Frequently asked questions
Questions we hear most often about centralised lubrication — what it is, how to choose between architectures, and what it takes to get a system running on your machine. For fault finding on a system already installed, see our troubleshooting & maintenance guide instead.
Getting started
The basics
What is a centralised lubrication system?
A pump-and-distributor system that delivers oil or grease to every lubrication point on a machine automatically and on a schedule, instead of a person working around the machine with a grease gun or oil can. It reduces friction and running temperature at each point, and helps prevent corrosion.
What does a system consist of?
Four parts: a pump that provides the lubricant and the pressure to move it; one or more distributors that split the flow into a metered dose for each point; the pipe assembly connecting them; and, on an automatic system, a control system — the pump's own timer or the host machine's PLC, plus a pressure switch and level switch to monitor it.
What are the benefits over greasing by hand?
A consistent, metered dose to every point on schedule, rather than points that get missed, over-greased, or reached only when someone remembers. That means less bearing wear from under-lubrication, less wasted lubricant and mess from over-lubrication, and less unplanned downtime spent chasing a point that has already run dry.
Selecting an architecture
Choosing a system
What's the difference between resist, volumetric and progressive systems?
They're matched to lubrication point count and working pressure. Resist-type systems meter by flow resistance and suit light machinery under about 20 points, at 0.2–1.5 MPa. Volumetric systems meter a fixed dose per piston stroke and suit up to about 300 points at 1.2–8.0 MPa — machine tools, textile machinery, plastics, elevators. Progressive systems feed their outlets in strict sequence and suit 1–200 points at 8–30 MPa, grease only — construction and engineering machinery, and heavy-duty bearings generally.
Can one system run on both oil and grease?
Not usually the same one — oil and grease need different pumps and distributors. Motor-driven gear pumps such as our TZ and HL types handle oil; piston pumps such as ZJ, ZD and GM handle grease. Tell us which lubricant your machine's manual specifies and we'll size the pump and distributor to it.
How many lubrication points can one system feed?
It depends on the architecture — from a handful on a resist-type system to around 300 on a volumetric system. Our distributors split flow 2, 3, 4 or 5 ways, and can be linked in banks to cover more points.
How do I choose the right pump and distributor for my machine?
Tell us the machine, the lubricant it uses (or its manufacturer's specification), and the number of lubrication points, and we'll come back with a pump and distributor combination. Send us an enquiry to get started.
| Architecture | Working pressure | Typical points | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resist type | 0.2 – 1.5 MPa | Under ~20 | Light machinery — printing, packaging, small tools |
| Volumetric | 1.2 – 8.0 MPa | Under ~300 | Machine tools, textile machinery, plastics, elevators |
| Progressive | 8 – 30 MPa | 1 – 200 (grease only) | Construction & engineering machinery, heavy-duty bearings |
Full write-up with sector-by-sector detail on our applications page.
Specifying a system
Lubricant, power & control
What grease grade should I use?
It depends on the pump and the machine manufacturer's specification, but our grease-handling pumps generally run NLGI 000# to 2#. Confirm the grade against the pump's manual — a grease that's too stiff for a given pump won't feed reliably, especially in cold conditions.
What supply voltages are your pumps available in?
12 V and 24 V DC, 110 V and 220 V AC, and 415 V three-phase, depending on the model — see individual product pages for the options on a given pump.
Can the system be controlled by our machine's own PLC?
Yes. Our pumps can run from their own built-in timer or controller, or be wired to the host machine's PLC so lubrication cycles are tied to actual running time rather than the clock.
Does pipe length affect how much lubricant reaches each point?
On a volumetric system, no — the distributor meters a fixed volume per piston stroke, so the dose at each point is set by the distributor rather than by how far it sits from the pump.
Fitting a system
Installation & monitoring
Can a lubrication system be retrofitted to an existing machine?
Yes. A retrofit is a pump with its reservoir, distributors, tubing and delivery nozzles, sized to the machine's existing lubrication points. It can run on its own timer, or be wired into the machine's controller so it only cycles while the machine is running.
What monitoring and alarms are available?
Pressure switches and level switches or indicators, so a blocked line or a low reservoir raises a fault instead of a point quietly running dry. See our accessories range for the switches, gauges and indicators we supply.
Getting a system
Ordering & documentation
What information do you need to quote?
The model or type of machine, the quantity of pumps or distributors required, and the application. We'll reply with pricing, lead time and your nearest distributor.
Where do I find installation and maintenance manuals?
Every product page links to its manual, and the full set — 13 manuals covering pumps, distributors and accessories — is on our downloads page.
What if my system develops a fault?
Most faults come down to one of a few causes — air in the pump chamber, a blocked distributor outlet, or a worn seal — and are quick to localise if you check the pump, then the distributor, then the sensors, in that order. Our troubleshooting & maintenance guide walks through the checks, the two most common failure modes, and a routine maintenance schedule.
Question not answered here?
Tell us the machine, the lubricant and the number of lube points, and we'll come back with the right pump and distributor combination.