AF Group

Your AF Machinery insights - 7th May 2025

We guide your choice, get best prices and smoothly source what you order. Use our trusted independent advice for your next big investment, your short and long-term hire plus all you need to service, maintain & repair your machinery & vehicles.

Greasing the wheels (and other parts)

Using the right lubricants can increase machinery running time, improve reliability, and extend working life of your equipment. AF Procurement Manager Rob Dunham and AF supplier Witham Group have put together this list of most commonly neglected trouble spots:

  • Often missed when greasing.  

  • Regular lubrication prevents wear, seizing, and expensive repairs.  

  • Frequently forgotten, especially on trailers, cultivators, and seed drills.  

  • Lack of grease leads to overheating, increased wear, and potential failure.  

  • Many machines have hidden grease nipples (zerks) that are easy to miss.  

  • Check machinery manuals to locate them all and grease regularly.  

  • These parts handle heavy loads and constant movement but are often neglected.  

  • Without lubrication they can seize up or wear out, leading to costly downtime.

  • Hitch pins, drawbar pivots, and linkage pins are often left dry.  

  • Greasing prevents wear and makes hitching and unhitching easier.  

  • Grain augers and conveyors rely on smooth operation, but bearings and chains are frequently overlooked.  

  • Lubrication ensures efficient grain handling and prevents breakdowns.  

  • Cutterbar and header drive components take a beating but don’t always get the attention they need.  

  • Regular greasing extends lifespan and keeps harvest running smoothly.  

  • Found in balers, combines, and sprayers, pulleys and tensioners wear quickly if not properly greased.  

  • Greasing prevents belt slippage, squeaking, and premature failure.  

  • Pivot points on tractors and implements can develop excessive play if not greased.  

  • Lubrication ensures smooth operation and reduces strain on hydraulics.  

  • Often ignored until they become stiff or start sticking.  

  • Lubrication keeps controls smooth and responsive

  • Dust, mud, and rain can cause doors and latches to seize.  

  • A squirt of grease or oil keeps them working properly.  

  • Constant movement and exposure to chemicals causes wear and corrosion.  

  • Regular greasing prevents stiff joints and ensures even spraying. 

The right product for the job  

There’s a right product for every job and using the wrong one can be just as bad as not using one at all.  

Your AF Machinery team can procure all these and more from the full range from Witham Group:

  • Engine oil – protect tractor and combine engines under heavy loads 

  • Hydraulic oil – smooth operation of loaders, sprayers, and lifting systems.  

  • Grease for bearings & joints – prevent wear on axles, PTO shafts, and steering components.  

  • Gear oils – lubricate transmissions, final drives, and differentials for smooth power delivery.  

  • Biodegradable lubricants – reduce environmental impact.  

Get in touch with your AF Machinery team to request a quote or for questions about the products we can procure to keep your machinery moving.  

Email: machinery@af.farm
Call: 01603 881913