The Most Important Warning in Grease Switching: Never Mix Incompatible Thickeners
Unlike oils, greases cannot always be safely mixed when switching brands. Mixing greases with incompatible thickener systems can cause dramatic softening (the mixture becomes a liquid) or hardening, both of which can lead to bearing damage. This is the single most important precaution when switching grease suppliers.
Safe mixing (generally compatible): Lithium + Lithium Complex | Calcium + Calcium Complex | Lithium + Lithium Complex + Polyurea (with caution)
Incompatible combinations (never mix): Calcium + Lithium | Polyurea + Lithium | Calcium Sulfonate + Polyurea | Bentone (Clay) + any conventional thickener
Banesto's standard multi-purpose and EP greases are lithium-complex based, which is compatible with most standard lithium greases from HP, Servo and Castrol. When switching from a non-lithium-complex grease (e.g. straight calcium or polyurea), the bearing should be fully purged of old grease before applying Banesto product. Banesto's technical team can confirm the correct purge procedure for your equipment.
Food-Grade Grease: Confirm the NSF Registration Number
NSF H1 registration is specific to a product and formulation, not just a category. If your facility undergoes NSF audits, you will need to confirm Banesto's specific NSF H1 registration number for the food-grade grease grade you intend to use. Contact Banesto's technical team for the current registration documentation.