What a Grease Trolley Is
A grease trolley is a wheeled lubrication station built around one drum. A 50:1 air-operated pump, follower plate, delivery hose, control valve, regulator, and coupler arrive matched as one unit, so the threads and ratings are compatible out of the box. The trolley rolls the drum to the equipment, which makes it the mobile counterpart of a fixed centralized system; the FAQ covers that comparison.
System Components
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| 50:1 air-operated pump | Delivers up to 40 MPa (5,800 PSI) at the outlet |
| Trolley frame | Powder-coated carbon steel, rated 200 kg, with 2 fixed and 2 swivel 4-inch castors |
| Follower plate | Sits on the grease surface; 375 mm matches a 200 kg drum |
| Delivery hose | 3 m standard, 5 or 8 m optional, 1/4-inch BSP |
| Control valve | Lever or trigger operation at the point of use |
| Regulator | 0-0.8 MPa with filter |
| Coupler | Fits SAE, DIN, and PTF nipples |
Declared Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pump ratio | 50:1 |
| Maximum output | 40 MPa (5,800 PSI) |
| Air inlet | 0.4-0.8 MPa (60-120 PSI); 0.6-0.8 MPa for continuous work |
| Output per stroke | About 2-3 cc |
| Air consumption | About 0.8-1.2 NL per cycle |
| Drum sizes | 20, 50, and 180-200 kg |
| Grease grades | NLGI 0, 1, and 2; NLGI 3 above 15°C |
| Drum changeover | About 2-4 minutes |
| Inlet strainer | Inspect about every 500 hours |
The ratio arithmetic is worth stating once: a 50:1 pump fed 0.8 MPa shop air delivers up to about 40 MPa at the outlet. That figure is the pump’s ceiling, not its everyday working output: deadhead capability and steady working output are different things, and comparing headline PSI alone is the most common buyer mistake.
Why the Follower Plate Matters
The follower plate sits on top of the grease and travels down the drum as it empties. Without it, the pump ingests the air pocket that forms over a falling grease surface, and flow turns intermittent exactly when the drum still holds plenty of grease. A significant share of the grease strands at the drum wall as the level drops, and the plate rim both scrapes that grease inward and seals the surface. Specify the plate with the drum: a 375 mm plate matches a 200 kg drum. Losing the plate is the single most common way a good trolley earns a bad reputation.
Choosing Drum Size and Hose Length
| Choice | Pick when |
|---|---|
| 20 kg drum | Low consumption, easy manual handling |
| 50 kg drum | Moderate consumption without drum-handling equipment |
| 180-200 kg drum | High consumption near a fixed work area |
| 3 m hose | The operator works beside the trolley |
| 5 or 8 m hose | Equipment cannot park next to the drum |
When consumption is uncertain, start smaller: a drum that turns over regularly stays cleaner inside than one that sits open for months.
Operating and Caring for the Trolley
Feed the air motor 0.6 to 0.8 MPa for continuous work, from a standard workshop compressor with a receiver, through a moisture separator, because wet air gums the motor. Add a few drops of light non-detergent oil into the air inlet each shift. Practise the drum changeover: about 2-4 minutes once the crew has done it a few times, and depressurize the hose before disconnecting anything. Inspect the inlet strainer about every 500 hours. Treat the high-pressure side with respect: grease at 30-40 MPa can injure, so never point the coupler at skin. Related equipment includes the 55-gallon drum pump, the 25 kg pneumatic grease pump, and the pneumatic grease dispenser; high-pressure pumps and transfer pumps round out the supply side, with the grease pump hub as the starting point and the central lubrication guide explaining the fixed alternative.
Tell us your drum size and working radius through our contact page for a matched configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a grease trolley?
It is a wheeled, drum-mounted pneumatic lubrication station. One pump, follower plate, hose, and controls move with the drum.
Which drum size should I choose?
Consumption rate and handling decide. Match the drum to how much grease the crew uses.
What are the NLGI limits in cold weather?
Confirm the grease grade for your equipment. Below 10°C, warm the drum first or ask about a heated model.
What compressor does it need?
A standard workshop compressor with a receiver supplying 0.6 to 0.8 MPa. A moisture separator protects the air motor.
Why does grease flow turn intermittent?
A missing follower plate or air ingestion causes gaps. Check plate seal and drum cover fit.
Trolley or fixed centralized system?
The trolley serves one drum and one operator at a point of use. A fixed system serves many points from one central unit.
How long does drum changeover take?
About 2 to 4 minutes once practised. Depressurize the hose before disconnecting anything.
Are common greases compatible?
Mineral, lithium, lithium complex, polyurea, and calcium sulfonate greases suit it. Confirm synthetic greases before use.
Who can configure a trolley for me?
Ask about drum and hose configuration through our contact page. Include your grease grade and working radius.
Who builds and supports these trolleys?
IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems, founded in 2023, engineering since 2006, builds and supports every unit. Email inquiry@isohitech.com for specifications and a quotation.
