Unique centralized lube system for Ulrich Attachments

Ulrich partner with Lubemec to devise central lubrication system for wheel loader attachments

ULRICH Attachments Ltd, manufacturers of bespoke attachments for mobile plant machinery, have partnered with total lubrications systems and solutions providers Lubemec to include a single-point grease system that will further improve the capabilities of their High-Tip Bucket; an enabling attachment designed to further the capabilities of the majority of wheel loaders.

Considering the effective and well-maintained lubrication of working attachments to be a critical factor in prolonging equipment usability, Ulrich have joined forces with the SKF lubrication distributor, whose services cover the entire country, to devise a specific lubricating system capable of connecting the bucket’s multiple grease points to one, central location at the back of the attachment.

The system’s design, which was initially discussed at the recent Hillhead exhibition, requires the installation of a set of protectively covered grease pipes, which run from individual nipple points to the central block. The system means the vehicle’s driver need only grease a single point on the block to safely and successfully distribute grease periodically to each vital point across the attachment.

The progressive block not only ensures all points are receiving lubrication, but also features a visual aid, designed to notify the operator of blockages and help avoid any consequential damage.

Explaining the company’s decision to develop the lubricating system, Ulrich’s sales manager, Jason Periam, said: ‘Relevant experience has taught us that while many plant vehicles have automatic grease systems installed, the attachments fitted often get overlooked.

‘Effectively maintaining the function of hard-working attachments, using correctly applied lubricants, is essential to prolonging equipment life and performance, and simultaneously improves operation safety levels, as operators needn’t physically access the bucket to apply lubrication.

‘We felt that by devising a system, in partnership with Lubemec, that could be fitted to one of our best-selling attachments, the High-Tip Bucket, it would make the whole lubrication process more feasible. After all, if a task is easier to do, it’s more likely to get done.

‘Furthermore, if the connecting loader already features a Lubemec autogrease system, the new Ulrich system can effectively be linked to it, for ease and additional efficiency. In essence, the system makes the attachment lubrication process simpler and, critically, safer for the operator. It saves time and can also prove more economical,’ said Mr Periam.

Graham Imms, regional sales engineer at Lubemec, added: ‘I’ve been in the construction industry for 24 years, during which time I have seen Ulrich establish themselves as the UK market leader for wheel loader attachments.

‘Following a conversation at this year’s Hillhead, Ulrich asked if we would supply centralized lubrication systems for their Ulrich range of High-Tip and clamp buckets. The system we’ve designed is unique to Ulrich, and we are delighted to be involved with such an innovative company.’

Ulrich plan to include the lubricating mechanism as standard within their High-Tip Buckets by 2019.