Exceptional availability at high altitude

When reliability is not optional but absolutely essential, every detail matters. That certainly applies to the nearly 160 panoramic gondolas of the Planai cable car in Schladming, Austria. These gondolas must transport passengers to high altitudes every day, year-round, in all weather conditions, with maximum reliability. With over 3,000 operating hours per year, downtime is not an option and failure is entirely out of the question. That’s why the technicians at Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen deliberately choose Interflon Food Grease LT2 and Interflon Fin Super.

The state-of-the-art Planai cable car (Planaibahn I and II), built in 2019, is the main access route to the Planai summit, one of the four peaks in the Schladming-Dachstein ski area. Built by Doppelmayr, the 10-seater gondola system carries up to 3,800 people per hour, covering a distance of 3.7 km in just twelve minutes.

Extreme performance demands

The cable car must remain operational all year round, functioning flawlessly under all conditions, including cold and damp weather, high loads, and relatively low speeds. A critical component in this system is the detachable D5000 grip, which connects each gondola to the haul rope. To ensure safety and availability throughout the annual 3,000 operating hours, maintenance quality is non-negotiable.

Doppelmayr, the manufacturer, specifies the use of Interflon Food Grease LT2 for lubricating these key components. “We fully rely on Doppelmayr’s recommendation to use Interflon,” says Manuel Wöhrer, Operations Manager at Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen. “And practice has proven this right—the grease performs exactly as promised, even under the harshest conditions.”

Maximum protection against boundary lubrication

Wöhrer refers in particular to the product’s long service life and outstanding performance across a wide temperature range, summer and winter alike. Its exceptional adhesion ensures that the grease doesn’t wash away in rain or snow and helps prevent corrosion. A critical feature for a system that operates 24/7 in the open air.

Another standout characteristic is its high resistance to boundary lubrication, a condition more likely to occur at low speeds, high loads, cold starts or stop/start cycles, all typical for gondola operations. In such scenarios, the lubrication film can break down, causing metal-to-metal contact. Interflon lubricants provide superior protection against this, reducing friction, wear, noise levels, and the risk of seizing components.

Industry-wide adoption

The superior properties of Interflon lubricants have not gone unnoticed. Food Grease LT2 is now used across virtually all cable car systems to help meet prescribed maintenance intervals. Wöhrer explains: “The lubrication film holds under all conditions. Water doesn't penetrate, the grease doesn't drip onto gondolas or components, and corrosion simply doesn’t occur. As a result, clamps and doors continue to operate smoothly, and our guests barely notice the gondola detaching or reattaching. It all adds to their comfort.”

Safety and comfort

Wöhrer continues by highlighting the use of Interflon Fin Super, a dry-film spray lubricant, for maintaining the sliding tracks of fold-out windows. “Smooth operation here also means added comfort for guests,” he explains. “Plus, the product lasts a long time and has excellent creeping properties. And last but not least, it’s extremely easy to work with. Fin Super loosens rusted or stuck parts with ease, while Food Grease LT2 is typically applied with a simple brush.”

Expanding use of Interflon’s MicPol® technology

Impressed by the results, Planai is now considering expanding its use of Interflon products for other lubrication tasks. A wise decision, given that all Interflon products are based on advanced MicPol® technology. This means:

A durable lubrication film with exceptional adhesion that remains effective under fluctuating temperatures, pressure and humidity. For instance, Food Grease LT2 continues to perform down to -45°C and immediately forms a reliable film even during cold starts.
Lower friction, which means reduced wear, less lubricant consumption, longer service life, and extended maintenance intervals.
Free from PFAS, nanoparticles and microplastics, making them safe for people and the environment, without compromising performance.