180 kg Grease Drum: Open-Head Steel Bulk Lubricant Packaging
The 180 kg grease drum (approx. 400 lb) is the largest common bulk packaging format for industrial lubricating grease. This page is about the drum itself, not the pump: the open top takes an air-operated pump, follower plate, and pump cover directly.
Looking for the pump rather than the drum? See our 50 gallon high-pressure air-operated oil transfer pump or the double-post air-operated pump hoist system. IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems, founded in 2023, engineering since 2006, supplies both.
Drum Physical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 180 kg (approx. 400 lb) |
| Drum Style | Open-head steel drum |
| Lid | Removable, bolt-ring or lever-lock closure |
| Bottom | Fixed closed bottom |
| External Diameter | approx. 600 mm |
| Internal Diameter | approx. 585 mm (follower plate seating surface) |
| Overall Height | approx. 880-900 mm |
| Shell Material | Cold-rolled steel, typical 0.9-1.2 mm wall |
| Stacking (filled, on pallet) | Up to 3 drums high – check manufacturer rating |
Dimensions vary slightly between drum makers; measure the actual drum before ordering a follower plate or pump cover.
Common Grease Formulations in 180 kg Drums
Grease types commonly supplied in this format – general lubricant knowledge, not a certification of any single formulation; match the grade to your equipment maker’s specification.
| Grease Type | NLGI Grade | Base Oil Viscosity | Operating Temp | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium EP | 1-3 | 100-220 cSt | -20°C to 130°C | General heavy machinery, wheel bearings, excavators |
| Lithium complex | 2-3 | 150-320 cSt | -20°C to 180°C | High-load bearings, steel plants |
| Heavy-duty mill grease | 1 | 460-680 cSt | confirm at order | Water-washout resistance; rolling mills, wet environments |
| Calcium sulfonate complex | 1-2 | 100-220 cSt | -20°C to 180°C | Marine, offshore, corrosion exposure |
| Polyurea | 2 | 100-150 cSt | -30°C to 180°C | Electric motors, sealed high-speed bearings |
NLGI 2 lithium EP is the most commonly stocked grade in 180 kg drums; central systems and cold-ambient service usually run softer NLGI 00-1. Plain lithium thickeners carry a drop point around 180-200°C, lithium complex 260°C or higher.
Air-Operated Pump Pairing Reference
A drum pump bolts to the lid or hangs from a frame above. Values below are typical reference values; actual pressure and flow depend on air supply, line back-pressure, and grease consistency. Selection logic: our complete guide to grease pumps.
| Pump Ratio | Typical Flow | Typical Max Output Pressure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50:1 | approx. 1.5 kg/min | approx. 3,600 psi (248 bar) | Workshop dispensing, NLGI 1-2, short lines |
| 55:1 | approx. 1.8 kg/min | approx. 4,000 psi (276 bar) | Mobile greaser kits |
| 75:1 | approx. 4.4 kg/min | approx. 5,400 psi (372 bar) | Long delivery lines, centralized systems |
| 80:1 | approx. 730 g/min | approx. 5,800 psi (400 bar) | High back-pressure points, stiff NLGI 3 greases |
Supply air is typically 30-150 psi (2-10 bar). A 50:1 pump at full output draws 30-80 SCFM; confirm against the pump maker’s curve before sizing a compressor.
Follower Plate Sizing for This Drum
The follower plate must match the drum’s approx. 585 mm internal diameter: undersized lets grease bypass the seal lip and starve the pump; oversized binds on the wall and can stall it. Plate construction and sizes: our grease pump follower plate page.
Applications
Any site consuming grease fast enough to justify bulk packaging: mining maintenance, steel and cement plants, ports, construction fleets, agriculture machinery service, and central lube bays.
Installation: Mobile or Stationary
Mobile: pump on a 3-wheel trolley with the drum riding on the base, so the unit rolls between machines. A full kit adds a drum cover, follower plate, grease hose of 3-5 m or longer, and a grease gun.
Stationary: pump bolted to a fixed stand in a lube bay, feeding a manifold or central line; the pump stays mounted and only the drum is swapped, keeping the line primed.
Drum Handling and Maintenance
Keep the lid closed and the bolt ring or lever lock engaged when the drum is not being filled or pumped. Store upright on a sound pallet, out of standing water, with rim and gasket surfaces clean before resealing. Stack filled drums no more than three high after checking the maker’s rating. For multi-drum supply plans, send us your drum requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an open-head grease drum?
The lid is a removable full-diameter top held by a bolt ring or lever lock, so the whole drum opens for pump, follower plate, and cover mounting. A tight-head drum has a fixed top with small bungs – awkward for pump mounting.
What follower plate size fits a 180 kg drum?
Approx. 585 mm, matching the internal diameter. Dimensions vary between makers, so measure the actual drum before ordering.
What NLGI grade works in a centralized lubrication system?
Softer NLGI 00-1 grades; NLGI 2 lithium EP is the most stocked drum grade but usually too stiff for long central lines, especially in cold conditions.
How do I choose between 50:1 and 80:1 pump ratios?
50:1 or 55:1 covers workshop dispensing of NLGI 1-2 over short lines; 75:1 or 80:1 suits long lines, high back-pressure points, or stiff NLGI 3 greases.
How many lube points can one 180 kg drum service?
200 g per point x 20 points = 4 kg per service, so one drum covers about 45 services, excluding line purge losses of typically 0.5-1.5 kg per drum change.
What air supply does a drum-mounted pump need?
Typically 30-150 psi (2-10 bar); a 50:1 pump at full output draws 30-80 SCFM. Confirm against the pump maker’s curve and fit an FRL unit.
Can filled 180 kg grease drums be stacked?
Yes, up to three high on a filled pallet – but check the drum manufacturer’s stacking rating first.
Does a grease drum need special packaging for regulated transport?
Depends on the grease formulation, transport mode, and destination rules. Provide the grease SDS and destination, and we confirm the required packaging before you order.
Do the lid, pump cover, and follower plate come with the drum?
The removable lid ships with the drum; the pump cover and follower plate are separate items or part of a pump kit – confirm at order. For a bundled quote, request a drum quote with your grease details.
Can the pump stay mounted when the drum runs empty?
Yes – the pump stays on its stand and only the drum is exchanged, keeping the line primed; mobile units move as one piece.
