Roller Chain/Sprocket Lubrication(Oiling)

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Lubrication (oiling)

Lubrication of roller chains is extremely important. Without proper lubrication, the chain will run through its lifespan much more quickly. It is becoming more common for standard roller chains to be used in very harsh conditions, making lubrication even more important than before. In some cases, the usage environment may make lubrication impossible. Consult us in such cases.

This section explains oiling points, oiling methods, types of lubricant oil and related matters. Always observe these instructions when oiling chains.

Oiling Locations and Methods

Oiling Locations and Methods

Oil the chain at points (1) and (2) with a dropper or a brush.

(1).

Oiling between pin and bushing
This will prevent wear of pin and bushing, main cause of roller chains wear.

(2).

Oiling between bushing and roller
This will prevent wear between bushing and roller, as well as helping less noise and absorbing shock load.

Lubricate Oil

Generally recommend high grade lubricate oil. Appropriate oil with appropriate character, light or heavy, depending on ambient temperature, lubrication method, chain size, and speed, can be selected out of the following table.

Lubricate Oil
Caution
  • Never use used or disposed oil as they usually include foreign material, clips, and particles. Heavy oil and Grease are not recommended as they are not good to penetrate into clearance of pins and bushings.
  • If ambient temperature is below -10℃ or above 60℃, special oil is required. Call Hitachi Metals Techno for recommendation.

Commercially Available Lubricant Oil (Reference)

 


Manufacturer


Idemitsu Kosan


Japan Energy


Nisseki


Showa Shell


V
i
s
c
o
s
i
t
y


SAE10W


Daphne
Mechanic
oil


32


Lathus


32


FBK oil


RO32


Tellus Oil


C32






SAE20

68

68

RO68

C68






SAE30

100

100

RO100

C100






SAE40

150

150

RO150

C150






SAE50

220

220

RO220

C220

  • *Manufacturer name is in no particular order.

Oiling Type

 


Oiling Type


Oiling Method


Figure of Mechanism


I


a


Manual lubrication


Manually apply oil with oil filler or brush, usually every 8 hours.


Manual lubrication


b


Grip lubrication


Continuously dripping about 20 times every minute


Grip lubrication


II


Disk lubrication


Disk rotor binging oil from oil pan and splash onto sprocket and chain at the top


Disk lubrication


Oil bath lubrication


Casing works as oil pan where chain is dipped with oil at the bottom


Oil bath lubrication


III


Spray lubrication


Oil pump circulate and spray oil to chain in closed casing


Spray lubrication

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