1989 - Volume #13, Issue #1, Page #35
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On The Go Automatic Grease Lubing System
If you've ever forgotten to grease your truck or combine, overlooked some zerks, or cussed at the hard-to-find, hard-to-get-at grease points, you'll be interested in a new automatic greasing system recently introduced by IBG, Inc., Indianapolis, IndThe Romatic electronic "timed release" lubrication system pumps grease into bearings while the vehicle is moving and the bearings are turning which the company says assures a thorough greasing. You can set the cycle to pump grease at intervals ranging from 1 min. to 5 hrs. Each bearing receives a pre-set amount of grease which can be adjusted as needed to fit the application.
IBG, the North American distributor, imports the Romatic system from England and is currently building a distributor network. "The system has been used in Europe for more than 12 years on everything from combines to Caterpillars to trucks, buses and construction equipment," says Joe Murray, president. "About 60% of overthe-road trucks in Europe are equipped with automatic lubrication systems. They're widely used on combines and other farm machinery.
"In the U.S., Indian River Transport, which operates semi tractors throughout North America, has field tested the system successfully for three years. It's now a standard addition to all their new semi tractors."
According to Murray, the big benefit of the system is reduced maintenance costs and longer component life because of regular greasing. "It's not that difficult to grease trucks and tractors with a grease gun but it's not always done in a timely way," says Murray. "Sometimes points get overlooked. Dust and dirt can enter the zerk nipples. Then there are the hard-to-find, hard-toget-at areas."
The system consists of a grease reservoir and pump, air or electric power source, solenoid, pressure switch, grease distributor network, and timer. The timer controls the solenoid valve which allows pressure to flow to the pump. The pump forces grease through the primary pipe-lines to distributors, which meter grease to each bearing or surface. A pressure switch monitors grease pressure at all times.
The "timer" operates when the vehicle is switched "on" and has a memory that enables the unit to remember its position in the timing cycle when switched "off' or even disconnected for short times. This applies no matter how many times the vehicle stops or starts. A manual over-ride button allows the system to be operated at any time. A motion sensor is built into the system to assure that grease won't be cycled when the engine is running but the vehicle isn't moving.
Any number of greasing points can be programmed into the Romatic system. Price depends on the number of points and the difficulty of installation. A 24-grease point system costs about $2,000, not including air compressor.
For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, IBG, Inc., 6512 Evanston Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. 46220 (ph 800 541-8901).
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