If you want to enhance the longevity, efficiency, and overall performance of your industrial machinery equipment, you need to select the right lubricant. Among the options available, multi-purpose greases are popular for their versatility and effectiveness across applications.
Below, we explore the key characteristics of a high-quality multi-purpose grease, evaluate three leading products—Shell Gadus S2, Shell Gadus S3, and TRUEGARD Multi-purpose Grease—and provide guidance on how to choose the best option for your specific needs.
What Is Multi-purpose Grease, and What Is It Used For?
Multi-purpose grease is a lubricant that is effective in many use cases, reducing the need for multiple specialized greases. Typically, these greases are formulated with a base oil, a thickener (commonly lithium-based), and performance-enhancing additives.
The key functions of multi-purpose grease in industrial machinery are:
- Lubrication: Reducing friction between moving parts to maximize efficiency and prevent wear.
- Protection: Shielding components from corrosion, oxidation, and contaminants.
- Sealing: Preventing the ingress of dirt and moisture into critical areas.
- Temperature Stability: Maintaining performance across a broad temperature range.
The versatility of multi-purpose grease makes it suitable for industrial applications like automotive, trucking, metalworking, manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and aviation. Since it limits the need for multiple grease formulations, it helps you save on inventory costs and storage.
What to Look For When Selecting Your Multi-Purpose Grease
Multi-purpose greases are designed for multiple applications, but they’re not created equal. Make sure you’re looking for one that fits your needs. Many of them are categorized by the following qualities:
- Load carrying capacity – If your machinery operates under extreme loads, look for a grease with high extreme-pressure (EP) additives.
- Operating temperature range – If your machinery operates under high temperatures, look for a grease with excellent oxidation and a high dropping point.
- Water resistance – If your machinery operates in a wet or humid environment, look for a grease with premium water washout resistance.
- Shear stability
- Compatibility with existing lubricants
So, you’ll want to start by assessing your specific machinery and operating environment, thinking about things like:
- What machines and components need to be lubricated
- What operating conditions those components will encounter (temperature ranges, exposure to water or contaminants, and load conditions)
- Necessary performance requirements (load-carrying capacity, mechanical stability, oxidation resistance)
- What your budget is
3 Great Multi-purpose Greases to Try Out
Below are three of our most popular multi-purpose grease offerings at Keller-Heartt, along with key information about their composition, applications, performance, and cost.
1. Shell Gadus S2

Shell Gadus S2 is a high-quality multi-purpose grease designed for machinery operating under extreme pressures.
Composition
|
High-quality mineral oils, lithium hydroxystearate soap thickener, extreme-pressure and other performance additives
|
Applications
|
Rolling element and plain bearings, hinges, sliding surfaces
|
Performance
|
- Lubrication of low-load components
- Improved mechanical stability (especially in vibrating environments)
- Good resistance to water washout
|
Protective Qualities
|
Oxidation stability
|
Cost
|
$$ – A cost-effective solution for its features and intended applications
|
2. Shell Gadus S3

Shell Gadus S3 is a premium multi-purpose grease ideal for demanding applications that require superior wear resistance and extended grease life.
Composition
|
High-viscosity mineral oils, lithium complex soap thickener, and the latest additives for: high temperature oxidation performance, anti-oxidation, anti-wear, and anti-corrosion
|
Applications
|
Heavy-duty bearings in machinery operating at high temperatures and under load, such as: continuous casting, vibrating sieves, quarries, breakers, and roller conveyors
|
Performance
|
- Mechanical stability in vibrating conditions
- Enhanced extreme-pressure properties
- Water resistance
- High dropping point
|
Protective Qualities
|
Anti-corrosion in the most challenging environments
|
Cost
|
$$$ – A premium solution due to advanced performance capabilities
|
3. TRUEGARD Multi-purpose Grease

TRUEGARD Multi-purpose Grease is best suited for routine maintenance, where affordability and consistent performance are the top priority.
Composition
|
Smooth, lithium-based grease
|
Applications
|
Automotive chassis, electric motor bearing, general purpose bearing lubrication
|
Performance
|
- Water resistance
- Corrosion protection
- Oxidation stability
|
Protective Qualities
|
Suitable for bearing temperatures up to 121°C (250°F) and down to –12.2°C (10°F); water washout resistance
|
Cost
|
$ – Economically priced, offering good value for general-purpose applications
|
Order Multi-purpose Grease from Keller-Heartt
At Keller-Heartt, we’re committed to providing you with the best products to meet your industrial lubrication needs. You can order Shell or TRUEGARD greases right on our website with free and fast shipping. Our experts are also here to answer any questions you have or point you in the direction of the right solution for your application.
Contact Us >>