Grease fittings 101

rking · Sep 29, 2015

I am spending the morning checking fluids on my 3400 tractor and lubricating the grease fittings. A number of the fittings on the front end loader will not accept any grease.

I saw there was a tool to "unplug" grease fittings and wondered if it was worth buying. (Or should I replace the fittings) Also, is there a "best" reasonable grease gun that is easy to load. Also looking for a tip on the grease gun that is a little shorter to reach fittings in awkward positions.

Any information is appreciated.

WayneB · Sep 29, 2015

The tool is essentially a oil pump to not only clean out the fitting, but allow grease to enter the cavity. Replace fittings. Sometimes cavities need heat to take grease.

Hobo,NC · Sep 29, 2015

(reply to post at 23:18:30 09/29/15)

http://locknlube.com/

If this tool want get'er done the fitting needs to come out. replaced and the hole cleaned out...

This is the grease gun I use it works great...

http://www.zoro.com/lincoln-air-gre...-HpxqqgEcUpnm-hBGhoC8srw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

showcrop · Sep 30, 2015

(reply to post at 10:18:30 09/29/15)

In addition to the good advice already given, a loader grease fitting will sometimes reject grease just because the surface where the grease is supposed to come out of the fitting is closed due to the weight of the loader or bucket on the pin.

rking · Sep 30, 2015

http://locknlube.com/

If this tool want get'er done the fitting needs to come out. replaced and the hole cleaned out...

This is the grease gun I use it works great...

http://www.zoro.com/lincoln-air-gre...-HpxqqgEcUpnm-hBGhoC8srw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds[/quote]

I appreciate the information about the "locknlube" as well as the information about the grease gun. I will see if replacing the fitting helps and if not, what do you clean out the old grease with?

gears · Oct 1, 2015

I prefer the "pistol grip" pump guns versus a lever as I only have 2 hands and one is holding the tip of the hose on the fitting and the other is holding the gun.

For cleaning I remove the fitting and if its goopy I just put new grease on top, dry & crusty I'll scrape what I can get out with a small screwdriver or pick and then let it soak with a penetrating oil to soften up what's in there before re-greasing. A little heat will help soften up decades of neglected lithium soap (the carrier for most greases).

rking · Oct 2, 2015

Thanks for the information. I thought I was the only person that had "trouble" managing holding the tip on the grease fitting and pressing the lever of the grease gun

Now I realize that I have "options " in grease guns, I will be more selective. I do like what Hobo,NC suggested for the tip-the LockNLube. I had grease everywhere when I was working on the tractor the other day. You guys have such a wealth of information and I appreciate you taking the time to share with us newbies.

Sean in PA · Oct 3, 2015

(quoted from post at 09:41:24 10/01/15) I prefer the "pistol grip" pump guns versus a lever as I only have 2 hands and one is holding the tip of the hose on the fitting and the other is holding the gun.

A good grease gun tip will stay in place once you put it on the fitting and you can pump with two hands just fine. I actually ordered one of those LockNLube tips yesterday after Hobo posted that link. I have a good gun and the tip goes on and stays on fittings just fine, but sometimes it's a little stubborn coming back off and that LockNlube looks like the answer to that issue.

Hobo,NC · Oct 3, 2015

Drill, small screwdriver etc, what ever you can come up with...

gears · Oct 3, 2015

Sean, I use the short hose so I can snake around suspension components (obviously not a dedicated tractor grease gun); while they will lock on once the grease is flowing in, if the fitting is plugged or before those little jaws in the coupler connect, I've made a bigger mess than I've wanted when grease was pumping all over the upper control arm rather than into the balljoint.

Going to go checkout Hobo's recommendation on my next tool shopping spree.

rking · Oct 25, 2015

http://locknlube.com/

If this tool want get'er done the fitting needs to come out. replaced and the hole cleaned out...

This is the grease gun I use it works great...

http://www.zoro.com/lincoln-air-gre...-HpxqqgEcUpnm-hBGhoC8srw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds[/quote]

Thank you Hobo, NC for the advise on equipment for grease lubrication. I got the lock N lube and a Lincoln grease gun and had a "fun" time successfully greasing my tractor this afternoon. Saw the posts on adding antifreeze to the radiator and that will be next on my list. I had no idea there was supplemental coolant additives. You guys are providing a very helpful service and I learn something every time I read the discussion board!

Grease fittings 101

rking

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WayneB

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Hobo,NC

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showcrop

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rking

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gears

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rking

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Sean in PA

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Hobo,NC

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gears

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rking

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