Lubrication System and Method for Kinematic Linkage

A method of automatically lubricating a kinematic linkage associated with an industrial machine comprising:

• obtaining pressure data associated with one or more hydraulic cylinders arranged to actuate the kinematic linkage;
• determining, based on the pressure data, a total joint force applied to a pivot joint of the kinematic linkage;
• calculating a wear severity for the pivot joint based on the total joint force;
• comparing the wear severity for the pivot joint with a lubrication trigger value;
• and
• lubricating the pivot joint if the wear severity exceeds the lubrication trigger value.

A mobile machine comprising:

• an articulated machine frame comprising a forward frame end and a rearward frame end pivotally connected at a frame joint;
• a steering cylinder connected between the forward frame end and the rearward frame end and operatively arranged to pivot the articulated machine frame;
• a steering control valve selectively directing hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinder;
• and
• an electronic controller configured to obtain pressure data of the hydraulic fluid directed to the steering cylinder;
• convert the pressure data to a total joint force applied to the frame joint;
• calculate a wear severity of the frame joint based on the total joint force;
• compare the wear severity with a lubrication trigger value of the frame joint;
• and lubricate the frame joint if the wear severity exceeds the lubrication trigger value.