The construction (earthmoving) industry is one of the industries that most lends itself to the protection afforded by Lubrication Engineers products. LE lubricants provide excellent protection in heat, dust, cold and moisture – all conditions experienced in the construction industry. Construction equipment is subjected to a variety of environments and usually a variety of operators. While working on highways, streets and bridges, the temperatures can range from cold, foggy mornings to hot, dusty afternoons.

Greases that are subjected to high heat can melt and run out of bearings, causing premature wear and failure. If grease does not form a good seal when lubricating, it can also let in contaminants such as water and dirt.

Diesel-fuelled equipment that is left outside in hot and cold extremes can get water in the fuel. This will cause poor performance and loss of power. Hydraulic-powered scrapers, shovels and other equipment can lose hydraulic power when the day becomes hot. This mid-day fade will result in lost production time and can be dangerous to equipment operators.

Construction equipment

Scrapers – Most earthmoving, packing and grading contractors use a scraper, which is also used in stripping and quarry operations. It is generally pulling and hauling heavy loads. High-quality bearing grease is required to lubricate the steering links and cranks, bushings, pins, rods and bearings.

Crawler tractors – Constructed for rugged, heavy-duty construction work, crawler tractors are powered by diesel engines. This can lead to difficulty in keeping valves, injectors, rings and other parts of the engine free from carbon and other deposits.

Shovels – Open gears, rack teeth, and hoist mechanisms are found on all shovels. As these gears are exposed to changing weather, it is important that they are protected against rust and corrosion. Furthermore, extreme pressures and shock loads can cause commercial grade lubricants to rupture, resulting in excessive wear of the gears.

Draglines & cranes – Planetary wheel hubs on large cranes carry weight of up to 100 T. Transmission and transfer case failures can be quite common. Also critical on most cranes of this type are the clutches, which are subject to slippage.

Backhoes & front-end loaders – Commonly found on construction sites, backhoes and front-end loaders can be adapted easily to perform different functions. They can be equipped with various attachments such as impactors, tampers, drills or hoes on the rear, and scrapers on the front.

Large loaders & bucket pins – One of the most critical areas on large loaders (rubber tire loaders) are the bucket pins. These are constantly exposed to dust, sand and other abrasives. Aside from handling heavy loads, the grease used on this equipment should have the ability to seal out dirt.

Ditching & trenching machines – A variety of ditching and trenching machines are made in various makes and sizes such as hand-operated units commonly used in electrical and plumbing work around building sites to large self-propelled units used for laying cross country cable or pipe lines. As these units run at high rpm’s, gearboxes become overheated. Gearbox failures are quite common when conventional gear lubricants are used. In larger units, where greater depths, wider trenches and harder soil formations are encountered, power is generally transmitted by hydraulic action.

Portable or mobile air compressors – On construction sites, air compressors are constantly exposed to severe environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, dust and moisture.

Power-producing equipment – Power plants are usually found in larger construction operations. These consist of an engine (gas, diesel, steam, electric), clutch, transmission, transfer mechanism, propeller shaft (with U-joints), differential and final drive nits. Operating conditions may range from prolonged high speed or high load operation at summer temperatures to excessive idling and light load operation in subzero weather. The bearings are lubricated through pressure fittings and require a lubricant that will maintain a seal against the entrance of dirt and moisture.

For more information on all of LE’s construction industry relevant products, click here.