Purchasing gear lubricants: be careful when playing the numbers game
Written by John Sander
Conclusion
Several resources are available to help the end user select the right gear lubricant. Some have focused only on speed, temperature and load, while others have added operating environment to the mix. Still others have added lubricant and equipment compatibility. All of these tend to confuse the end user. The result is that many end users look to their lubricant suppliers for assistance. This is a good plan, but can sometimes result in a mere comparison of price or data sheet numbers – in other words, a numbers game. Instead, try using this 10-step process for lubricant selection to make the process easier and more systematic, resulting in improved equipment reliability. Remember: Be careful when playing the numbers game. Most players end up losing.
