#Industry News
When reliability becomes a competitive advantage
Automatic lubrication keeps recycling vehicles and machinery running longer, costing less and delivering reliably every single day.
In the recycling business, every operation counts. Vehicles and machines work in the harsh stop‑and‑go rhythm of the city, battling dirt, moisture, salt and constant load changes. For Berlin‑based waste management and recycling specialist Bartscherer, one thing is clear: only when the equipment runs reliably can the company complete its daily tasks – from collection to sorting to pressing recyclable materials.
Yet modern commercial vehicles are often considered “maintenance‑free.” In practice, it quickly becomes clear that standard lubrication intervals are not sufficient for the extreme demands of waste disposal operations. Kingpins, steering axles, spring bolts, slewing rings or trailer couplings wear out faster if they are not lubricated regularly and precisely. The result: expensive repairs, failures and unnecessary downtime.
Managing Director Markus Lange therefore chose a different path – and has relied on SKF progressive centralized lubrication systems for years. What began as a retrofit on individual vehicles has evolved into a comprehensive solution for the entire fleet and all stationary equipment.
The advantages are immediate:
- Every lubrication point is supplied reliably, regardless of counterpressure or load.
- Additional lubrication points can be integrated modularly – ideal for steering axles, slewing rings, hook‑lifts or trailers.
- High‑quality lines, UV‑protected tubing and steel pipes protect the system even under the toughest conditions.
- Even complex systems such as sorting lines with 200 lubrication points have been running smoothly since installation.
Particularly impressive: the KFG1 pumps used offer multiple outlets, allowing additional lubrication points to be connected easily. Progressive metering devices such as the SSV block ensure that each point receives exactly the right amount – no more, no less.
The results are measurable and economically clear: Bartscherer saves around €10,000 per vehicle per year because manual lubrication is eliminated, components last longer and failures drop significantly. The 156 working hours saved per vehicle and year speak for themselves.
The machines also benefit: balers, compactors, conveyors and sorting systems run more smoothly, more reliably and with significantly less wear. Even aggressive substances such as fruit acids from food waste no longer pose a risk thanks to automatic lubrication.
And because sustainability is a core value at Bartscherer, only biodegradable greases are used. Component life increases by a factor of four – a win for both the environment and operational efficiency.
For Markus Lange, the conclusion is clear:
“SKF systems have increased our availability, reduced our costs and made our processes safer.”
No surprise, then, that the next four new trailers are already waiting for their SKF lubrication system.
More uptime, lower costs
The introduction of SKF centralized lubrication systems has led to significant improvements in Bartscherer’s daily operations. Vehicles and machines that previously suffered under extreme conditions are now supplied with lubricant reliably and precisely. This reduces wear, extends the service life of critical components and minimizes unplanned downtime. At the same time, manual lubrication is eliminated, saving around 156 working hours and approximately €10,000 per vehicle per year. Even complex systems such as sorting lines with up to 200 lubrication points now run more stably and efficiently. The use of biodegradable lubricants also makes an important contribution to sustainability. Overall, the SKF solution increases the availability of the entire fleet and machinery, significantly reduces maintenance costs and ensures more reliable, safer and more economical operation.
