Lubricating components in a nacelle often means a technician has to climb the tower with a hand-powered grease gun and pump a little into fittings that are scheduled for it. Such dependence on human involvement means the job may occasionally be overlooked. A better way is with a G3 pump. It is a flexible, rugged, cost-effective pump from Graco, Booth 16211, that comes with an adjustable element for multiple markets and applications.

Three control choices make it more flexible for easy-lube system set-up, operation, and troubleshooting. The pump delivers up to 5,100 psi (352 bar) for handling NLGI #2 grease, even in cold temperatures. Users can choose from two reservoir styles. A stirring paddle with a wiper arm breaks up air pockets and helps prevent grease separation. A follower plate lets it operate in any orientation.

The G3 comes standard with one pump installed, but up to two more pump elements can be added for higher outputs on large projects. It runs on 12 or 24 Vdc, or 90 to 240 Vac with CPC and DIN-style connectors. The main base of G3 is contoured to funnel grease directly to the pump inlet. No sharp edges and corners significantly reduce stagnant flow areas. It works best with NLGI #2 grease and even works well in cold temperatures. The design helps prevent grease separation by reducing locations where soaps and grease fillers can accumulate. Of course, the ouput is adjustable by adding or removing a Stroke-Adjust Spacer to increase or decrease pump displacement.