The bearings on an escalator were replaced with a combination of Vesco Polycap and Vesconite Hilube polymers to solve maintenance problems and provide a cost effective solution to long term escalator wear and maintenance. Vesco Polycap rollers were used to absorb the impact from the sprockets. Vesconite Hilube high load, low friction bushes, were fitted inside the Vesco Polycap rollers to run on the chain steel shafts, thus carrying the load and eliminating lubrication.

Escalator chain showing high impact Vesco Polycap roller fitted with low friction, high load Vesconite Hilube bush.

Escalators fitted with traditional bearings have to be stripped, washed with solvents and re-lubricated due to the dust and dirt falling through the treads on to the lubricated bearings. This creates a grinding paste and results in high wear. Cleaning and regreasing these bearings represents a major maintenance headache.

The dirt/lubricant combination builds up and can also constitute a fire hazard. This led to a major tragedy in the UK underground railway system some years back.

With Vesco Polycap and Vesconite Hilube polymer combination even though no lubrication is used, longer life between maintenance intervals was achieved. This results in less down time of the escalator. Actual maintenance time is also reduced due to the intervals between cleaning being far longer. Wear on bushes and shafts was minimal after many months of operation.

Since no lubrication is required, the problem of lubricant build up is eliminated, thus reducing the fire risk.

Dismantled escalator showing chain ready for refurbishment.