SAF-HOLLAND uses the high-performance lubricant HOLLAND RECOLUBE BIOPOWER SKX 023 for its RECOLUBE lubricant pump. The biodegradable special long-term grease completes the system for automatic grease distribution on the fifth wheel top plate. The automatic lubrication process for fifth wheels facilitates maintenance and operation, lowers operating costs and is eco-friendly, thanks to the organic-quality lubricant. The product is available from the third quarter of 2024.
SAF-HOLLAND combines its fifth wheels with the RECOLUBE lubricant pump to automate the lubrication process. “For fleet operators, the use of our lubricant pump pays off quickly: The automation replaces manual lubrication while also dosing the grease economically and with precision, allowing commercial vehicles to be run more economically in the long term,” explains Claudio Bertini, Engineering Director EMEA Couplings and Fifth Wheels at SAF-HOLLAND. “With this newly developed special lubricant, we are going one step further: The biodegradable grease contains over 80 per cent renewable materials and is safe for humans and for the environment.”
Environmentally friendly, temperature and water resistant
RECOLUBE doses the grease precisely so that only the required lubricant quantity is used and no more excess oil or grease end up on the road. “The automatic and precise dosing of the high-performance grease with the lubricant pump lowers consumption, minimises the use of resources and protects the environment,” says Claudio Bertini, Engineering Director EMEA Couplings and Fifth Wheels at SAF-HOLLAND. For its low environmental impact, the lubricant was awarded the EU Ecolabel, an environmental scheme from the European Commission that is recognised in all EU member states. As it is easily biodegradable, the product can be used even in sensitive environmental areas with loss lubrication.
The special composition and viscosity make this lubricant highly versatile. In addition to fifth wheels, RECOLUBE BIOPOWER SKX 023 is also suitable for general vehicle lubrication and for industrial applications at low (down to −30 °C) and high (up to +110 °C) temperatures. The lubricant complies with DIN 51502:KPFPE 2 K-30 and ISO 6743-9: L-X-CCEB 2. It has good adhesive strength on metal surfaces and stands out on account of its excellent water resistance. It offers optimum corrosion protection even under intense water influence. The special lubricant is available in 400-g cartridges, 25-kg pails and 180-kg barrels.
How automatic grease distribution works
The permanently installed RECOLUBE system independently supplies fifth wheels with grease: The pump uses the integrated lubricant distributor to dispense the perfectly measured quantity of the HOLLAND RECOLUBE BIOPOWER SKX 023 high-performance lubricant, providing optimum care for the fifth wheel. Five independently working pump elements use high pressure to deliver the grease to the top plate, where lubrication grooves distribute it evenly.
Precisely adapted lubrication plan
RECOLUBE is connected to the central on-board computer through a standard interface: Based on the precisely adapted lubrication plan, the system regularly lubricates the fifth wheel top plate. The fill level of the lubricant is visible in the transparent supply tank at a glance. When the grease reservoir is empty, the RECOLUBE system sends an electronic signal to the display in the cockpit. The installed standard lubricating nipple makes refilling the reservoir quick and easy: A standard commercial grease press transports the special grease into the tank until the maximum fill level is reached. The system is then ready for use again immediately. The tank can hold the lubricant supply for about one year or approx. 100,000 kilometres.