TM 5-3895-374-24-2
Guidelines for Long-Term Storage
During periods of long storage (3 months or more) or when waiting for delivery or installation of other equipment, special
care should be taken to protect a gear reducer to have it ready to be in the best possible condition when placed into
service.
By taking special precautions, problems such as seal leakage and reducer failure due to the lack of lubrication, improper
lubrication quantity, or contamination can be avoided. The following precautions will protect gear reducers during periods
of extended storage:
• Preparation
1. Fill the reducer to the highest designated oil level, blending Motorstor™, or its equivalent, into the lubricant using
2% by volume to the oil. Rotate the input shaft at least 30 revolutions.
2. Replace the air vent with a solid pipe plug.
3. Apply a thick coating of chassis-type grease, cosmoline, or other similar protective coating to all unpainted shafts,
bores, keyways and threads.
4. Apply a thick coating of chassis-type grease to all seals.
5. Protect the reducer from dust, moisture, and other contaminants by storing the unit in a dry area.
6. In damp environments. the reducer should be packed inside a moisture-proof container or an envelope of
polythene containing a desiccant material. 11 the reducer is to be stored outdoors. cover the entire exterior with a
rust preventative.
7. Place the reducer in a position that will not put any weight on the input shaft. Also, place the unit in a vibration-free
area or on some type of shock absorbent material.
8. Once a month rotate the input shaft at least 30 revolutions to redistribute the weight of gears and shafts and to
prevent brinnelling of the bearings and drying of the seal track.
• When placing the reducer into service
1. Remove all protective coatings.
2. Drain the reducer and refill it with the proper type and amount of lubricant.
3. Reinstall the vent plug.
4. Check and retighten all hardware.
923-3
page 3-787
