SKF
Crane Lubrication
SKF crane lubrication solutions address the specific needs of overhead, gantry, and harbour cranes, which have a mix of slow-moving, highly loaded bearings, open gears, wire ropes, and wheel flanges. The primary focus is automatic lubrication of the crane’s wheel bearings, slew bearing, and the wheel flange/gauge face. SKF provides systems that apply a precisely metered film of grease or oil to the wheel flange, dramatically reducing wear between the wheel and rail and eliminating the need for manual greasing in high-up, dangerous locations. Systems can be fully integrated with the crane’s movement, lubricating based on distance travelled. This ensures consistent protection, reduces crane downtime for maintenance, extends wheel and rail life, and significantly improves safety by removing maintenance personnel from heights and live crane bays.
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Wheel Flange and Rail Lubrication
Precision application reduces wear, noise, and energy consumption.
Automated Distance-Based Dosing
Lubricates based on actual crane travel distance, not time.
Slew Bearing and Open Gear Systems
Keeps critical large bearings and slow gears protected.
Remote Reservoir Options
Lubricant refill from a safe, ground-accessible location.
Explosion-Proof Configurations
Available for hazardous area cranes.
Safety Improvement
Eliminates manual high-level lubrication tasks in operational crane zones.
How Wheel Flange Lubrication Extends Crane Rail Life
Metal-to-metal contact between the crane wheel flange and rail causes rapid wear, rail profile degradation, and increased energy consumption due to friction. SKF’s automatic flange lubrication applies a controlled grease film to the gauge face of the rail, reducing friction and wear by over 70%, preserving rail profile and avoiding costly rail replacement and crane realignment.
Integrating Crane Lube with Control Systems
SKF crane lubrication systems interface with the crane’s variable speed drives or PLC. The lubrication cycle is triggered by a signal from an encoder on the long-travel or cross-travel drive, ensuring lubricant is dispensed proportionally to actual movement. Remote monitoring alerts the CMMS if the reservoir level is low or a blockage is detected.