| Feature | Alvania G2 | Alvania G3 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Softer (Like peanut butter) | Stiffer (Like firm frosting) | | Primary Use | General purpose, slower speeds, easier pumping. | High-speed bearings, vertical shafts, resisting centrifugal force. | | Pumpability | Excellent (good for centralized lube systems). | Moderate (requires higher pressure in lines). | | Bearing Type | Plain bearings, slow roller bearings. | High-speed ball bearings (electric motors). |
It is not the most exotic grease in Shell’s portfolio, nor is it intended to be. It is the grease you spec for a thousand electric motors, a fleet of medium-duty trucks, and the conveyor bearings that run three shifts a day. It does not break records—it breaks downtime.
Many classic machine tools, such as Meddings pillar drills , specifically mandate Alvania Grease 3 in their manuals.
If the OEM specifies an NLGI Grade 2, using G3 is not inherently harmful but may result in slightly higher running temperatures initially due to higher "churning resistance." If the OEM specifies NLGI Grade 3 (common for high-speed motors), G2 should not be used, as it may leak out.
Detailed Analysis of Properties, Applications, and Specifications Product Type: Premium Quality Multi-Purpose Lithium Grease Manufacturer: Shell Lubricants
Due to its NLGI 3 consistency, Shell Alvania G3 was specifically recommended for equipment where vibrations or high speeds might cause softer greases to fail.