Automatic Lubrication Systems

A prominent South African industrial group, working under contract at a Zambian gold mine, secured 45 Lincoln P203 8 KG progressive systems from SKF for leading brand mobile machines to ensure reliable performance for their end‑user customer.

SKF’s progressive systems automatically dispense consistent, metered amounts of grease to critical machinery points while equipment is in operation. The versatile P203 system features a centralised electric or hydraulic pump with an integrated motor, stirring paddle and control board that logs performance and cycles. 

Expectations met

The customer, who has maintained a longstanding partnership with SKF, reached out to the bearing and rotating specialist in February this year for the supply and fitment of the Lincoln lubrication systems. The SKF lubrication systems team successfully met the customer’s very tight deadline, completing installation of the first 20 Lincoln lubrication systems on various mobile machines in June – within just ten days. 

The customer has already reported improved reliability on these machines’ pins and bushes. The SKF team is scheduled to complete installation of the remaining 25 systems on mobile machines in September and October 2026. 

Metering blocks

Drawing lubricant from a reservoir, the pump delivers it to primary and secondary progressive metering blocks, where precisely sized pistons push exact amounts of grease to individual friction points, bearing pins or bushings. 

Engineered to withstand high back pressure, extreme temperatures and heavy vibration typical of mining environments, these highly scalable Lincoln systems can easily handle a few points on small machines such as skid steers to over 150 locations on larger mining or processing machines and equipment. 

Lasting value

By ensuring mobile machines remain continuously lubricated, the Lincoln systems deliver measurable gains for the Zambian gold mine by ensuring that the end‑user enjoys reduced downtime, longer component life and safer maintenance practices. 

“The investment in Lincoln P203 technology not only strengthens operational reliability but also delivers lasting value across productivity, cost efficiency and worker safety,” comments Andres Vera, Country Manager for SKF South Africa.

Breadth of advantages

SKF Regional Manager: KZN & Eastern Cape, Kevin Mills, notes that the breadth of advantages offered by the progressive lubrication systems have earned them global standard status with two premium mobile machine brands, firmly positioning them as the solution of choice. He further elaborates on the systems’ benefits: “The fact that machines and equipment (eg, dump trucks, excavators, wheel loaders, crushers, etc.) no longer need to be manually shut down for daily greasing boosts uptime and keeps production on track. 

“Moreover, by accurately delivering precise amounts of lubricant to the correct points, these systems extend component life and minimise product wastage, lowering lubricant and maintenance costs while contributing to more sustainable resource use. 

Protective seal

“Continuous lubrication during bearing rotation further extends component life by forming a protective seal that prevents the ingress of dirt and dust, effectively mitigating contamination and wear. Importantly, by providing automatic lubrication, the Lincoln systems also enhance safety, sparing maintenance personnel from having to climb on top of or crawl underneath heavy machinery and equipment to reach hard‑to‑access grease points.” 

Kevin adds that, in addition to the inherent safety risks, manual lubrication demands significant time and resources, making it an inefficient practice for modern mining operations.

Training

Andres highlights that SKF provided the customer with training on the correct operation of the Lincoln lubrication units, enabling valuable knowledge transfer to the end‑user for optimised system performance and long-term reliability. 

“The Lincoln progressive lubrication systems were designed and installed in South Africa and our local teams from SKF Zambia, in collaboration with our local Authorised Distributor, Donation Africa Division, is providing the end‑user with comprehensive aftermarket support covering lubrication system maintenance, repairs and parts supply.”