Prolube® products meets OECD 301 tests for biodegradability, the USDA content criteria for Biobased labels and is non-bioaccumulative, not toxic to plants, and aquatically non-toxic. Our biodegradable formula reduces damage to the environment. Note: the user of all ProLube® products is responsible for ensuring the use of these products meets the local laws and ordinances.

Our products are made from base rapeseed oils that offer 500% Higher Lubrication Quality than petroleum oils for increased safety and meet the highest requirements of enterprises - ISO 14001. Combined with extreme pressure additives to minimize friction, wear and offer extreme performance in all demanding applications. Check out the PERFORMANCE section.

Prolube® Multipurpose Lubricant & Penetrant is made from plant oils with improved safety to surrounding when applied. Designed for multiple applications, our two in one formulation reduces product inventory while providing superior lubricity for improved productivity. Cooler operating temperatures and less smoke allow higher operating speeds and safe for all metals. Prolube® Multipurpose Lubricant & Penetrant does not contain chlorine and has a Higher flash and fire point than petroleum oils for increased safety. Our penetration and lubrication product will help businesses in complying with ISO-14001. 

ProLube grease will mix with petroleum base greases of like soap base types (lithium with lithium).  However, to get the full benefit of a biobased product (reduced friction, lower operating temperatures, longer component life, etc.) all old grease would need to be removed. 

Grease shelf life is dependent more on storage conditions - temperature, humidity and whether or not the product has been opened. Grease, as a general rule, 2 years. If there is excessive oil separation, simply stir the grease well and the oil will be reabsorbed into the base soap. Oils also have a long shelf life, especially if unopened. Aerosols have an unlimited shelf life.

Prolube® Multipurpose Lubricant & Penetrant is safe on most surfaces including all metal and plastics.  It is recommended to check on a small inconspicuous location.

A. The correct grease to use for a specific application should be based on the appropriate viscosity and best lubricity offered within the limitations & requirements of:

• Dispensing capabilities / methods   
• Bearing capabilities   
• Performance features (hi-temp, EP/load carrying capability, etc.)   
• Product component (thickener, moly, synthetic)   
• Temperature requirements / limitations   
• Load bearing requirements   
• Presence of contaminants   
• Elastomer requirements (compatibility)   
• Shear stability   
• Water resistance   
• Oil separation   
• Cost   
• Lubrication intervals

Grease Terminology:

NLGI:  National Lubricating Grease Institute.  The organization responsible for setting standards and issuing licenses.

NLGI Grade:  This is the “consistency”, or “thickness” of the grease.  This is determined by dropping a cone from a specific height into a predetermined amount of grease to see how deep the cone penetrates (measured in tenths of millimeters) into the grease.  The grease is then rated from 000 (thinnest) to 6 (thickest).  Grade #2 is the most common grease (over 90% of all greases).  NLGI Grades include:

NLGI Rating:  Rating assigned after grease is submitted to the NLGI for licensing.  The “GC-LB” is the latest and highest auto industry approval rating for wheel bearings and chassis.  This is based on a life test of 80 hours.  

Viscosity:  The measurement of a fluids resistance to flow.  The ability to maintain consistency and avoid breakdown.

Lubricity:  The ability of an oil or grease to lubricate.  Also called “film strength”.

Shear Stability:  This is the ability of the grease to resist changes in consistency (hardness) during mechanical working.  “Extended Penetration” and “Roll Stability” measure the “Shear Stability”.  

Extended Penetration:  Most grease is measured at 10, 10,000 and 100,000 strokes.  At 10,000 strokes, good grease will stay within grade.  At 100,000 strokes, a 30 – 60 point change is common.  Most grease suppliers do not report results at 100,000.  Some do not report at 10,000.  

Roll Stability:  A rating of 5% to 8% equates to very stable.  Most “tacky” greases are not very stable.  

Drop Point:  This is the temperature at which the grease changes from a “semi-fluid” to “fluid” state.  The operating temperature is 80 to 100 degrees F below this “drop point”.  

Timken:  The “Timken OK Load” rating (in lbs.) is a test that “broadly” reveals the load carrying capability.  EP greases will typically have a Timken of 40 or higher.  A Timken of 50 or higher normally degrades grease and/or bearing life performance.  The Timken test has poor precision due to inconsistent levels of repeatability and reproducibility.

Four-Ball Weld Test:  This is a another test that reveals load carrying (EP) capability of a grease and is much more precise than the Timken test.  The test unit is loaded until the four-balls weld together.  The results indicate low, medium or high levels of load-carrying capability.  Premium greases have a rating of 250 or higher.  

Four-Ball Wear Test:  Similar to the Four Ball Weld Test but conducted at a lighter load to avoid welding, yet high enough load to "scar" the balls.  The resulting scar's diameter is then measured.  High quality greases yield a scar diameter of less than 0.60mm. 

Water Resistance:  There are two tests used, “Water Washout” and “Water Spray-Off”.  Most grease does not excel in both cases.  

Water Washout:  The bearings are tested in a shielded, but not sealed housing.  Good grease will have less than a 8% loss at 175 degrees F.  

Water Spray-Off:  The blasting effect measures cohesive strength.  Results of less than 30% are excellent.  

Oil Separation:  This test is designed to measure the predicted amount of bleed from a 35lb. pail stored at room temperature.  Premium products can be as high as 3%-5%.  Low bleed does not in itself, assure long bearing life.  “Controlled Bleed” is often necessary.                     

Cold Weather Mobility:  This determines the low temperature suitability.  Low temperature pumpability is most dependant on the base oil used, the additive package and thickener.  Typically, calcium complexes, sodium and barium are not good choices for good low temperature pumpability.  

Compatibility:  Determines whether a grease will be affected if mixed with another grease.  To be safe, the general rule of thumb is not to mix any greases with different additives or thickeners.  This could actually promote rusting, corrosion, lower operating temperatures or cause oil separation and leaking of grease/oil.       

Corrosion Protection:  The ability of grease to prevent deterioration of a metal surface.  Common test includes rust protection or salt fog.  Results are either pass or fail.

Yes, all Prolube® products can be used safely on plastic parts without damage to the plastic.

Prolube® products are safe to use on synthetic-type rubber – Nitrile, Vinyl Nitrile, Neoprene, PTFE, FEP, EPDM, Hypalon, Polyurethane, Buna-N, etc. However, Prolube® products should not be used on natural rubber. Prolube® products can cause excessive swelling on natural rubber products.

Use warm water and soap to clean up. For surfaces, a dishwashing soap that breaks down grease is best, and for laundry, a spot treatment works best.