Grease Comparison
KE AP3 Grease vs Castrol APX: Spec, Price and When to Switch
If you are buying AP3-grade grease for construction or workshop use, the two names that come up most are Castrol APX and locally manufactured AP3 grease from suppliers like Krish Enterprises. Both are NLGI 3 lithium greases built for the same job.
Castrol APX and KE AP3 are the same grade (NLGI 3 lithium, all-season). Keep the branded can only where an OEM warranty names it; for site and workshop greasing in volume, KE AP3 delivers the same duty at roughly a quarter of the price.
AP3 grease vs Castrol APX: side by side
| Property | KE AP3 Grease | Castrol APX (AP3 equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| Thickener | Lithium soap | Lithium soap |
| NLGI grade | 3 | 3 |
| Base oil viscosity (40°C) | 150–220 cSt | ~160 cSt |
| Dropping point | ≥185°C | ~190°C |
| Operating range | −20°C to 130°C | −20°C to 130°C |
| Water resistance | Good | Good |
| Typical pack | 500g, 1kg, 18kg pail, 180kg drum | 500g, 1kg cans |
| Indicative price | ₹60–80/kg (bulk) | ₹300+/kg (retail can) |
On the bench, both greases behave the same way for general-purpose lubrication. AP3 is a stiff NLGI 3 grease, so it stays put on bearings and pins exposed to dust and water. The branded product carries tighter batch-to-batch consistency and a global datasheet. The local product gives you the same NLGI 3 lithium chemistry at bulk pricing, with a test certificate on request.
When to choose which
Choose Castrol APX
You run a small number of high-value machines under OEM warranty that specifies a branded grease by name, or you only need a can or two a month and price per kilogram is not a concern.
Choose KE AP3
You grease formwork pins, hinges, general bearings, pulleys and site equipment in volume. At 50–100 kg a month the price gap is large, with no measurable change in greasing intervals.
For multi-purpose duty across mixed equipment, many sites pair AP3 with MP3 grease. See MP3 grease full form and uses for where MP3 fits.
Specifications that matter
For an AP3 grease, the two numbers worth checking on any supplier’s certificate are the dropping point (185°C or higher for lithium) and the NLGI consistency (3, meaning firm). A genuine AP3 grease will not soften and run off vertical surfaces at normal Indian summer temperatures, which is why it is preferred over softer NLGI 2 greases for exposed pins and threads.
If your application sees standing water, a calcium grease may suit better than either lithium product. Compare in calcium vs lithium grease before you standardise.
Switching from Castrol APX without disruption
The safe way to move a site from branded AP3 to a locally manufactured grade is not to swap everything at once. Pick two or three representative points, such as a formwork pin set, a general bearing and an exposed pulley, and run the local AP3 on them for a normal service interval. Check that the old grease purges cleanly, that the new grease stays in place between intervals, and that there is no unusual heat or noise.
Because both products are NLGI 3 lithium greases, there is no thickener-incompatibility risk once you purge the old grease out. Keep one practical point in mind on consistency: a genuine NLGI 3 grease is firmer than the NLGI 2 grease many grease guns are set up for. If your central lubrication system was specified for NLGI 2, confirm it can pump grade 3 before you standardise on AP3 across the site.
Record the per-kilogram landed cost against your monthly consumption before and after the trial. For most sites running formwork and general equipment, the saving on AP3 alone funds a meaningful share of the monthly lubricant bill.
Why buy from KE
Krish Enterprises manufactures AP3 grease in Mumbai and supplies it across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in pack sizes from 500g cans to 180kg drums, with a test certificate available per batch. Pricing is quoted per kilogram against your monthly volume.
Frequently asked questions
Is KE AP3 grease the same grade as Castrol APX?
Both are NLGI 3 lithium-soap greases intended for the same general-purpose, all-season duty. The chemistry and consistency grade match; the difference is price and packaging.
Can I use AP3 grease instead of a branded AP3 in my equipment?
For general bearings, pins and hinges, yes. Match the NLGI grade (3) and check the dropping point. If your OEM warranty names a specific branded grease, follow that until the warranty period ends.
What is the price difference?
Branded AP3-type grease in retail cans typically runs ₹300/kg and up. Bulk locally manufactured AP3 is in the ₹60–80/kg range depending on pack size and volume.
What pack sizes does AP3 grease come in?
From 500g and 1kg cans for workshops up to 18kg pails and 180kg drums for site supply.
Related: MP3 Grease · Calcium Grease