21
IV MAINTENANCE
CHAIN LUBRICATION
For best life drive chains should be lubricated every 8 hours, following this schedule can
extend your chain life by as much as 7 times. The manufacturer’s recommendations
(Renold Power Transmission Ltd) for chain lubricant and application are as follows:
Lubricant should be a good quality non-detergent mineral oil (example 10W30). Heavy
oils and greases are NOT recommended as a lubricant. The following table provides a
guide for lubricant viscosity at various ambient temperatures:
Ambient Temperature
Lubricant Rating
Celsius
Fahrenheit
SAE
BS 4231
-5 to +5
23 to 41
20
46 to 68
5 to 40
41 to 104
30
100
40 to 50
104 to 122
40
150 to 220
For the majority of the above applications a multi-grade 20/50 oil would be acceptable.
Oil should be applied periodically (every 8 hours) with a brush or oil can. The goal is to
keep the chain wet with oil and ensure penetration of the oil into the chain joints.
Applying lubrication by aerosol is also acceptable, but it is important that the lubricant is
approved for use on roller chain.
