Mining lubricant decision tree

Question	If yes	Next evidence
Is the OEM lubricant specification available?	Start with the stated viscosity and performance category	Confirm climate range, component and approved alternatives
Does the component face high dust or water ingress?	Strengthen contamination controls and check fluid or grease resistance	Inspect seals, breathers, filtration and storage
Is operating temperature outside the normal range?	Investigate the cause and assess viscosity at operating temperature	Use oil analysis, temperature data and OEM limits
Are shock load and slow speed dominant?	Assess base oil viscosity and load carrying properties	Confirm grease consistency, application and compatibility
Is an extended drain interval proposed?	Use condition monitoring before extending	Trend viscosity, contamination, oxidation and wear indicators

Step 1, identify the exact component

Do not select a product for the machine name alone. One excavator may require engine oil, hydraulic oil, swing drive oil, final drive oil, coolant and several greases. Each compartment has a different function and specification. Record the make, model, serial range, component, fill volume and manual reference.

Step 2, confirm viscosity and performance specification

Viscosity determines the oil film at start up and operating temperature. Too low can reduce film strength. Too high can increase drag, slow circulation and create poor cold start behaviour. Match the required SAE or ISO viscosity grade and the stated performance category. For gear systems, determine whether the equipment needs an automotive gear oil, industrial gear oil, transmission fluid or another specialised fluid.

Step 3, assess Nigerian operating conditions

Step 4, select grease by more than colour

Grease colour does not define suitability. Compare the thickener, NLGI grade, base oil viscosity, temperature range, water resistance, load carrying performance, pumpability and compatibility. Centralised systems may need different pumpability from manual greasing. Pins and bushes may need a different product from high speed electric motor bearings.

Step 5, control compatibility during changeover

• Confirm oil and grease compatibility before mixing products.
• Drain, clean or purge according to the component and supplier guidance.
• Label every dispensing container and application tool.
• Record the change date, product, quantity and equipment hours.
• Inspect filters and sample the oil after a controlled change.

Step 6, set the interval from evidence

Start with the OEM service interval. Adjust only when operating data supports it. Oil analysis, filter inspection, temperature, contamination, top up volume, component condition and maintenance history can help determine whether the interval remains suitable. Extending an interval without condition monitoring transfers risk to the equipment.

Mining lubricant selection checklist

Evidence	Record	Why it matters
Equipment and component	Make, model, serial range and compartment	Prevents one product being applied to the wrong system
OEM requirement	Viscosity, performance class and approvals	Defines the technical baseline
Operating condition	Temperature, load, dust, water and duty cycle	Tests whether the baseline is adequate
Current lubricant	Product, hours, consumption and issues	Supports compatibility and changeover planning
Maintenance control	Storage, filtration, sampling and greasing method	Protects the selected product in service
Supply requirement	Pack size, monthly consumption and site	Supports stock planning and quotation

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing by brand name without checking specification.
• Using one grease because it is available, not because it fits every point.
• Mixing grease without checking thickener compatibility.
• Transferring clean oil through dirty funnels or open buckets.
• Adding a thicker oil to solve overheating without diagnosing the cause.
• Changing several variables at once and losing the ability to identify the result.

What information should be on a mine lubricant register?

Include asset, component, lubricant, specification, fill volume, point quantity, method, interval, storage code and sampling requirement.

Can oil analysis select a lubricant by itself?

No. It helps monitor condition and contamination. Selection still requires the equipment specification, operating condition and product data.

For commercial supply, visit Mining Lubricants Supplier in Nigeria. For a component matrix, read Lubricants and Grease for Nigerian Mining Companies.