Mobil Industrial Grease — Western Cape, Northern Cape & Garden Route
Supplying the full Mobilgrease range — XHP lithium complex, SHC synthetic, Mobilith and Polyrex — to mining operations, marine vessels, manufacturing plants and transport fleets across South Africa. Expert selection guidance and bulk supply available.
Orbit Industrial distributes the complete range of genuine Mobil greases across the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Garden Route — supplying mining operations, marine vessels, manufacturing plants and transport fleets with the right product, in the right grade, for their specific application. Our technical team provides grease selection guidance, NLGI grade matching, OEM cross-referencing and lubrication programme design tailored to your equipment and operating conditions.
Understanding NLGI Grease Grades
The NLGI (National Lubricating Grease Institute) number describes a grease's consistency — how firm or fluid it is. Selecting the wrong NLGI grade for your application causes grease to either run out of the bearing or fail to pump through the lubrication system. This is one of the most common causes of preventable bearing failure.
Grease Thickener Types — Why It Matters
The thickener is the structural framework of a grease — it holds the base oil in place and determines temperature resistance, water resistance and compatibility. Mixing incompatible thickener types destroys the grease structure and can cause catastrophic bearing failure. Always confirm thickener compatibility before switching products.
| Thickener Type | Max Temp | Water Resistance | Best For | Mobil Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium Complex | 180°C+ | Excellent | High-load bearings, mining, marine, fleet — the most versatile industrial thickener | Mobilgrease XHP 221/222/462, Mobilith SHC 460, Mobilube 1 SHC |
| Polyurea | 180°C+ | Good | Electric motor bearings, sealed-for-life bearings, high-speed applications | Mobil Polyrex EM |
| Lithium (Simple) | 120°C | Good | General purpose — chassis, light bearings. Limited to moderate temperatures | Mobilgrease Special |
| Calcium Sulfonate Complex | 180°C+ | Outstanding | Marine deck machinery, highly corrosive and wet environments | Mobilgrease XHP 221/222 with EP additives |
Mobilgrease XHP Series — Lithium Complex EP
The Mobilgrease XHP series is the benchmark lithium complex extreme-pressure grease for South African mining, marine and heavy industrial applications. High-temperature performance, outstanding water resistance and EP additive packages make this the most widely specified Mobil grease in the Western and Northern Cape.
Mobilgrease XHP 222
The most widely used Mobilgrease in South African industry. NLGI 2 lithium complex EP grease for high-load bearings, mining equipment, wheel bearings, electric motor bearings and general industrial re-greasing. Outstanding mechanical stability prevents grease softening under shear — it stays in the bearing where it belongs. Excellent water washout resistance for coastal and marine environments.
Key specs: Drop point 260°C+ · ASTM D1743 pass · ISO 11158 HM compatible · -30°C to 180°C
Pack sizes: 18kg pail · 50kg drum · 180kg drum
Mobilgrease XHP 462
High molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) content lithium complex EP grease for applications involving shock loading, slow-speed high-load sliding contact and metal-to-metal contact. The moly additive forms a solid lubricant film that protects surfaces when the oil film breaks down under extreme pressure. Essential for mining equipment pins, bushings, loader pivot points and fifth wheel assemblies on heavy transport.
Best for: Mining loader pins · Excavator bushings · Crusher pivot points · Heavy truck fifth wheels · Drag chain applications
Pack sizes: 18kg pail · 180kg drum
Mobilgrease XHP 221
Softer NLGI 1 grade of the XHP series, designed for centralised lubrication systems and automatic greasing systems where pumpability through small-bore lines is critical. The same high-performance lithium complex EP formulation as XHP 222, in a softer grade that pumps reliably through centralised lube systems on mining conveyors, mobile equipment and manufacturing lines. Also used for large, slow-moving bearings requiring easier grease flow.
Best for: Centralised lube systems · Mining conveyor auto-lube · Large slow-speed bearings · Cold climate applications
Pack sizes: 18kg pail · 180kg drum
Mobilgrease Special
General-purpose NLGI 2 lithium grease for standard applications where the high-performance EP additive packages of the XHP series are not required. Suitable for chassis lubrication, light-duty bearings, agricultural equipment greasing points, trailer hitch components and general workshop use. Cost-effective solution for high-volume, standard re-greasing schedules across mixed fleets.
Best for: Fleet chassis lubrication · Agricultural equipment · Light-duty workshop re-greasing · Trailer components
Pack sizes: 500g cartridge · 18kg pail · 180kg drum
Mobilgrease SHC Series — Fully Synthetic
Fully synthetic greases for applications where conventional mineral-based greases fail — extreme high temperatures, very wide temperature ranges, or where significantly extended relubrication intervals are required. The PAO synthetic base oil delivers exceptional thermal and oxidative stability unavailable in mineral greases.
Mobilgrease SHC 100
High-performance synthetic NLGI 2 grease for applications requiring extended relubrication intervals and wide temperature performance. The PAO synthetic base provides outstanding oxidative resistance and maintains consistency across the full operating range from cold starts to elevated running temperatures. Suitable for electric motor bearings, high-speed spindles and sealed-for-life bearing applications where access for frequent relubrication is difficult.
Best for: Electric motors · High-speed bearings · Inaccessible bearing points · Extended drain applications
Mobilgrease SHC 220
Higher viscosity synthetic EP grease for heavily loaded bearings at elevated temperatures. The ISO VG 220 equivalent base oil viscosity provides superior film strength under high load at elevated operating temperatures — where lower-viscosity mineral greases would shear thin and fail. Widely used in steel mill roll neck bearings, mining processing plant bearings and kiln trunnion bearings operating continuously above 120°C.
Best for: Steel mill bearings · Kiln trunnions · Hot processing equipment · Continuous high-temperature applications
Mobilith SHC Series — Heavy-Load Synthetic
The Mobilith SHC series is engineered for the most demanding slow-speed, heavy-load, high-temperature and marine applications where conventional greases fail. The combination of a high-viscosity PAO synthetic base with a lithium complex thickener delivers performance that far exceeds mineral equivalents.
Mobilith SHC 460
The premium synthetic grease for slow-speed, heavily loaded bearings in marine and severe industrial environments. NLGI 1.5 grade with ISO VG 460 equivalent base oil viscosity provides an exceptional lubricant film under high loads where lighter grades would be squeezed from the contact zone. The synthetic base and lithium complex thickener deliver outstanding water resistance — critical for deck machinery, winches, anchor windlasses and marine bearing applications exposed to salt water and high humidity.
Mobilith SHC 460 is the recommended grease for grease-lubricated stern tube bearing arrangements in older vessel configurations, where its water resistance, heavy-load film strength and wide temperature range deliver proven performance. Also outstanding for steel mill bearings, paper mill rolls, mining processing plant bearings, and any slow-speed heavy-load application where water contamination is a concern.
Key marine applications: Grease-lubricated stern tube bearings · Deck machinery · Anchor windlasses · Winch bearings · Port/crane bearings exposed to seawater
Industrial applications: Steel mill roll neck bearings · Paper mill bearings · Mining processing plant · Cement kilns · Slow-speed heavily loaded bearings
Mobilith SHC 1500
Ultra-high-viscosity synthetic grease for plain and rolling element bearings operating at extremely slow speeds under very high loads and elevated temperatures — conditions where even a ISO VG 460 grease provides insufficient film thickness. The ISO VG 1500 base oil viscosity ensures a full lubricant film at near-zero surface speeds in applications such as large slow-rotating kiln bearings, large press bearings and very slow mining hoist drum bearings.
Best for: Large kiln bearings · Large press bearings · Slow mining hoist drum bearings · Very slow heavy equipment where ISO VG 460 is insufficient
Mobil Polyrex EM — Electric Motor Grease
Electric motors are among the most common bearing failures in South African industry. Using the wrong grease type is a leading cause — the polyurea thickener in Polyrex EM is specifically formulated to be compatible with electric motor bearing temperatures and speeds, and is recommended by major bearing and motor OEMs.
Mobil Polyrex EM
The specialist grease for electric motor ball and roller bearings. The polyurea thickener provides superior resistance to thermal degradation at electric motor operating temperatures, excellent oxidation resistance for long service life, and is recommended by major bearing manufacturers including SKF, FAG and NSK for sealed-for-life and re-greaseable electric motor bearings. Resists churning and channelling at motor speeds to prevent energy waste and heat build-up.
OEM recommendations: SKF LGEP 2 compatible · FAG recommended · NSK compatible · Recommended by major motor manufacturers
Mobil Polyrex EM Extra
Extended temperature version of Polyrex EM for larger electric motors, higher duty cycle motors and applications where operating temperatures regularly exceed those of standard Polyrex EM. Provides the same polyurea thickener compatibility benefits as EM, with enhanced thermal stability for larger frame motors in manufacturing, mining processing and pump applications operating at consistently elevated temperatures.
Best for: Large frame electric motors · High duty cycle motors · Mining processing drives · Pump motors in high-ambient environments
Grease Selection Guide
| Application | Key Requirements | Correct Product |
|---|---|---|
| General industrial & mining bearings | NLGI 2 · Lithium Complex · EP | Mobilgrease XHP 222 |
| Mining pins, bushings, fifth wheels — shock loading | NLGI 2 · High Moly · EP | Mobilgrease XHP 462 |
| Centralised auto-lube systems — conveyors, mobile equipment | NLGI 1 · Lithium Complex · Pumpable | Mobilgrease XHP 221 |
| Electric motor bearings — standard | NLGI 2 · Polyurea · Motor-compatible | Mobil Polyrex EM |
| Electric motor bearings — large frame, high temp | NLGI 2 · Polyurea · Extended temp | Mobil Polyrex EM Extra |
| Marine deck machinery, winches, wet environments | NLGI 1.5 · Synthetic · Water-resistant · EP | Mobilith SHC 460 |
| Grease-lubricated stern tube bearings | NLGI 1.5 · Synthetic · Heavy load · Marine | Mobilith SHC 460 |
| Steel mill, paper mill, kiln — high temp heavy load | Synthetic · High viscosity · EP · Heavy load | Mobilith SHC 460 / SHC 1500 |
| High-speed bearings, sealed-for-life, inaccessible points | PAO Synthetic · Extended drain · Wide temp | Mobilgrease SHC 100 |
| General chassis, fleet, agricultural, light duty | NLGI 2 · General purpose · Cost-effective | Mobilgrease Special |
FAQ
Both are NLGI 2 lithium complex EP greases, but XHP 462 contains a significantly higher concentration of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). The moly additive forms a solid lubricant film at metal contact surfaces — critical for applications involving shock loading, slow-speed sliding contact and metal-to-metal contact under extreme pressure, such as mining equipment pins, bushings and fifth wheel assemblies.
For standard bearings running at normal speeds under moderate load, XHP 222 is the correct choice. For shock-loaded, slow-speed, high-contact-pressure applications, XHP 462 provides the additional protection that the moly film delivers when the base oil film breaks down.
Electric motor bearings operate at higher speeds and temperatures than most industrial bearings, and generate their own heat through electrical activity in the motor housing. Polyurea thickeners (used in Polyrex EM) resist channelling and churning at motor speeds far better than lithium complex thickeners, reducing energy waste and heat build-up.
Critically, lithium complex and polyurea greases are incompatible — mixing them destroys the thickener structure and causes the grease to liquefy and run out of the bearing. Many electric motor OEMs specifically warn against using lithium complex grease in their motors for this reason. If your motors currently contain XHP 222, purge the bearings completely before switching to Polyrex EM.
Yes. Mobilith SHC 460 is specifically suited to grease-lubricated stern tube bearing arrangements found in older vessel configurations. Its ISO VG 460 synthetic base oil provides the heavy-load film strength required at slow propeller shaft speeds, the NLGI 1.5 grade provides good pumpability into the bearing housing, and its outstanding water resistance prevents washout in the wet stern tube environment.
Important: Modern vessels predominantly use oil-lubricated stern tube systems, which require a dedicated stern tube oil — not a grease. Verify your vessel's stern tube arrangement type with your marine engineer or naval architect before specifying. Contact Orbit Industrial's technical team if you need assistance identifying the correct product for your vessel.
Most centralised lubrication systems (Lincoln, SKF, Bijur-Delimon) are designed for NLGI 1 or NLGI 0 grade greases, depending on the pump capacity, line length and ambient temperature. Mobilgrease XHP 221 (NLGI 1) is the standard recommendation for most South African mining conveyor and mobile equipment centralised lube systems.
Using NLGI 2 grease in a system designed for NLGI 1 can cause pump overload, blocked lines and starvation of remote lube points. Always confirm the system's specified NLGI grade — it is typically stated on the pump specification plate or in the system service manual.
Yes. Orbit Industrial distributes Mobil greases across the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Garden Route, and supports mining sector tenders and industrial supply agreements. We supply Mobilgrease XHP, Mobilith SHC, Mobil Polyrex and the full Mobilgrease range in 500g cartridges, 5kg and 18kg pails, 180kg drums and by special arrangement in larger volumes.
We provide certified product data sheets, safety data sheets, OEM compatibility documentation and technical support for tender compliance. Contact us at jaco@orbitindustrial.co.za or +27 (21) 569-2530 for a bulk pricing enquiry.
Mobil Industrial Grease — Western Cape, Northern Cape & Garden Route
Orbit Industrial distributes the complete range of genuine Mobil greases across the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Garden Route — supplying mining operations, marine vessels, manufacturing plants and transport fleets with Mobilgrease XHP 222, XHP 462, XHP 221, Mobilith SHC 460, Mobilith SHC 1500, Mobil Polyrex EM and Mobilgrease SHC grades. All products are 100% genuine, sourced directly from Mobil, with full product data sheets, safety data sheets and OEM compatibility documentation available on request.
Selecting the correct industrial grease requires matching the thickener type, NLGI grade, base oil viscosity and additive package to your specific application. The consequences of using the wrong grease — from bearing failure through thickener incompatibility to insufficient film strength under load — are entirely preventable with the right product selection. Orbit Industrial's technical team provides grease selection guidance, OEM cross-referencing, thickener compatibility checking and lubrication programme design at no charge to our customers.
Orbit Industrial supplies Mobil grease to Cape Town, Durbanville, Bellville, Paardeneiland, Epping, the Western Cape Winelands, Saldanha Bay, Kathu, Postmasburg, Upington, Springbok (Northern Cape), George, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route) and nationwide. Contact us for a same-day bulk quote →
Need the Right Grease for Your Application?
From moly EP grease for mining equipment pins to synthetic marine grease for stern tube bearings — Orbit Industrial provides expert selection guidance and bulk Mobil grease supply across South Africa.
Request Bulk Grease PricingMobil Grease Distributor Western Cape & Northern Cape
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