SKF LAGD 400

Multi-Point Lubricator

Instructions for use

EU-DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We, SKF Maintenance Products, Constructieweg 7,

3641 SB MIJDRECHT, The Netherlands, declare that the

MULTI-POINT LUBRICATOR
LAGD 400

is designed and manufactured in accordance with

EUROPEAN LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE 73/23/EEC
EMC NORM 89/336/EEC
as outlined in harmonised Norms
EN 60335-1
EN 60519-1
EN 60519-3
EN 55014-1
EN 55014-2.

The Netherlands, 1 June 2001

Magnus Rydin
Manager Product Development and Quality

Table of contents

Page

Safety recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. Description . . . . . .
2.1 Description of parts
2.2 Method of operation
2.3 Grease supply . . .
2.4 Lubrication tubes . .
2.5 Contents . . . . . .
3. Technical data

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4. Installation instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.1 Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2 Connection to power supply . . . . . . . . . .
4.3 Fitting the SKF grease cartridge . . . . . . . .
4.4 Connection of lubrication tubes to the lubricator
4.5 Pre-filling of lubrication tubes . . . . . . . . .
4.5.1 Manual pre-filling . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.5.2 Automatic pre-filling . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.6 Connection of tubes to the application . . . . .
4.7 LAPN connection nipples . . . . . . . . . . .

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5. Operation of the lubricator . . . . . .

5.1 Switching on . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2 Adjustment of dispense rate . . . .
5.3 Distance mode . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4 Volume mode . . . . . . . . . . .
5.5 Manual pumping . . . . . . . . . .
5.6 Start-up test . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7 Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.8 Display of metric and imperial units
5.9 Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.10 External alarms . . . . . . . . . .

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8
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. 11

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13
. 13
. 13

6. Grease refilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.1 Exchange of the grease cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.2 Filling with loose grease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7. Selection of SKF greases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.1 Basic grease selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.2 Special bearing greases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
8.1 Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
9. Trouble shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SKF LAGD 400

Safety recommendations
- The operating instructions should always be followed.
- Assure you connect the lubricator to the recommended
voltage/frequency range.
- Isolate the power supply to the unit before removing the front or
back cover.
- Do not expose the equipment to high humidity or direct contact
with water.
- Protect all tubes against damage and excessive heat.
- Replace any damaged tubes immediately.
- Only use original SKF lubrication tubes.
- Take care when opening the protection cover for the grease
cartridge, as a strong spring is inside. There is a risk that the
protection cover will be ejected with force.
- Installation and maintenance work may only be done by
qualified personnel.
- All repair work should be carried out by an SKF repair shop.

SKF LAGD 400

1. Application
The SKF Multi-Point Lubricator LAGD 400 is an eight-point lubrication
system suitable for all standard SKF greases. The maximum grease
pressure from the lubricator is 40 bar (600 psi) and corresponding to a
maximum lubrication tube length of at least 5 metres (16 ft).

2. Description
2.1 Description of parts

feed spring

cartridge protection cover

follower plate
mounting bracket

locking ring
grease outlets
(numbered 1 to 8)

power and alarm

connectors

grease filling nipple

display
control panel

2.2 Method of operation

The LAGD 400 uses an electric motor to pre-load a piston while grease
is sucked into a cylinder. At the end of each cycle the piston is released,
pressing the grease out to the eight channels on the outlet block.
The piston is designed in such a way that the same amount of grease
will be dispensed into each channel.
The electric motor can be powered by either 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz or
24 V DC and is controlled by a microprocessor that sets the dispense
modes and detects blocked lubrication tubes and empty grease
cartridges.
2.3 Grease supply
The pump/lubricator is supplied by grease from a standard SKF grease
cartridge. Optionally the cartridge can be filled separately through a
dedicated grease nipple.

SKF LAGD 400

2.4 Lubrication tubes

The lubrication tubes are black nylon tubes that have a relatively high
burst strength and it is important that only genuine SKF tubes are used.
The distance which the grease can be pumped through the tubes is at
least 5 metres (16 ft).
10 metres (32 ft) can be achieved during favourable conditions (good
pumpability grease, high ambient temperature, low back pressure at the
application etc.)
2.5 Contents
The lubricator is supplied with:
n 20 m (65 ft) of lubrication tube
n 8 lubricator tube nuts (complete with 16 compression fittings)
n 8 threaded connectors (G 1/4)
n 8 steel plugs for unused outlets (which must be plugged to ensure
proper function)
n 2 Y-connectors
Note: One tube cannot be used to feed two outlets via a Y-connector.
The grease will always flow to the lubrication point with the least
resistance. This means that one lubrication point is lubricated, the other
one is starved.
n 1 filling nipple
n 1 grease cartridge LGMT 2/0.4
n SKF DialSet program (MP337) in floppy disk format (for use with
PCs using Windows 3.1 and higher) is included to calculate
dispense rates for applications

SKF LAGD 400

3. Technical data
Number of lubrication outlets

1 -8

Suitable grease

NLGI 1, 2 and 3

Maximum pressure

40 bar (600 psi)

Maximum distance length to

lubrication point

5 m (16 ft)

Dispense rate

0,3 - 10 cm/day (0.01 -0.35 US fl.oz/day)

per outlet
approx. 1,8 - 65 g/week (0.06 - 2.3
oz/week) depending on grease density

Power Supply

100-240 V AC 50-60 Hz, or 24 V DC

Power consumption

max. 12W

Power Supply Connector

DIN 43650 -Micro

Alarms

blocked feed lines, empty cartridge; internal

and external

External steering

external relay steering

Ambient temperature

0 - 50 C (32 - 120 F)

IP Rating

54

Lubrication tubes

20 m (65 ft), Nylon, 6 x 1,5 mm

Boundary dimensions

170 x 130 x 530 mm (7 x 5.5 x 21 in)

Weight

3,4 kg (8 lb)

SKF LAGD 400

4. Installation instructions
4.1. Mounting
The lubricator must be mounted to a firm surface (preferably in the
vertical position) by attaching the bracket on the back of the lubricator
by means of four bolts. Page 19 of these instructions gives a template
for the mounting holes. The lubricator can be mounted outdoors, but
should be protected against direct contact with rain or snow.
4.2 Connection to power supply
The lubricator can be connected either to 24 V DC or 100-240 V AC,
50-60 Hz. Also included is the facility for external machine steering (e.g.
when the machine is turned off, so is the lubricator) and external alarm
function.
Connecting the power supply to the blocks must be performed by a
competent electrician.
The following figure shows the connection block.

The tables below give the wiring connections.

AC power
Pin
Neutral 100-240 VAC

Live 100-240 VAC

Earth

Earth

SKF LAGD 400

DC power
Pin
+24 VDC

0V

Earth

Earth

Machine steering
Pin
Input

Output

GND

The machine steering must be connected to a potential-free relay which

is open during operation.
External alarm
Pin
Input

Output

The external alarm is a potential-free relay normally closed which will

open in the alarm condition. Maximum electrical load is 40 V and 30 mA.
The lubricator will only operate when the power supply is properly
connected, the unit is switched on, and the external steering connector
is open.
Once connected to the power supply, do not switch on the lubricator
prior to connecting the lubrication tubes (as per 4.4).
4.3 Fitting the SKF grease cartridge
Unscrew the locking ring which keeps the protection cover in position
and remove cover and spring together with the follower plate. Beware of
the strong feed spring inside the protection cover. Remove the pull cap
from the new cartridge and click it onto the lubricator.
Tear off the plastic ring around the piston cap of the new cartridge but
leave the piston in its position. It is important that the piston is not
removed to ensure correct operation.
Mount spring and follower plate together with the protection cover and
tighten the connection ring.

SKF LAGD 400

4.4 Connection of lubrication tubes to the lubricator

Carefully cut the lubrication tubes to the correct lengths for the
application. Before connecting the tubes to the application, the tubes
must be filled with grease. See section 4.5. Insert the tube through the
lubricator tube nut and compression fitting with the thick end of the
compression fitting furthest away from the end of the tube. Insert the
tube into the required outlet of the lubricator until it will go no further.
Then tighten the lubricator tube nut, the compression fitting should grip
the tube quite firmly. Check that the lubrication tube is securely fitted. In
the event that the lubrication tube needs to be refitted then a new
compression fitting must be used.
In the event that a particular lubrication point requires more lubricant,
simply connect two outlets to each other by means of a Y-connector.
Unused outlets must be plugged. First unscrew the protruding grease
outlet from the lubricator. Then plug the threaded hole by means of one
of the steel plugs provided.
4.5 Pre-filling of lubrication tubes
4.5.1. Manual pre-filling
The tubes can be pre-filled with grease by use of a grease gun. To
facilitate this, use the filling nipple included. Insert the lubrication tube
into the open side of the filling nipple and connect the grease gun to the
other side. Pump with the grease gun to fill the tube with grease. When
filling long hoses with stiff grease (NLGI class 2 or higher), the grease
may be hard to pump and the filling nipple may grip the lubrication tube
very tightly. If indentations are present on the outside of the tube, this
part of the tube should be cut away before connecting the lubrication
tube to the lubricator.

4.5.2. Automatic pre-filling

The lubricator can be programmed to fill a certain length of the tube.
With the lubricator switched off, press the SET-button twice, and
DISTANCE will be shown on the display. Adjust to the required length in
steps of 50 cm (20 in), (up to 500 cm or 200 in, maximum) by pressing
the +/- buttons until you reach the required length. Then press PUMP
and the lubricator will pump continuously with a speed of approximately
19 cm/hour (7.5 in/hr) until the set length has been reached.

10

SKF LAGD 400

4.6 Connection of tubes to the application

Screw the G 1/4 connectors into the various lubrication points. In case
of incorrect thread, use the appropriate SKF connection nipple of the
type LAPN (see 4.7). Push fit the grease filled tube into the end of the
connector (approx. 10-15 mm / 1/2 in). Check that the tubes are
properly connected by gently pulling them.
After following steps 4.1 to 4.6 above, the lubricator is installed and is
ready for use.
4.7 LAPN connection nipples
Designation
LAPA 45
LAPA 90
LAPN 1/8
LAPN 1/2
LAPN 1/4
LAPN 3/8
LAPN 6
LAPN 8
LAPN 8X1
LAPN 10
LAPN 10X1
LAPN 12
LAPN 12X1.5

Description
Angle connection 45
Angle connection 90
Nipple G 1/4 - G 1/8
Nipple G 1/4 - G 1/2
Nipple G 1/4 - G 1/4
Nipple G 1/4 - G 3/8
Nipple G 1/4 - M6
Nipple G 1/4 - M8
Nipple G 1/4 - M8x1
Nipple G 1/4 - M10
Nipple G 1/4 - M10x1
Nipple G 1/4 - M12
Nipple G 1/4 - M12x1,5

5. Operation of the lubricator

5.1 Switching on
Apply power to the unit, OFF will then be shown on the display,
indicating that the lubricator does not dispense grease. To start the
lubricator press the ON/OFF button, the display will indicate the default
setting of 5 cm/day.
Each time the lubricator performs one stroke, the PUMP symbol on the
display will be illuminated.
5.2 Adjustment of dispense range
The dispense rate can only be adjusted when the unit is switched OFF.
Press the SET-button once. The display will then show the current
dispense rate. Press the +/- buttons to adjust the dispense rate to the
desired value. The incremental steps of the dispense rate are as follows:

SKF LAGD 400

11

Dispense range

Step size

Dispense range

Step size

cm/day

cm/day

US fl.oz/day

US fl.oz/day

0.3 to 0.5

0.05

0.010 to 0.020

0.002

0.5 to 1.0

0.1

0.020 to 0.050

0.005

1.0 to 2.0

0.25

0.050 to 0.100

0.010

2.0 to 5.0

0.50

0.100 to 0.200

0.025

5.0 to 10.0

1.00

0.200 to 0.350

0.050

Store the correct rate by pressing the PUMP button, the lubricator goes
to the OFF mode. To start pumping press ON/OFF. To exit the dispense
mode without saving changes press ON/OFF at any time.
The dispense rate should be set according to supplier
recommendations, practical experience or by using the SKF DialSet
program (MP337) included with the lubricator.
5.3 Distance mode
The unit can also be set to fill all the tubes with grease to a
predetermined distance as described in 4.5.2.
5.4 Volume mode
This mode is useful when, for example, a bearing housing has to be
filled with a certain volume of grease. With the unit OFF, press SET
three times until PUMP, VOLUME and cm (fl.oz) is shown on the
display . Press the +/- buttons until you reach the required volume, (in
steps of 5 cm, 0.15/ 0.20 US fl.oz) Start the dispensing by pressing
PUMP. To exit the volume mode without saving changes press ON/OFF
at any time.
Note: To fill the maximum of 50 cm (1.70 US.fl.oz) per outlet will take
approximately 2 days.
5.5 Manual pumping
When the PUMP button is pressed, 0,045 cm (0.0016 US fl.oz.) of
grease is dispensed into each outlet. The lubricator in the ON mode
returns to the previous pumping rate when the PUMP button is released.

12

SKF LAGD 400

5.6 Start-up test

Once the lubricator is connected to a power supply, all the buttons will
be automatically tested. If any button is malfunctioning, but will be
shown on the display. Press all buttons several times and restart the
lubricator. If the problem cannot be cleared, contact your local SKF
representative.
5.7 Counter
Press the PUMP button in OFF position.
The display will then show the number of strokes made in hundreds.
(e.g. 14 corresponds to 1400 strokes). One hundred strokes
corresponds to a grease volume of 4,5 cm (0.1575 US.fl.oz) per outlet.
5.8 Display of metric and imperial units
To select metric units with the unit off, press ON/OFF and + key at the
same time.
To select imperial units with the unit off, press ON/OFF and - key at the
same time.
5.9 Alarms
Various alarms are indicated by a flashing display + ALARM symbol on
the display with an audible alarm. In case of a blocked outlet, the
number of the concerned outlet will be shown on the display.
Alarm displayed

Alarm reason

ALARM + EMPTY

Empty grease container

ALARM + BLOCKED + out 3

Outlet number 3 blocked

ALARM + Err 1

Internal problem

ALARM + Err 2

Internal problem

ALARM + Err 3

Internal problem

To accept the alarm, press any button. Then press the OFF button and
correct the condition that caused the alarm. For Alarm + Err 1, 2 or 3,
press ON/OFF twice, if this does not clear the condition then contact
your local SKF representative.
5.10 External alarms
The lubricator has the facility to connect to an external alarm. When the
processor of the lubricator detects any error, the internal relay will open
and break the circuit between the pins 1 and 2 of the contact (see 4.2).
External control equipment can now be used to detect that the circuit is
no longer closed and activate an alarm.

SKF LAGD 400

13

If the external alarm cable is accidentally cut or the power supply

interrupted, the internal relay will also open triggering the external
control equipment in the same way.

6. Grease refilling
The recommendation is to use a standard SKF grease cartridge which
ensures that only clean, high quality grease is used. However the option
to fill an empty cartridge with other greases is provided.
6.1 Exchange of the grease cartridge
An empty cartridge will trigger the alarm signal and switch on the
ALARM and the EMPTY symbol on the display. Accept the alarm by
pressing any button. Thereafter press the ON/OFF button and OFF will
light up on the display.
Fit a new grease cartridge as per section 4.3.
Start the lubricator by pressing the ON/OFF button.
6.2 Filling with loose grease
Before filling an empty grease cartridge with loose grease, ensure that
the grease to be used is compatible with the grease in the tubes and the
application. If in doubt, contact your grease supplier. All SKF greases
are compatible with each other, however for food machinery
applications use only a food safe grease (such as SKF LGFP 2).
To fill manually use the grease filling nipple mounted on the front of the
lubricator. A standard empty grease cartridge with piston lid must be left
in the lubricator. Be careful not to overfill the container. By applying a
grease gun or grease filler pump to the filling nipple, the grease is
pushed into the empty grease cartridge.

14

SKF LAGD 400

7. Selection of SKF greases

SKF produces a range of high quality greases to suit a wide range of
applications. The greases listed in sections 7.1 and 7.2 are available in
the standard SKF cartridge pack size.
7.1 Basic grease selection
Generally use LGMT 2 (all purpose grease) provided with the lubricator,
unless:
bearing temperature continuously
> 100 C (212 F)

then use LGHQ 3 (high temperature

grease)

ambient temperature -50 C (-58 F)

or expected bearing temperature
< 50 C (122 F)

then use LGLT 2 (low temperature

grease)

shock loads, heavy loads, vibrations

then use LGEP 2 (extreme pressure

grease)

food processing industry

then use LGFP 2 (food compatible

grease)

demands for biodegradable low

toxicity grease

then use LGGB 2 (green grease)

Notes:
n for areas with relatively high ambient temperatures or for large size
bearings, use LGMT 3 instead of LGMT 2.
n for special operating conditions, refer to the range of special SKF
bearing greases below.

SKF LAGD 400

15

7.2 Special bearing greases

Special

Description

Typical uses

LGEV 2

Extremely high
viscosity with solid
lubricants

large size spherical

roller bearings

LGHB 2

EP high viscosity
high temperature,
lubricant

plain bearings,
spherical roller
bearings at high
temperatures

LGWM 1

Extreme pressure
low temperature

windmills, slewing rings

LGEM 2

High viscosity plus

solid lubricants

heavy duty grease also

used for CV joints

Wide temperature

fans, electric motors &

conveyors

LGWA 2

For more information on the SKF range of greases and their application
contact your local SKF representative.

16

SKF LAGD 400

8. Maintenance
The SKF automatic lubricator LAGD 400 has been designed for a long
and trouble free life, and should last many years if used correctly. To
maximise the operating reliability of the unit the following should be
adhered to:
n Use only high quality stable greases. The SKF range of grease
caters for most applications and is available worldwide.
n Use only new grease cartridges or fill with clean grease through the
grease filling nipple.
n Do not expose the lubricants to contaminants since this can
eliminate lubrication and damage both bearings and lubricator.
In the event that the lubricator is damaged, then switch off the power
supply to the unit immediately. There are no user serviceable parts
inside the lubricator. In the event of malfunction return the lubricator to
your local authorised SKF service centre.
8.1 Spare parts
Designation
LAGD 400-1
LAGD 400-2
LAGD 400-3
LAGD 400-4

SKF LAGD 400

Description
Power kit

Contents
Back housing complete with power
print plate
Control Kit
Front housing complete with control
print plate
Cartridge Kit
Cartridge protection cover, feed
spring with follower plate, locking
ring, O-ring and empty cartridge
Connection Kit 20 m (65 ft) 6 x 1,5 mm tube, 20 m
(65 ft) 8 x 1,5 tube, 4 quick
connection couplings G 1/4 to suit
6 mm tube, 4 adapters to connect
8 mm tube to 6 mm tube
16 compression fittings
2 Y-connectors
1 filling nipple

17

9. Trouble Shooting
Problem

Cause/Action

Display is blank. When pressing

buttons lubricator gives no response.

Check power connections.

Check that screws and connectors
are tight. Check that cables are
powered.

Grease is leaking into cartridge

cover over follower plate.

Plastic piston has been removed

when cartridge was installed. Mount
new plastic piston.

Grease is not dispensed in one of

the tubes after filling procedure.

Remove tube and check for

blockages using a grease gun.
Carefully re-fit the tube back into the
lubricator. In the event that the
lubrication tube needs to be refitted
then a new compression fitting must
be used.

Leakage at the connections of the

lubricator.

Tube is not correctly inserted into

the lubricator. Check that the
lubrication tube nut and compression
fittings are not damaged. The tubes
may have been damaged during
installation. Remove damaged part
and re-fit carefully. In the event that
the lubrication tube needs to be
refitted then a new compression
fitting must be used.

When the lubricator is connected to

24 Volt DC, POLO or POHI is
displayed.

POLO indicates supply voltage is

less than 19 Volts.
POHI indicates supply voltage is
more than 28 Volts.
Check and correct supply voltage.

18

SKF LAGD 400

Mounting template

SKF LAGD 400

19

In line with our policy of continuous development of our

products we reserve the right to alter any part of the above
specification without prior notice.
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this
publication, SKF does not assume any liability for errors or
omissions.

Copyright SKF 2001/10

www.mapro.skf.com

MP581E

SKF Maintenance Products