Wicken Windmill Partnership, Cambridgeshire

We were concerned that the main bearing carrying the sails was running hot when the mill was worked hard during the day. We had been using the old traditional black sticky Castrol Impervia MDX. A visitor suggested we try Ramonol Advanced which is a lighter grease but a more advanced calcium sulphonate grease. Since changing to Ramonol the bearing has never been more than slightly warm even after running hard for several hours. We also have the impression that the frictional resistance has been much reduced as it is now easier to run the mill in light winds. We have also used Ramonol Advanced on the high gearing of the fantail which keeps the sails into the wind and the high pitched squeak has gone which is important since the mill is in the middle of the village. The high resistance to washout on these external gears means less frequent maintenance and we will continue to use and recommend Ramonol Advanced.