KLUBER to SKF Grease Cross Reference Guide

KLUBER to SKF Grease Cross Reference Guide

In industrial maintenance, having reliable cross-reference information between major grease manufacturers is a practical necessity. When your preferred Kluber Lubrication product is unavailable, or when you are consolidating lubricant inventory under the SKF brand, knowing functional equivalents helps you make informed decisions without compromising bearing performance. This guide provides detailed cross-reference analysis for four common Kluber specialty greases and their SKF counterparts, covering high-speed spindle applications, extreme-pressure heavy-load environments, low-noise electric motor requirements, and general-purpose bearing lubrication. Each section includes technical specifications, compatibility considerations, and practical substitution guidance to help maintenance professionals evaluate their options with confidence.

Cross Reference Table

ISOFLEX NBU 15 vs. SKF LGLT 2: High-Speed Spindle Grease

ISOFLEX NBU 15 is a widely recognized Kluber specialty grease for high-speed spindle bearings. It uses a barium complex soap thickener with a blend of ester oil, synthetic hydrocarbon oil, and mineral oil, at NLGI Grade 2 with worked penetration of 265 to 295 (0.1 mm). Service temperature ranges from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 130 degrees Celsius, with a dropping point of at least 220 degrees Celsius. Base oil viscosity measures approximately 21 mm squared per second at 40 degrees Celsius and 4.5 mm squared per second at 100 degrees Celsius, with a speed factor reaching approximately 1,000,000 to 1,600,000 mm per minute. Typical applications include machine tool spindles, textile machinery, and precision instrumentation.

SKF LGLT 2 is the functional equivalent: a fully synthetic grease with lithium soap thickener and polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil, NLGI Grade 2, worked penetration of 265 to 295 (0.1 mm). Temperature range is minus 50 degrees Celsius to 110 degrees Celsius. Base oil viscosity at 40 degrees Celsius is 18 mm squared per second, at 100 degrees Celsius is 4.5 mm squared per second, with speed factor up to 1.6 times 10 to the sixth power mm per minute.

These greases differ in thickener chemistry (barium complex versus lithium soap). When switching, purge the bearing housing of old grease thoroughly and re-lubricate. SKF LGLT 2 offers superior low-temperature performance at minus 50 degrees Celsius, while ISOFLEX NBU 15 provides a higher upper limit at 130 degrees Celsius. Within the overlapping range, both deliver comparable high-speed performance and oxidation stability.

Staburags NBU 8 EP vs. SKF LGEP 2: Heavy-Load EP Grease

Staburags NBU 8 EP is a heavy-duty extreme-pressure grease for rolling and plain bearings under high loads, vibration, and corrosive conditions. It uses a barium complex soap thickener with mineral oil base, NLGI Grade 2, worked penetration of 265 to 295 (0.1 mm). Service temperature ranges from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 140 degrees Celsius, dropping point at least 220 degrees Celsius.

Base oil viscosity is approximately 97 mm squared per second at 40 degrees Celsius and 11.5 mm squared per second at 100 degrees Celsius, with speed factor approximately 500,000 mm per minute. Applications include traction motors, journal bearings, pumps, and tapered roller bearings. It delivers approximately 4,000 operating hours in the SKF-ROF test at 120 degrees Celsius.

SKF LGEP 2 is the corresponding SKF extreme-pressure grease: lithium soap-thickened, mineral oil base, NLGI Grade 2, worked penetration 265 to 295 (0.1 mm). Temperature range is minus 20 degrees Celsius to 110 degrees Celsius, dropping point exceeds 180 degrees Celsius. Base oil viscosity is 200 mm squared per second at 40 degrees Celsius and 16 mm squared per second at 100 degrees Celsius -- notably higher than NBU 8 EP. Four-ball weld load reaches at least 2,800 N, confirming robust EP performance. Typical applications include pulp and paper machinery, jaw crushers, rolling mill bearings, vibrating screens, and crane sheaves.

The higher base oil viscosity of LGEP 2 influences film thickness and low-temperature pumpability. NBU 8 EP offers a higher upper temperature limit and superior corrosion protection from its barium complex chemistry. Thickener types differ, so housing cleaning is recommended during conversion. For applications within the overlapping range, LGEP 2 provides a viable alternative with broad availability.

Kluberquiet BQH 72-102 vs. SKF LGHQ 2: Low-Noise Motor Grease

Kluberquiet BQH 72-102 is a synthetic high-temperature grease for low-noise applications. It uses a polyurea thickener with synthetic ester base oil, NLGI Grade 2, worked penetration of 250 to 280 (0.1 mm). Temperature range is minus 40 degrees Celsius to 180 degrees Celsius, dropping point exceeds 250 degrees Celsius.

Base oil viscosity is approximately 100 mm squared per second at 40 degrees Celsius. It achieves a GN 3 noise rating under the SKF Bequiet plus classification. In the SKF-ROF test at 180 degrees Celsius and 6,000 rpm, F50 life exceeds 100 hours, with low-temperature starting torque below 1,000 mNm at minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Typical uses include electric motors, fans, air conditioning units, generators, and power tools.

SKF LGHQ 2 is SKF's electric motor bearing grease, compatible with single-point automatic lubricators. It uses a di-urea thickener with mineral oil base, NLGI Grade 2, worked penetration of 265 to 295 (0.1 mm). Temperature range is minus 30 degrees Celsius to 160 degrees Celsius, dropping point exceeds 260 degrees Celsius.

Base oil viscosity is 110 mm squared per second at 40 degrees Celsius and 12 mm squared per second at 100 degrees Celsius. In the R0F test at 160 degrees Celsius and 10,000 rpm, it delivers a minimum of 1,000 hours. It is available in TLSD and TLMR automatic lubricator refill formats.

These greases align functionally but differ chemically. BQH 72-102 uses synthetic ester oil for broader thermal stability (minus 40 degrees Celsius to 180 degrees Celsius versus minus 30 degrees Celsius to 160 degrees Celsius). Both use urea-based thickeners, improving compatibility compared to barium-to-lithium pairs. The ester versus mineral oil difference means seal compatibility should be verified, as ester oils can interact differently with certain elastomer materials. For standard motor applications within LGHQ 2's range, the transition is straightforward.

Kluberplex BEM 41-132 vs. SKF LGMT 2: General-Purpose Grease

Kluberplex BEM 41-132 is a premium-grade grease for electric motor bearings and extended relubrication intervals. It uses a lithium complex soap thickener with synthetic hydrocarbon and mineral oil blend, NLGI Grade 2. Temperature range is minus 40 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius with peaks to 160 degrees Celsius, dropping point at least 250 degrees Celsius. Base oil viscosity at 40 degrees Celsius is approximately 120 mm squared per second, at 100 degrees Celsius approximately 14 mm squared per second, with speed factor approximately 1,000,000 mm per minute. It delivers extended service life compared to standard general-purpose greases, with excellent corrosion protection (SKF-EMCOR rating of 1 or better).

SKF LGMT 2 is SKF's general-purpose industrial grease. It is lithium soap-thickened with mineral oil base, NLGI Grade 2, worked penetration of 265 to 295 (0.1 mm). Temperature range is minus 30 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius, dropping point exceeds 180 degrees Celsius.

Base oil viscosity is 110 mm squared per second at 40 degrees Celsius and 10 to 11 mm squared per second at 100 degrees Celsius. It delivers a minimum of 1,000 hours in the R0F test at 100 degrees Celsius and 10,000 rpm, with excellent oxidation stability and water resistance. It is widely used in agricultural equipment, automotive wheel bearings, conveyors, small electric motors, and industrial fans.

This pair warrants the most careful evaluation. BEM 41-132 is a higher-performance product with a wider temperature range (30 degrees Celsius broader at the high end), lithium complex thickener with substantially higher dropping point, and partially synthetic base oil. For applications above 120 degrees Celsius, LGMT 2 is not a suitable substitute for BEM 41-132. Conversely, BEM 41-132 can replace LGMT 2 in virtually all standard applications, often with performance improvements. When considering LGMT 2 as a replacement, verify that temperature range, speed, and relubrication interval requirements fall within its capabilities.

Technical Factors in Grease Cross-Referencing

Cross-referencing greases requires more than matching NLGI grades. Thickener compatibility is the primary concern. The Kluber greases use barium complex soap (ISOFLEX NBU 15, Staburags NBU 8 EP), polyurea (Kluberquiet BQH 72-102), and lithium complex soap (Kluberplex BEM 41-132).

The SKF equivalents use lithium soap (LGLT 2, LGEP 2, LGMT 2) and di-urea (LGHQ 2). Barium complex and lithium soap thickeners are generally incompatible -- mixing can cause softening, hardening, or oil separation. The urea-to-urea pairing between BQH 72-102 and LGHQ 2 is the most compatible combination.

For other substitutions, thorough purging of old grease is strongly recommended.

Base oil type and viscosity affect film thickness, low-temperature flow, and high-temperature stability. The most notable viscosity difference is LGEP 2 (200 mm squared per second at 40 degrees Celsius) versus NBU 8 EP (97 mm squared per second), meaning LGEP 2 forms a thicker lubricant film under load but may increase friction at low temperatures. Temperature range overlap must be verified against actual operating conditions. Seal compatibility should also be checked when switching between synthetic ester oils and mineral oils, since ester oils can interact differently with elastomer seal materials such as nitrile (NBR) and polyacrylate (ACM) compounds.

When executing a conversion, document current operating conditions including bearing type, speed, load, and temperature. Purge old grease thoroughly from housings and supply lines, then monitor bearing temperature, noise, and vibration more frequently during the first few operating hours. For automated lubrication systems, verify that the replacement grease is compatible with pumps, metering devices, and distributors. SKF LGHQ 2 is validated for SKF single-point automatic lubricators, while LGEP 2 and LGMT 2 are also widely used in centralized systems.

Important Disclaimer

The cross-reference information in this article is based on publicly available product data sheets, manufacturer documentation, and general industry knowledge. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an official cross-reference endorsement by Kluber Lubrication or SKF. These manufacturers maintain proprietary formulations, and products listed as functional equivalents may differ in specific additive packages, thickener concentrations, and base oil blends not disclosed in published data sheets.

Before substituting any grease product, verify compatibility by consulting current technical data sheets from both manufacturers. Contact the manufacturer's technical support directly if your application involves critical equipment, unusual operating conditions, or regulatory requirements such as food-grade (NSF H1) certification. The user assumes all responsibility for verifying that any substituted lubricant is appropriate for their specific equipment, operating conditions, and maintenance program.

Neither KOEED.COM nor the author shall be held liable for any equipment damage, performance issues, warranty claims, or safety incidents arising from the use of this cross-reference information. Always follow your equipment manufacturer's lubrication recommendations as the primary reference, and maintain records of any grease substitution decisions including technical justification and post-conversion monitoring results.

Key Takeaways

Cross-referencing Kluber greases to SKF equivalents requires evaluating thickener compatibility, base oil type, temperature range overlap, and speed capability rather than relying solely on NLGI grade or application description. The four pairs covered -- ISOFLEX NBU 15 to LGLT 2, Staburags NBU 8 EP to LGEP 2, Kluberquiet BQH 72-102 to LGHQ 2, and Kluberplex BEM 41-132 to LGMT 2 -- represent functional equivalents that can serve as practical alternatives when the original product specification is properly validated against operating conditions. Always purge old grease during conversion, monitor bearing condition after substitution, and consult manufacturer technical support for critical applications.

KOEED Support

KOEED.COM supplies a comprehensive range of industrial lubricants, including Kluber and SKF greases, to customers worldwide. For assistance with product selection, cross-reference verification, or to request a quotation, please contact Moritta@KOEED.COM. Worldwide shipping is available with technical support to help identify the right lubrication solution for your equipment and operating conditions.