Grease Gator Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. What is the difference between the Grease Gator Elite and the Grease Gator models?

A. The Grease Gator Elite model has a 16 gauge 304 stainless steel constructed sink. The Grease Gator model has a sink constructed of 16 gauge 430 stainless steel.

The Grease Gator Purification System is identical in each model. For complete details refer to the Specification Page.

Q. Why buy the Grease Gator when I am currently leasing? What is the financial benefit of owning a parts washer?

A. A key advantage of the Grease Gator is that it requires so little maintenance. And complete fluid changes are not needed. This eliminates a significant cost – the outsourcing the regular maintenance of your parts washer to a licensed hazardous waste handler. And the low maintenance requirement also enables another financial benefit. Equipment ownership saves money over renting. You will be surprised when you consider all the ways that the Grease Gator will help your operation. We would be happy to assist you in preparing a payback period analysis for your specific needs to show you how fast the Grease Gator pays for itself and then continues to bring savings to your bottom line for years to come.

Q. Besides cutting my service costs, how will the Grease Gator save me money?

A. Besides eliminating the need for service and rental fees, the Grease Gator will bring many opportunities for savings and process improvement to your operation. Cleaning 57% faster than mineral spirits means that your workforce will be able to accomplish more in less time. Because the Grease Gator is non-hazardous and aqueous, your workforce morale is improved. And the waste oil purged from the Grease Gator has value. It can directly be sold or burned as heating oil. It creates value from what previously was considered a waste.

Q. Is the aqueous cleaning solution included in the Grease Gator price? How much for replenishment?

The initial Grease Gator purchase comes with a chemistry plan. We have 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1-year chemistry plans available. Pick the one that suits your cleaning needs the best. If you use your parts washer frequently, select the 5-year plan as you will prepay for 5 years of chemistry and get the best price. If you will be a light user of your Grease Gator, select the appropriate package. Consult your Grease Gator representative for more details on the pricing and selection of the options.

Our chemistry replenish program is simple and is based on the “GatorPak”. One GatorPak contains all chemistry necessary for one year of average use: Four gallons of Grease Gator Cleaning Solution and 1 pint of Anti-Rust additive.

The average Grease Gator customer will have an annual cost of only $300 compared to $1,000 that competitors charge for their rental program on average.

Q. Can a low micron external canister filter be added to maintain bath clarity and minimize solids accumulation?

A. We have tried a 200 micron filter but the maintenance became a problem. The 500 micron has become the customer’s choice.

Q. Even though the liquid is screened via a 500 mesh, there will still be fines and a gradual contamination of the liquid which would need to be removed after repeated use. How does one go about either pumping the accumulated solids from the container bottom or removing the liquid for replacement?

A. In the 5.5 gallon purifier we have a 140 ounce section to hold sludge/grit and to date no one has had to empty it. The process is to remove the thumb screws on the Purifier Vessel and then lift the stainless steel sink off and remove the purifier. There are a few screws that hold the bottom plate and once removed the sludge/grit can be disposed.

Q. Are there any special disposal requirements for the Grease Gator Cleaning Solution?

A. No. The Grease Gator Cleaning Solution is an aqueous and non-hazardous solution. But, please consult with your local municipality for your specific regulations.

Q. I am concerned about bacterial exposure to my employees. Will the aqueous chemistry used in the Grease Gator be conducive to bacterial growth?

A. The elevated pH (about 11) combined with temperature (about 115 degrees F) and the aeration associated with running the pump, all combine to make an "unfriendly" environment for bacteria. Cleaners and metal working fluids that experience significant bacterial buildup usually operate at more neutral pH, ambient temperatures, and remain stagnant for extended periods. Additionally, the Grease Gator System continuously removes the oil contaminants that can serve as food for the microbes.

For additional bacteria control in with Grease Gator Fluid Purifer applications, we recommend the Predator Bacteria Filter. Please consult with your Grease Gator rep for more info.

Q. How about metal buildup over time?

A. Heavy metals are not very soluble at elevated pHs. This would be a more important concern if the cleaning solution was acid based. We have systems in operation in various industries for over two years now and the cleaning solution appears as fresh as the day we mixed it. Salts from water additions will build up in the fluid over time depending on the hardness of your water supply. Eventually, the salts could affect cleaning efficacy and can result in your need to replace the solution.

Q. How is the Grease Gator delivered?

A. The Grease Gator Aqueous Parts Washer System is delivered on a pallet fully constructed. Please refer to the easy setup instructions for your specific model which are included on this site as well as provided with the Grease Gator when delivered.

Q. What should be done to minimize the energy consumption of the Grease Gator?

A. The Grease Gator Elite comes with a digital programmable timer which will control heater usage. This timer is an option for the Grease Gator model. Please refer to Appendix 1 of the setup instructions for a chart which provides further information of energy consumption savings.

Q. How does a customer order replacement parts?

A. If any part should fail, please complete a Return Authorization Form at this website. There is a one year warranty on the heater and pump components. If you need to order any replacement parts, please complete an Order Form at this website. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-TELL-SSI.

Q. How do you replace the heater or pump?

A. The Grease Gator is modular in its construction. All replacement parts are easily swapped out and replaced. Please contact your Grease Gator representative for simple instructions on replacement.

Q. What are the steps to follow when moving a Grease Gator?

A. Do not move a filled Grease Gator Parts Washer without consulting a Grease Gator representative.

Q. What is the schedule for adding more cleaning solution to the Grease Gator?

A. After initial 5-gallon charge at setup, add a one gallon, pre-measured container of Grease Gator Cleaning Solution once every three months for normal use. Please consult with your Grease Gator representative for your specific requirements.

Q. Other than adding cleaning solution, what regular maintenance is required?

A. Purge the oil twice a week, check the water level once a week. Please consult our Training Section for further details on Grease Gator maintenance.

Q. Does the technique used to clean parts in the Grease Gator differ from that used for mineral spirits parts washers?

A. Yes. Clean large parts from the top down rather than from the bottom up. Consult the Training Section for details on the proper technique.

Q. How do I know if I am cleaning with the proper cleaning solution concentration?

A. If you add a gallon of Grease Gator Cleaning Solution every three months, you will always maintain the correct concentration. If you cleaning requirements are heavy or light, consult with your Grease Gator rep to determine exact replenishment schedule.

Q. How do you know if the Grease Gator’s water level is low?

A. By checking to see if fluid is visible through the sink drain. If not, add water until visible. Consult the Training Section for details on the proper technique.