Life Preserver

VitaLife 400 wire rope lubricant penetrates to the rope's core Enlarge Image

March 7, 2007 • Protecting and conserving the life of wire rope is often a challenge for crane owners. Frequent inspections and proper lubrication are keys to maintaining the rope's life. However, lubricants often used by crane owners only protect the exterior of the rope, while the inner strands become dry, resulting in corrosion and damage. Fortunately, products that lightly lubricate and penetrate to the wire rope's core are making their way into North American crane fleets.

 

One product in particular is the Vita-life® 400 wire-rope lubricant. Although a new product for its global marketer, The Crosby Group, Tulsa, Okla., which entered a distribution agreement with manufacturer American Oil & Supply International in 2005, Crosby product manager Mike Osborn explained that Vitalife has been around for more than 100 years. “It has, in fact, been used on the Brooklyn Bridge since about 1893,” he says. In 2006, Crosby signed an additional agreement to market the new Vitalife® Bio-Lube product line, a non-toxic wire rope lubricant produced from high-quality biodegradable base fluids.

 

The Vitalife 400 and Vitalife Bio-Lube wire rope lubricants are formulated from proprietary additives and synthetic and mineral-based oils. These products can be used on any type of wire rope, and they are designed to provide lubrication to each strand of the wire rope, including the core, where lubrication is needed most. The two products are virtually the same, with the exception that the new Bio-Lube product uses a vegetable-based oil that is biodegradable, which makes it ideal for environmentally sensitive locations.

 

According to Osborn, a common misconception about wire rope lubrication is that a heavy grease-based coating is the best way to lubricate wire rope. “In fact, this can often lead to reduced service life,” Osborn said. “A heavy coating will not penetrate to the core of the rope, and it attracts dirt and other particles with its tacky, sticky finish.”

VitaLife 400 and VitaLifeBio-Lube adhere to the surface of wire rope, forming an outer film to protect against corrosion while penetrating to the core and lubricating every strand. According to Osborn, the Vitalife lubricants reduce internal friction caused by the wire rope strands rubbing against each other. They also provide lubrication of the entire rope, including the core, and they are dry to the touch shortly after application. “This helps prevent dirt, dust, and other particles from adhering to the rope,” he said, which can reduce the rope's service life.

Recommendations for the amount of Vitalife 400 required per 1,000 feet of rope. Enlarge Image

Available in 12-ounce spray cans, 5-gallon buckets, and 55-gallon drums, Vitalife 400 and Vitalife Bio-Lube can be applied without the need for an expensive pressure lubrication system, as properties of the lubricants allow them to migrate to the core of the rope. After application, a thin protective film is formed around each strand to provide corrosion protection. “Because they dry to a clear film, the wire rope can still be easily inspected for defects or damage,” Osborn said. “In general, Vitalife 400 and Vitalife Bio-Lube will last longer than traditional lubricants, and they are much easier and faster to apply when compared to expensive pressure lubrication applicators.”

 

Frequency of lubrication varies greatly, depending on the size of the rope, its operating environment, and specific application. As a general rule of thumb, wire ropes should be inspected regularly to determine if lubrication is needed. Keep in mind that the frequency of re-lubrication is much more important to the rope's life than the quantity of lubricant applied at one time. The Field Usage Recommendations chart shows just how little Vitalife 400 is required per 1,000 feet of rope.

 

While Crosby has marketed the Vitalife products for less than two years, Osborn said Crosby distributors have welcomed this addition to the company's product offerings. He added that Crosby's distribution channels fit well with the primary uses of wire rope lubricants. “Our focus on training our customers enables us to educate end-users on the proper ways of using Crosby products, including Vitalife,” Osborn said.