Lubrication for poultry defeathering machines (pluckers)
Defeathering machines from OEMs such as Rupfer, Meyn and Stork operate under some of the most demanding lubrication conditions in poultry processing. Constant water spray, steam, feather debris and high shock loads accelerate bearing wear and strip standard lubricants from chains and gearboxes within hours. The result is premature bearing seizure, chain corrosion, gearbox leakage and recurring unplanned stoppages.
Hygiene consequences are equally significant. Excess grease or rust water dripping inside the plucker creates direct contamination risk and is a common source of HACCP non-conformities during BRC audits.
Documented results
- Grease consumption reduced by 80% in documented defeathering applications
- Bearing lifetime extended 2–3x with water-resistant NSF H1 grease
- Plucking finger failures reduced by 30–40%
- No routine gearbox oil changes, reducing downtime and maintenance cost
- No dripping oil or rust water inside machines, improving hygiene and audit readiness
REAL RESULTS
Reduce grease consumption of bearings by 80 percent
Interflon Food Grease HD2 resists washdowns in poultry machines, cutting grease consumption by 80% and extending bearing lifetime.
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Typical failures and Interflon solutions
- Bearings – grease washout under constant water spray, seizure from feather debris and shock loads.
→ Interflon Food Grease LT2 for low-temperature plucker zones, or Food Grease HD2 for hot, humid and high-load conditions. Water- and shock-resistant, remain in place during washdowns, extending bearing lifetime and reducing relubrication intervals. - Chains and drives – corrosion and stiff operation due to continuous cleaning and disinfectants.
→ Interflon Food Lube G150* is fortified with MicPol® technology. It penetrates into chain links and forms a durable, water-resistant lubrication film that withstands washdowns, prevents corrosion and keeps drives running smoothly. - Gearboxes – leakage, overheating, frequent oil changes, contamination risk.
→ Interflon Food Grease HD00 is the preferred solution. Interflon Food Lube G220 can be used in non-automatic gearbox systems where temperatures allow. Both replace conventional oils, eliminate routine oil changes, reduce leakage, lower operating temperature and save up to 3% energy. - Hygiene risks – excess grease or rust water dripping into the plucker, leading to audit non-conformities.
→ Interflon Metal Clean F, Interflon Degreaser EM30+, Power Wipes: remove feather residues, old grease and rust safely without harmful deposits. Support hygiene and audit compliance.
All lubricants are PFAS-free and NSF H1 certified (Halal & Kosher). Cleaning products are PFAS-free and carry the appropriate NSF cleaner categories (e.g., A1/K1/K3). See product pages for the exact category.
Want to know more? Get in touch with our lubrication specialists for free advice.
* While Interflon Food Lube G150 is our primary recommendation for most poultry chain applications, Interflon Food Lube G220 can be an excellent alternative for slightly higher mechanical loads or short-term temperature peaks, where appropriate for the equipment and lubrication system.
Thanks to its higher viscosity and strong adhesion, Food Lube G220 is also well suited as a rationalisation product.
Related content
Frequently Asked Questions about lubrication for poultry defeathering machines
The best grease for bearings in poultry defeathering machines is a water-resistant NSF H1 grease that maintains its film under continuous water spray, steam and shock loads from plucker finger operation. Interflon Food Grease HD2 is developed for this application. In documented defeathering cases, switching to Food Grease HD2 reduced grease consumption by 80% and extended bearing lifetime by resisting washout during high-pressure cleaning cycles.
Bearings fail in poultry pluckers after washdowns because standard greases are displaced by high-pressure water and steam during sanitation, leaving bearing surfaces unprotected against shock loads and feather debris. Interflon Food Grease HD2 uses MicPol® technology to bond to bearing surfaces and resist displacement by water, maintaining a protective film between cleaning cycles and under continuous mechanical stress.
Hygiene non-conformities from lubrication in poultry defeathering are prevented by eliminating excess grease build-up, rust water and gearbox leakage inside the machine. Interflon Food Grease HD2 applies in precise quantities and resists washout, preventing the accumulation that causes drip contamination. Food Grease HD00 eliminates gearbox leakage. Regular cleaning with Interflon Metal Clean F removes residues without leaving harmful deposits. All products are individually NSF H1 registered and PFAS-free, supporting full HACCP and BRC audit documentation.