Note: The maintenance procedures detailed here are manufacturer’s instructions for the WINSMITH brand of gear reducer that
is installed on the rack conveyors covered in this manual.
Lubrication & Maintenance:
Factory filling - WINSMITH speed reducers are oil filled at the factory to the proper level for the standard mounting position that you
will find it in on the unit. The oil level should be checked and adjusted (if necessary) prior to operation, using the oil level plug provided
and while the unit is oriented in its operating position.
Ambient temperature - If the operating ambient temperature is other than 51 - 95°F, then refer to the lubrication chart and refill the unit
with the correct grade based on actual ambient temperature and operating speed. See “Oil changing” below for additional information.
Oil changing - When changing the oil for any reason, it should be remembered that oils of various types may not be compatible.
Therefore, when changing to a different oil, it is recommended that the housing be completely drained and thoroughly flushed with a
light flushing oil prior to refilling with the appropriate lubricant. The oil level should be rechecked after a short period of operation and
adjusted, if necessary. When changing double reduction models, each housing should be drained and filled independently, even though
there may be a common level.
Initial oil change: The new oil in a speed reducer should be changed at the end of 250 hours of operation. This is equivalent
to 30 days of peration for 8 hours per day; 15 days of operation for 16 hours per day, or 10 days of operation for 24 hours per day.
Subsequent oil changes: Under normal conditions, after the initial oil change, the oil should be changed after every 2500
hours of operation, or every 6 months, whichever occurs first. Under severe conditions (rapid temperature changes, moist, dirty or cor-
rosive environment) it may be necessary to mchange oil at intervals of one to three months. Periodic examination of oil samples taken
from the unit will help establish the appropriate interval.
Synthetic oils: Synthetic lubricants can be advantageous over mineral oils in that they generally are more stable, have a much
longer life, and operate over a wider temperature range. These oils are appropriate for any application but are especially useful when
units are subjected to low start-up temperatures or high operating temperatures. However, continuous operation above 225°F may cause
damage to seals or other components. It is recommended that the initial oil be changed or filtered after the first 1500 hours of operation
to remove metal particles that accumulate during break-in. Subsequent oil changes should be made after 5000 hours operation if units
are operating in a clean environment. This can be extended to 10,000 hours if using new reformulated Mobil SHC lubricants (orange in
color) and the lubricant remains free of contamination over this period. See comments under “Subsequent oil changes” for discussion
of severe ambient conditions.
Long term storage or infrequent operation: If a speed reducer is to stand idle for an extended period of time, either prior to
installation or during use, it is recommended that the unit be filled completely with oil to protect interior parts from rust and corrosion due
to internal condensation. Be sure to drain the oil to the proper level before placing the speed reducer in service.
Grease fittings: Some units are equipped with grease fittings to lubricate bearings not adequately lubricated by the oil splash.
These fittings must be lubricated every 3 - 6 months depending on operating conditions. bearing greases must be compatible with the
type of gear lubricant being used (i.e. mineral, synthetic, food grade, etc.). For mineral oils, use a high quality lithium base NLGOI #2
bearing grease. For synthetic oils, use a synthetic bearing grease such as Mobil Synthetic Universal gease, Mobilith SHC 100 or a
sutable equivalent. For food grade lubricants, use Chevron FM grease, NGLI 2, or equivalent.
Low input speeds (under 1600 RPM): When input speeds are less than 1600 RPM, grease fittings will be required to lubri-
cate any bearings not partially covered by the normal oil level.
Oil temperature: Speed reducers in normal operation can generate temperatures up to 200°F depending on the type of reduc-
er and the severity of the application 9loading, duration of service, ambient temperatures). Excessive oil temperatures may be the result
of several factors including overloading, overfilling, underfilling or inadequate cooling.
Nominal Ratio
Size 5 7.5 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 60 80 100
920 0.347 0.263 0.225 0.216 0.202 0.191 0.215 0.200 0.188 0.182 0.164 0.161
Lubricant selections are provided by the lubricant manufacturer based on AGMA recommeded viscosity grades. Viscosity grades are
based on Lubrication Standard ANSI/AGMA 9005-D94.
AJ-64 Conveyor Series Technical Manual 7610-003-30-93
Issued: 05-02-2006 Revised: N/A
SECTION 3: PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
48
DRIVE MOTOR GEAR REDUCER PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE