The SKF Lincoln Automatic Electric Cartridge Pump is fast becoming the go-to lubrication system for compact machines across Australia.
In the world of compact earthmoving machinery, efficiency and simplicity aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the maintenance of one of the most trusted workhorses: the skid steer.
Designed for versatility in tight spaces, these agile machines are often pushed to their limits. But when it comes to keeping them running smoothly, traditional greasing methods often fall short — especially in harsh, dusty environments where missed grease points can lead to costly downtime.
The compact advantage
Unlike traditional automatic lubrication systems, which can be bulky and difficult to mount, the SKF Lincoln Automatic Electric Cartridge Pump (AECP) is engineered specifically for machines with limited space.
With a footprint 50 per cent smaller than standard reservoir pumps, the AECP can be mounted on virtually any flat surface, no custom brackets required.
This flexibility makes it ideal for skid steers, which often have no spare room for bulky pumps.
In a recent installation on two Manitou 3300V skid steers, JSG Industrial Systems faced the common challenge of tight mounting conditions.
A standard lubrication pump simply wouldn’t fit. The AECP, however, was installed seamlessly using a single metering device, creating a progressive lubrication system capable of supplying grease to 12 critical points — all while the machines remained in operation.
Designed for the operator
For busy operators, especially those juggling a wide range of tasks, maintenance is often left until the end of the day — or worse, skipped entirely. Grease points are easily missed in the rush, and even more so on compact machines where some are notoriously hard to reach.
The AECP eliminates this issue by delivering small, timed doses of grease throughout the day, maintaining optimal lubrication while the machine is working.
Designed to run for one minute every hour, it ensures continuous care without intervention. Better still, it uses standard 400g cartridges — the same type already used with most manual grease guns — making it a familiar and accessible solution.
And when the cartridge runs low? A built-in visual sensor alerts the operator, with the option to connect to an in-cab controller like the SKF IG502, which provides low-level warnings, adjustable timing, and a manual override button.
Built tough for Aussie conditions
Australia’s weather extremes are no problem for the AECP.
With an operating temperature range from -40°C to +65°C and a robust anodised aluminium body, this pump is built for resilience.
It resists damage, corrosion, and the tough knocks that come with operating in challenging environments.
Smart automation, scaled for compact equipment
While automated lubrication systems are often associated with large equipment in mining or heavy construction, the AECP proves that smart lubrication can — and should — be scaled for compact machines too.
The unit can handle up to approximately 20 grease points, making it a perfect fit not just for skid steers but also for smaller machines like mini excavators.
As JSG’s OEM Manager Charlie Mouawad explains, the AECP offers a “set and forget” solution: “The operator simply swaps out the cartridge and off they go — there’s less work to be done compared to larger pumps that require refilling at a station with air supply.”
Real-world success: The Manitou case
The AECP’s impact isn’t theoretical. In the real-world case of the Manitou 3300V skid steers, the installation delivered immediate results: reliable lubrication without requiring machine redesigns or downtime.
The AECP was fitted into the existing design with no need for engineering brackets, and its operation — governed via a smart controller — ensured consistent lubrication even in high-demand industrial use.
This case demonstrates not just the product’s effectiveness but its practicality for businesses looking to modernise without major investment or disruption.
The future of maintenance for compact earthmovers
As equipment across industries becomes more sophisticated, so too must the systems that support it.
The AECP is a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean complexity. Sometimes, the smartest solutions are the ones that simplify the job, increase reliability, and reduce the risk of human error.
With the AECP, operators of compact machinery like skid steers can now experience the benefits of progressive lubrication — boosting uptime, reducing maintenance effort, and ultimately protecting their most valuable assets: their machines.
For more information, visit www.jsgindustrial.com/aecp-automatic-electric-cartridge-pump