When considering buying or upgrading your automatic lubrication system, our LH Travis team understands you may have many questions. To help you, we’ve put together this helpful guide that walks you through the main steps when selecting your system.

System Design & Selection

Step One. You must first determine your lubrication points and environment. How many fittings? What intervals? What workload or conditions (e.g., extreme heat, wash-down zones, vibration)? Matching the right system type, single-line, dual-line, progressive, or otherwise, is critical. 

According to industry summaries, 60-70% of machine failures are linked to improper lubrication. 

So, look for systems that allow monitoring, provide clear pressure/flow feedback, and have flexibility for future expansion.

Component and Compatibility Quality

Step Two. Not all ALS are built alike or for all conditions. A purchase based solely on price often results in hidden costs from downtime, component failure, and compatibility issues. You need to check:

  1. Are components serviceable, replaceable, and supported by the vendor?
  2. Does the system support your lubricant grade (grease vs. oil, NLGI grade, etc.)?
  3. Are the pumps, metering valves, and tubing rated for your temperatures, contaminants, and cycle rates?

Focused Monitoring 

Step Three. An effective automatic lubrication system doesn’t just sit there; it gets watched. There are “benchmark ways” that push the equipment from good to high performing. Skipping the focused monitoring only results in returning to reactive maintenance. An informed buyer requires this:

  • Reservoir & pump placement for easy access, filling, and inspection.
  • Accessible tube routing, protected from damage, wash-down, or abrasion.
  • Clear monitoring of pressure switches, level indicators, digital alerts, or remote capabilities.

The Cost of Investment

Step Four. When building your business case for fewer breakdowns, less labor, and longer asset life, the upfront cost and long-term benefits must be considered equally. That also includes spare parts, training, and vendor responsiveness. Questions to ask yourself:

  • How many manual lubrication labor hours will the system eliminate?
  • How much downtime or component replacement will it prevent?
  • How much lubricant waste or over-lubrication can it avoid?

At LH Travis, we help companies across the Southeast, Central Florida, and Winter Haven find more effective ways to lubricate their equipment and improve reliability. Whether you are ready to upgrade your system or have questions, we would love to talk. Please stop by our location or call us today; we are here to help.