When equipment starts to run hot, lag, or fail frequently, it is not uncommon for LH Travis customers to ask if it is time to replace or upgrade their lubrication system. Before receiving our assessment, many companies assume their current system is working fine until a costly failure proves otherwise, prompting them to contact us.
While it is tempting for the client to stick with “what’s been working,” professional automatic lubrication system specialists, like our team members, know that hidden inefficiencies and heat-related breakdowns often point to something far worse, prompting them to ask direct and pointed questions such as these:
Is There Inconsistent Lubrication Delivery?
If specific components are running hotter, wearing faster, or failing often, it is a sign that the automatic lubrication system is not distributing lubricant evenly or responding effectively to temperature changes. That does not always mean complete replacement. Often, upgrading lines or metering devices is the solution.
Do The Lubricants Match the Operating Temperatures?
Some lubricants are designed to withstand extreme heat, while others are not. If a system is using standard products in high-temperature zones, performance suffers. The result is increased friction, wear, and breakdowns. The solution could be as simple as switching to a higher-grade lubricant or, better yet, installing monitoring devices and adaptive dosing.
Are Unexpected Maintenance Costs Rising?
If maintenance crews are spending more time addressing lubrication-related issues, the system is likely falling behind. The cause may be aging pump units, degraded hoses, or a control system that no longer adjusts to changing conditions; in such cases, replacement is needed.
How Do You Know When to Replace or Upgrade?
The short version? You never guess; you inspect, evaluate, measure, and assess. What the pros do is rigorously test, log, and analyze data. Whether it involves thermal imaging, oil analysis, or data from smart sensors, they gather real-world data to determine whether the system needs a complete overhaul or just better calibration.
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.