasonal grease keeps the joint lubricated all year round.

Grease cleanly and regularly

Before applying grease, wipe the nipple clean so dirt is not pushed into the joint. Apply grease until fresh grease appears at the seal, which pushes old, contaminated grease out. Over-greasing blows seals, but under-greasing leaves the joint dry. Follow the manual's schedule, and more often in dusty work.

Keep one grease type on the shelf

Where possible, standardise on one quality lithium EP grease for the whole fleet. Mixing greases causes confusion and incompatible thickeners. A clean, labelled grease gun, used on schedule, keeps every pin and bushing moving smoothly through the season.

References

PATEL N, CHEN L. Grease selection for agricultural pin and bushing joints[J]. Biosystems Engineering, 2021, 203: 400-408.

Patel, N., and L. Chen. "Grease Selection for Agricultural Pin and Bushing Joints." Biosystems Engineering, vol. 203, 2021, pp. 400-408.

Patel, N., & Chen, L. (2021). Grease selection for agricultural pin and bushing joints. Biosystems Engineering, 203, 400-408.