TM-5 Electric Lubrication Pump for Single-Line Resistance Systems

The TM-5 Lubricator is a motor-driven, piston-type electric lubrication pump designed for single-line resistance (SLR) lubrication systems. It delivers a measured shot of oil at fixed, mechanically timed intervals to meter units that distribute lubricant to individual lubrication points across industrial machinery.

What Is the TM-5 Lubricator?

The TM-5 is an automatic cyclic lubricator that uses an internal gear-reduction motor to control lubrication intervals. Each cycle produces a spring-discharged piston stroke that delivers a fixed volume of oil into an SLR distribution network.

Unlike modern electronically controlled pumps, the TM-5 relies entirely on its internal motor gearset to determine cycle time. As a result, lubrication intervals are fixed by the selected motor configuration and cannot be dynamically adjusted without mechanical changes.

How the TM-5 Works

During operation, the motor drives a piston pump that delivers a single, measured shot of oil into the system at preset intervals. The discharge volume is adjustable from approximately 2.5 cc to 5.0 cc per cycle, while cycle timing is fixed based on motor gearing (ranging from roughly 5 to 128 minutes depending on frequency).

Oil is distributed through Type F meter units, which proportion lubricant to each lubrication point based on system resistance. The TM-5 is intended for oil lubrication only and is not suitable for grease applications.

Key Operating Characteristics

• Motor-driven piston pump with spring discharge
• Fixed cycle timing via internal gear reduction
• Adjustable discharge volume: 2.5–5.0 cc per cycle
• Maximum discharge pressure: approximately 60 PSI
• Compatible with up to ~70 Type F meter units (application dependent)
• Available with or without liquid level switch

Typical Applications

• Legacy machine tools and production equipment
• Single-line resistance lubrication systems
• Machinery requiring simple, mechanically timed oil delivery
• Facilities maintaining existing TM-5-based lubrication infrastructure

Important Limitations

• Cycle timing cannot be electronically adjusted
• Not suitable for grease or high-pressure systems
• Limited system pressure compared to modern pumps
• Reduced flexibility for changing lubrication requirements

Legacy Status and Replacement Considerations

TM-5 lubricators have been in service since the 1970s and are gradually being replaced by more flexible electric lubricators. While reliable, the fixed-interval design limits adaptability to changing machine conditions.

Bijur Delimon recommends replacing obsolete TM-5 units with a specially configured SureFire II lubricator, which offers adjustable electronic timing while maintaining compatibility with existing SLR meter unit networks.

When the TM-5 Is Still a Good Choice

• Maintaining original machine lubrication design
• Replacing an existing TM-5 with identical timing requirements
• Simple oil-only SLR systems with stable lubrication needs

When a Modern Replacement Is Better

• When adjustable lubrication intervals are required
• When integrating lubrication with machine controls
• When upgrading system monitoring or reliability
• When replacing multiple legacy TM-5 units across a facility