Applied during the manufacturing process, lubricants improve the wire ropes’ ability to move, twist, and bend, reducing friction and premature breakages. The suitable lubricant and the proper application can significantly extend the wire rope’s life, and although lubricant is applied during manufacturing, reapplication is required throughout the rope’s service life.
The wire rope’s operational life may be reduced without regular lubrication applications. If the incorrect lubricant is applied, the rope’s performance may be affected. Here at Viper WRL, we specialise in creating products to suit a range of wire rope types for their many uses. Choosing the right product for your crane wire rope will ensure ultimate protection from corrosion, wear, and rust so your wire rope can stand the test of time.
So, how do you choose the right grease for your wire rope? And what are the benefits of performing regular relubrication? Read on to find out.
Tips to consider when choosing crane wire rope grease
1. Lubricant type
There are two types of wire rope lubricant – penetrating and coating. Penetrating lubricants can work themselves into the core of the wire rope, coating each wire and strand of the rope. Penetrating lubricants are used for various applications, including ship hoist luffing ropes, mobile cranes, and cable sheaves.
Coating lubricants penetrate slightly to seal the exterior of the cable from moisture, reduce wear and protect from corrosion against external forces. Coating greases are also used for cranes, anchors, tugboats, tow wires and hoists. The best lubricant for your wire ropes will depend on several factors, most of which have to do with the weather conditions and the applications of your rope.
Check out our blog on lubricants for specific applications for more information.
2. brand
While there is a range of lubricants out there, not all of them will provide the protection your rope needs. A typical oil will not do, nor will a brand that doesn’t make lubricants specific for wire rope applications. Check out our list of approved lubricants here, or discover what makes a good wire rope lubricant.
3. environment and operation requirements
One of the main purposes of lubricant is to protect the wire rope from the impact of its environment. This can include dust, salt water, heat, and extreme conditions. Ensuring your selected lubricant will achieve the correct amount of penetration for your crane wire rope is one thing, but ensuring it can withstand the conditions of your site is another.
Our VCG coating grease, for example, is red to make it easily visible during service, will not wash off in high wash applications and can perform well in a broad temperature range. Consider how your crane will be used daily to determine which lubricant is best.
4. application
Choosing the right lubricant is a huge puzzle, and applying it correctly is another. Lubricating your wire ropes by hand is ineffective, messy, time-consuming, and dangerous. Using the right tools, such as Viper’s MKII lubricators, will ensure your lubricant is correctly applied to cover the rope.
Additionally, less manpower is needed with single-handed set-up and operation, freeing your crew to keep the worksite running while the wire rope lubricator does its job.
Crane wire rope lubrication benefits
- Friction resistance – while in motion, the wire rope and cables are under constant pressure, resulting in excessive friction between the wires and strands. This can result in increased internal wear and fatigue.
- A longer service life – friction, surface and internal rust, build-up of contaminants and core corrosion are just some of the issues that can occur without regular relubrication. However, proper lubrication can extend the service life of your rope by up to 300%.
- Corrosion prevention – wire rope cables are made from steel materials with a steel or fibre core. Wire rope lubricants protect the outside surfaces and internal wires from corrosion due to constant exposure to the elements. This is even more important in worksites that experience extreme weather conditions or exposure to salt water.
There are many different lubricants, along with methods and beliefs around their application. Choosing the right grease for your application, applying it properly, and maintaining your wire ropes is the only way to ensure you get the most from your investment.
Read on to discover the factors to consider when choosing grease for your crane wire ropes and how to ensure you maintain your ropes properly.
Additional tips for crane wire rope care
Wire ropes are some of the hardest working equipment on the worksite, particularly in crane applications. Additionally, they are not a cheap investment. Therefore, you will want to make sure their use is supported by proper care and maintenance to ensure you can get the longest working life possible from your ropes.
Wire ropes comprise three main components: the core, strands and wires, and all parts work together to provide the strength and durability needed for crane application. Most wire ropes fail from the inside out. However, there are some external failure symptoms, such as wire fraying and snapping and a reduced rope diameter.
Like any hard-working machine, regular maintenance and care are key. Some of the best ways to extend the life of your wire rope include:
- Lubricate regularly with the right lubricant for your application and environment
- Conduct regular visual inspections during service and periods of storage
- Store the wire ropes correctly when not in use, away from moisture and heat
- Clean the wire rope thoroughly before lubrication
- Ensure the lubricant can penetrate fully by using the Viper lubricator range with the right-sized applicator for your rope
Contact our crew to refine your wire rope maintenance routine, or browse our range today to bring quality, safety, and efficiency to your worksite.
