Lubrication plays an important role in how a mechanical PTO handles the loads and operating conditions it encounters in the field. The right grease helps control friction and wear, manage operating temperatures, and provide proper protection for bearings and other internal components.
Grease selection is more than simply choosing a lubricant and adding it to the PTO. Grease consistency, operating temperature, bearing loads, and lubrication frequency all influence how effectively the lubricant performs. Using the correct grease in the proper amount—and at the recommended intervals—helps maintain bearing performance and supports the service life of your WPT Mechanical Power Take-Off.
What Grease Should You Use?
For normal operating conditions, WPT recommends NLGI #2, lithium-based grease with EP (Extreme Pressure) additives. This grease consistency provides a balance between staying in place and distributing through the bearing of a typical PTO. The EP additives help protect loaded components from excessive wear.
However, operating conditions can have a variance from one application to another. Ambient temperature and operating temperature can affect the bearing’s grease performance.
For WPT PTOs, the chart below provides lubrication recommendations for consistent, reliable performance across standard operating conditions.
General Service PTOs:
| Operating Conditions | Ambient Temperature <-25°F (-32°C) | Ambient Temperature -25°F (-32°C) to 90°F (32°C) AND Bearing Temperature <180°F (82°C) | Ambient Temperature >90°F (32°C) AND Bearing Temperature <180°F (82°C) |
| Grease Recommended | Lubriplate MAG-1 OR Equivalent | NLGI Grade 1 or 2 Lithium Complex EP Grease OR Lubriplate 1200-2 OR Equivalent | NLGI #2 Lithium Complex EP Grease |
*PTOs intended for intermittent operation and typical duty cycles found in mobile and stationary equipment applications.
Why Lithium Grease?
Lithium-based greases are commonly used in mechanical PTO applications because they provide a useful combination of mechanical stability, water resistance, temperature stability, and adhesion. These characteristics help the grease remain in place and maintain its lubricating properties as bearings experience varying loads, speeds, and temperatures during operation.
Why Is The Correct Amount Important?
An insufficient amount can accelerate wear, while too much grease can generate additional resistance, higher temperature, and lubricant leakage through the seals.
WPT specifies the quantities according to the PTO model and configuration in Table 9, page 42 of manual WIM-TD-000_U.
Why Is It Important To Follow The Lubrication Frequency?
More grease does not necessarily mean better lubrication. Insufficient grease can increase friction and wear, while too much grease can create additional resistance, raise operating temperature, and contribute to grease leakage past the seals. The goal is to provide enough lubricant to properly service the bearing without overfilling the bearing cavity.
WPT specifies the recommended grease quantity and the different intervals according to the component and operating hours. These recommendations can be found in Table 7, page 42 of manual WIM-TD-000_U.
Correct Lubricant + Correct Amount + Proper Frequency
To maintain the intended operating conditions of the bearings and other lubricated components, these three fundamental factors must work together to ensure proper lubrication, greater reliability, and a longer service life for your WPT PTO.
Contact us for more information on WPT PTO lubrication, help selecting the right PTO for your application, or a quote from one of our experts.
Written By: Claudio Arranz Araya, Latin America Sales Manager
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