The 120 lb grease drum is the 16 US gal steel format paired with pneumatic and electric drum pumps. It covers the drum body and lid, the 2-3/8 inch pump opening, and the pump tube, follower plate, and hose fit. Higher-volume buyers belong on the 180 kg grease drum page; for the plate itself, see the follower plate page.
Drum Format and Dimensions
This open-head drum holds 16 US gal, or 120 lb of grease. The body is 20-gauge cold-rolled steel, wall near 0.036″ (0.91 mm). Outside diameter is 14 9/16″ – 15″ (370 – 381 mm); height 26 5/8″ – 27 1/4″; empty weight 9 – 17 lb (4.1 – 7.7 kg). Interior: bare steel, epoxy-lined, or galvanized.
The 2-3/8 Inch Pump Opening
The lid’s center pump opening has a 2-3/8″ inner diameter, the standard port for this format. The pump tube passes through it; the inlet fitting seats on it. Hardware from major pump manufacturers is built around this port.
Pump Ratio and Grease Grade
Pumps for this format come in 50:1, 65:1, and 100:1 ratios; 50:1 is the routine choice for NLGI 1 and 2 grease in a warm shop. Air supply should sit at 60 – 120 psi (4.1 – 8.3 bar). A 50:1 pump on 150 psi air delivers up to 7,500 psi (517 bar), with flow of roughly 0.5 – 2.5 oz per stroke.
| NLGI grade | Worked penetration (0.1 mm units) | Typical starting pump ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 000 | 445 – 475 | 50:1 |
| 0 | 355 – 385 | 50:1 |
| 1 | 310 – 340 | 50:1 |
| 2 | 265 – 295 | 50:1 above 15°C; 65:1 or 100:1 below 10°C |
| 3 | 220 – 250 | 100:1 or drum heating |
Pump Tube and Follower Plate Fit
The pump tube runs 26″ – 28″. Set the tube inlet 1″ – 2″ above the bottom: deeper pulls settled sediment, shallower leaves grease behind. Follower plates run 13.5″ – 14.25″ in outside diameter and must match the measured drum inside diameter; a gap admits air and the pump cavitates.
Hose and Outlet Connections
Hose downstream of the pump works at least 7,500 psi, in 3/16″ or 1/4″ inside diameter; outlet and gun inlet threads are 1/8″ or 1/4″ NPT. Keep a 3/16″ hose bend radius at 6″ – 8″ to avoid early hose failure.
Assembly Notes
Before pressurizing, seat the follower plate wiper seal against the full wall circumference, close a bolt ring to 30 – 40 ft-lb, and confirm the vent plug is closed.
What Is Supplied
Supply scope is the drum itself: a 20-gauge cold-rolled steel body in bare, epoxy-lined, or galvanized interior, an open-head lid with a lever-lock ring or bolt ring closure, and the 2-3/8″ center pump opening. Pump, tube, follower plate, hose, and gun are separate items.
Honest Limits of This Drum Format
- The drum is a container, not a pump; dispensing needs a separate pump, plate, and hose set.
- Cold limits pumpability: below 10°C, NLGI 2 usually needs 65:1 or 100:1 or drum heating; below 5°C even NLGI 1 resists.
- No transport certification is stated here; confirm transport certification requirements for your route before ordering.
Unsure whether this format fits your pump set? Contact us to confirm drum and pump compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 120 lb drum big enough for my operation?
Capacity is 16 US gal, or 54.5 kg at 0.90 – 0.95 g/cm3 density. If you empty a drum in days, not weeks, move up to the 180 kg grease drum.
Can a 50:1 pump handle NLGI 2 grease from a cold drum?
Above 15°C, usually yes. Below 10°C, use a 65:1 or 100:1 ratio or drum heating; below 5°C even NLGI 1 resists.
How is follower plate diameter matched to the drum?
Measure the drum’s inside diameter and pick a plate in the 13.5″ – 14.25″ range; the plate must wipe the full circumference or the pump cavitates.
What is the 2-3/8 inch opening in the lid?
The center pump opening; 2-3/8″ is the port’s inner diameter. The pump tube passes through it and the inlet fitting seats on it.
How do I choose between 50:1, 65:1, and 100:1?
Match ratio to grade and temperature: NLGI 1 and 2 in a warm shop run on 50:1; colder conditions, harder grease, or long feed lines push toward 65:1 or 100:1.
Should I use this drum or a 180 kg drum?
This format suits standard drum pumps, mobile service, and moderate consumption; a 180 kg drum suits high-volume stationary systems.
How long should the pump tube be?
26″ – 28″. Keep the inlet 1″ – 2″ above the bottom: deeper pulls sediment, shallower leaves grease behind.
How tight should the lid closure be?
Torque a bolt ring to 30 – 40 ft-lb; a lever-lock ring closes by hand. Check the ring sits evenly and the vent plug is closed before pressurizing.
Which grease grades can this drum hold?
NLGI 000 through 2 routinely, grade 3 with the right pump ratio; the limit is pumpability, not the steel. Confirm the pairing when ordering for stiff or cold grease.
Who supplies this drum format?
IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems is a lubrication equipment supplier founded in 2023, engineering since 2006. For drum, pump, or follower plate questions, contact us through our quote request page or write to inquiry@isohitech.com.
