The 20 kg Pail Format at a Glance
The 20 kg grease pail is a common mid-size container for industrial and mobile lubrication points. It bridges the gap between small 12.5 kg kegs and large 180 kg drums for many maintenance teams.
This page covers the pail format itself: typical dimensions, materials, follower plate mounting, and pump ratio guidance. We supply the lubrication equipment, not the grease, so you will need to source filled pails from your lubricant distributor.
For a complete pump unit built around this container, see the 20 kg grease pump page. You can also compare it with the 12.5 kg grease pump format or the 180 kg grease drum for high-volume industrial lubrication.
Pail Dimensions and Materials
A 20 kg pail typically measures about 290-310 mm across the top inside diameter. Body height usually falls around 355-375 mm, though exact figures vary by grease brand and pail manufacturer.
Pails are commonly made from HDPE or tinplate steel. HDPE is lighter and resists denting, while tinplate steel offers a more rigid wall for follower plate sealing in some installations.
Because dimensions vary by grease brand, always measure the actual pail bore before ordering a follower plate. A nominal 300 mm follower plate is typical, but a few millimeters of clearance difference can affect wiping performance.
How Pumps and Follower Plates Mount on the Pail
A follower plate sits directly on the grease surface inside the pail. It seals against the pail wall and feeds grease downward into the pump inlet as the plate advances.
The pump mounts above the pail, often on a cover or ram assembly, with the follower plate connected to the pump body. Follower plate size follows pail geometry, while pump ratio is an independent choice based on pressure needs.
Before ordering, measure the pail top inside diameter at several points. A plate that is too small leaves grease on the wall, and one that is too large will bind or fail to enter the pail.
Choosing a Pump Ratio: 50:1 or 60:1
Pump ratio governs output pressure for a given air inlet pressure. A 50:1 ratio at 8 bar inlet gives about 400 bar output, while a 60:1 ratio at 10 bar gives about 600 bar.
For most NLGI 2 greases with moderate hose lengths, a 50:1 pump is usually sufficient. A 60:1 pump suits NLGI 3 grease, cold ambient conditions, or long hose runs where pressure drop is higher.
Follower plate diameter and pump ratio are separate decisions. You can pair a 300 mm follower plate with either a 50:1 or 60:1 pump depending on the grease and distribution system.
Specifications
| Format | 20 kg grease pail, about 44 lb net weight |
|---|---|
| Top inside diameter | About 290-310 mm |
| Body height | About 355-375 mm |
| Pail material | HDPE or tinplate steel |
| Follower plate diameter | About 300 mm typical, measure pail bore first |
| Ratio examples | 50:1 at 8 bar inlet gives about 400 bar output; 60:1 at 10 bar gives about 600 bar |
| NLGI grades handled | 1, 2, 3 |
Safe Handling and Depressurizing
Always depressurize the system before disconnecting any fitting or hose. Shut the air supply, cycle the pump valve to relieve stored pressure, then loosen fittings slowly.
A pressurized grease line can inject lubricant under the skin. Treat every connection as pressurized until you have confirmed zero pressure at the point of work.
When changing pails, lift the follower plate carefully and wipe the pail rim clean. Keep the pail opening covered when not in use to reduce contamination entering the grease.
For high-volume points fed from these pails, the heavy equipment lubrication system guide covers routing and point planning. To match a pump and follower plate to your pail brand, send the measured bore for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 20 kg grease pail format?
A 20 kg pail is a mid-size grease container holding about 44 lb of lubricant. It is used with a pump and follower plate for centralized or single-point dispensing.
Does the pail come filled with grease when I order equipment?
No, this site supplies lubrication equipment only, not grease. You source filled pails from your lubricant distributor and mount our pump on them.
What is a follower plate and when is one needed?
A follower plate is a disk that rides on the grease surface inside the pail. It is needed when the pump relies on a sealed plate to push grease into the inlet.
Should I choose a 50:1 or 60:1 pump ratio?
A 50:1 ratio works well for NLGI 2 grease with moderate hose lengths. A 60:1 ratio handles NLGI 3, cold grease, or long hose runs better.
Will one pump fit every brand of 20 kg pail?
No, pail dimensions vary by grease brand and pail maker. Measure the top inside diameter before ordering a follower plate or pump cover.
How long does a 20 kg pail last in service?
Service life depends on the number of lubrication points and the dose per point. Without knowing your point count and cycle frequency, no honest duration can be stated.
What is the difference between a plastic and steel pail for pumping?
HDPE pails are lighter and resist denting during handling. Tinplate steel pails offer a more rigid wall that some follower plate seals prefer.
What should I check before disconnecting a pump from the pail?
Shut the air supply and cycle the pump valve to release stored pressure. Then loosen fittings slowly and confirm zero pressure before full disconnection.
What equipment is supplied for the 20 kg pail format?
We supply pumps, follower plates, covers, and related mounting hardware for the pail. Grease itself is not supplied by this equipment site.
Where can I get pumps and follower plates for a 20 kg pail?
IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems, founded in 2023, engineering since 2006, builds and supports every unit. Email inquiry@isohitech.com for specifications and a quotation.
For a complete system matched to your pail dimensions and grease type, request a quote here.
