A chain not enclosed, exposes the close pin and link clearance to excessive wear, expecially when abrasives are present. Lubrication can only be effective when applied to the wear points and on a clean chain, Removal of abrasives and other contaminants is then also necessary. Applicators and brushes may be used for cleaning and lubricating, either singly or in tandem. When chains are properly cleaned and lubricated, the rate of wear is extremely slow and power transmission remains quite high. They eliminate unnecessary repairs and replacements, shutdowns, lost production, waste of oil and expensive hand oiling methods.
Oil is released by gravity from the reservoir either manually or electrically.
The amount of oil required is metered by precision needle valves which require no further attention after initial setting. The manually controlled types have a lever shut-off located at the top of the reservoir. The electrically controlled types are equipped with an electric solenoid valve mounted directly beneath the oil reservoir. The solenoid valve can be connected directly across the line of the motor starter for automatic operation or it can be operated by a separate switch or timer for intermittent use.