Successful businesses are constantly seeking new solutions and technologies to reduce costs, minimizing down time and maximizing productivity. Could automatic lubrication be a solution?

Studies have shown that inappropriate lubrication represents 53% of all bearing failures, a major cause for downtime and unnecessary maintenance costs which consists of replacing parts. The labor to repair and replace the bearings, the unforeseen downtime and the impact of respecting delivery to clients. The primary cause of these breakdowns are caused by contamination, dust, dirt and humidity or insufficient greasing applied to the bearings.

Inefficient manual lubrication can lead to over lubricating that can lead to indirect costs, which is very true. Wasting lubricant, environmental problems, security problems or maintenance and higher labor costs.

The automatic lubrication system helps to eliminate unforeseen and unnecessary expenses. An automatic lubrication system lubricates many points on a machine from a pump/centralized unit placed in an accessible place. Specifically for mobile and fixed construction equipment, a system distributes small quantities of grease at frequent intervals, while your equipment is running, by maintaining a consistent amount of grease being distributed to the bearings at all times and seals which prevents dirt and contaminants to infiltrate in the bearings. This is a contrast with the conditions of lack of grease often associated with manual lubrication done by the operator if and when he has time or feels like it.

The numerous advantages of using an automatic lubrication system:

Security

The security of personnel in the work area today is essential. An ALS reduces and eliminates the operator from climbing on the machine and crawling under the machine or in difficult to reach areas.

Efficient Lubrication

An automatic lubrication system applies grease while the machine is operating, which signifies less downtime and when the bearings are in action all internal surfaces of the bearings are continuously exposed and benefits for a better application of grease.

Better Lubrication

Grease application is more efficient when distributed in measured quantities on short and frequent intervals. Unfortunately with strict delivery schedules, the constraints of labor and relocating the equipment makes it impossible to grease manually. The equipment is greased when available and if there is someone who has time to do it.

Better maintenance

Numerous traditionalists over grease by pumping the grease up to the bearing until it overflows. As previously indicated, frequent and small measured quantities will give the bearings a better protection. In addition to over/under greasing, you will have less overflow. The end results is less waste and contamination on your equipment, or construction site. The security (dangers of slipping) and the environmental problems play an important role related to over greasing.

Less down time, reduced maintenance costs and reduced parts replaced

The time and labor constraints makes it impossible to respect the required greasing of the machine. Preventative maintenance supplied by an ALS is undeniable good for respecting the required lubrication, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing downtime by prolonging the lifespan of numerous axles, rings and components on the equipment. You will also be stocking less replacement parts related to greasing.

General increase in productivity

Resulting in an increased availability of the machine and a reduction of downtime due to a breakdown or general maintenance.

Longer lifespan and greater re-sale value

Given that the bearing surfaces are always protected and that your machine in general will be better maintained.

Helping the environment

Less premature wear of the bearings and other significant components, less parts to replace. Most of all seeing as you are not over lubricating by greasing manually, there is less environmental contamination.

As Simple as 1-2-3

1. The OKO product is to be inserted in the tire for preventative measures.

The turning movement of the tire permits the product to cover the interior surface and form a film of anti-flat protection (blue strip), ready to plug all punctures.

2. The tire is punctured by an object

Flats can be costly and can hinder on a business. Unfortunately we cannot avoid them. However it is possible to prevent them.

3. OKO seals the hole in the tread as soon as a flat occurs

In case of a flat, the air pressure pushes the OKO product into the punctured area. The pressure effect pushes OKO to deploy as it is designed to do, along with transforming the liquid into a flexible solid. OKO instantly seals the perforations and forms an airtight seal which is resistant and permanent.

Little air is lost and only a few ml of OKO product is used. The rest of the liquid is preserved in the tire and is ready to counter act, this could extend the life of the tire.

Formulation

OKO is built to last. A water-based and anti-freeze agents formulated in such a way that all of the active ingredients remains in suspension and no agitation is required.

Many water based sealing products requires you to shake before using and this is the first sign of a sealing product that will not function for a long term.

Overview of avantages

For more information about OKO products:

Blind spots are a great danger for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, because these areas of the road are outside the driver's field of vision.

Here are some tips to better take them into account and avoid accidents.

PEDESTRIANS AND BLIND SPOTS

• Avoid being in a vehicle's blind spot, especially trucks and buses.
• Make eye contact with the driver. Otherwise, assume the driver cannot see you.
• Be alert at intersections, even when you have the right of way, e.g. on a green light or pedestrian crossing signal.
• Pay attention to the turn signal lights used by vehicles at intersections.
• Do not cross behind a vehicle as it could back up without noticing you.
• Be visible: wear bright clothing, reflective strips, etc.
• If you are trying to make your presence known, keep in mind that the driver cannot hear you.
• Walk on the sidewalk, or, if there isn’t one, on the side of the road, facing traffic.

HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVERS

• Be mindful of those around your vehicle, especially at urban intersections.
• Watch and anticipate people's movements around your vehicle.
• Do not assume that others can predict your manoeuvres.
• Make sure your rearview mirrors are clear, in good condition and properly adjusted.
• Keep your headlights on at all times.
• Use your turn signal lights to clearly indicate your intentions.
• Be careful when turning right at an intersection if your vehicle has to drift into the other lane or onto the shoulder to make the turn.
• If your vehicle has an additional blind spot caused by auxiliary equipment, be sure to position this equipment so as to minimize the blind spot.

Source : https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/behaviours/blind-spots/safety-tips/

Tools are available to help the driver vigilance;

Maximize your vision and security on the work site by installing an industrial camera: 

Grease is the key element to your lubrication system.

The choice of grease type is particularly important for the proper function of the system and will have direct impact on its efficiency.

Characteristics

After analyzing the working conditions of your automatic greasing system, here are the recommendations concerning the choice of the grease to use. 

Mixing different types of grease may damage your system.

Before changing your grease, make sure the new grease is compatible with the current grease.

Procedures to bleed your system

In order to avoid mixing greases, it is strongly advised to bleed your system. The Alltech Group proposes you a grease replacement procedures in order to avoid damaging your system.