S-716L Lever Action Grease Gun

Frequently Asked Questions: S-716L Medium Duty Wide Barrel High Capacity Lever Action Grease Gun

What makes the S-716L different from the S-716?

The S-716L carries 900 cc of bulk grease versus the S-716's 650 cc, an extra 250 cc (38 percent more capacity) on the same medium-duty wide-barrel platform. The extra capacity comes from an extended-length barrel at the same 63.5 mm inner diameter, plus a matched heavier follower spring for the taller grease column. Pressure (6,000 PSI), aluminium die cast head, 4-way loading, 450 g cartridge compatibility, and all other mechanical specifications are identical across both models. The S-716L is the correct pick when multi-machine field-service routes benefit from the larger reservoir; the S-716 is correct for typical single-machine workshop service where 650 cc is adequate and a shorter, more portable gun is preferred.

Why is the S-716L sized at 900 cc specifically?

900 cc is the capacity that covers a typical farm tractor plus implements plus trailer in a single service cycle, which is the service pattern that defines the Australian and NZ field-service market. At 12 grams per fitting, a 30-fitting tractor plus 20-fitting baler plus 10-fitting trailer uses 720 g of grease. The 900 cc reservoir (approximately 820 g of grease) covers the full three-machine service with margin, eliminating the mid-service reload walk back to the grease pail. 900 cc is also the maximum capacity that stays manageable as a single-hand-carried lever gun; beyond this length the gun becomes unwieldy for service routes requiring frequent position changes between fittings.

How many grease fittings can the S-716L service per 900 cc bulk fill?

At 12 grams of grease per fitting, a 900 cc bulk reservoir covers approximately 70 fittings per fill. At 15 grams per fitting on heavier service loads, approximately 60 fittings. In practical field-service operation this means one complete tractor-plus-implement-plus-trailer service (approximately 50-60 fittings), or a multi-vehicle workshop session (5-6 cars or utes at 10-12 fittings each), or a full boat-trailer and caravan service session at the marine yard. The capacity is specifically sized to exceed the fitting count of a typical multi-machine service cycle that the S-716L is built for.

How much heavier is the S-716L compared to the S-716 when fully loaded?

Approximately 300 g heavier when bulk-filled, about 150 g heavier empty. The empty-weight difference comes from the longer barrel (extra steel for the extended reservoir). The fully-loaded difference grows because the 250 cc extra capacity adds approximately 225 g of grease. On full-shift field service routes the extra weight is a measurable carry fatigue factor over multi-machine days; for operators whose typical service workload fits within 650 cc, the lighter S-716 is the less-fatiguing carry. For operators consistently servicing machines where 650 cc isn't enough, the time saved by eliminating mid-service reloads typically outweighs the extra carry weight.

Can I use 14 oz. (400 g) cartridges in the S-716L wide barrel?

Not recommended. The S-716L's 63.5 mm wide barrel is sized for the 450 g cartridge diameter; a 14 oz. (400 g) cartridge is physically smaller and will not seat properly in the wider bore, leaving the cartridge loose in the barrel and causing pumping and priming problems. Australian and NZ buyers should stock 450 g cartridges, which are widely available at rural supply stores, agricultural merchants, hardware retailers, and marine dealers. For buyers outside these markets expecting to use 14 oz. cartridges, the closest standard-barrel alternative at high capacity is the S-732 (32 oz. / 1000 cc at 12,000 PSI heavy-duty).

Is 6,000 PSI safe for bearing seals on the larger S-716L?

Yes. Bearing seal pressure rating depends on the seal design and the bearing housing, not on the reservoir capacity of the grease gun. Bearing seals typically fail at internal grease-cavity pressures of 500 to 1,500 PSI, far below the 6,000 PSI maximum the S-716L can develop at a blocked fitting. Actual pressure reaching the bearing seal depends on the fitting's flow restriction; a clean zerk on a healthy bearing passes grease at low pressure. The 6,000 PSI specification is the maximum the pump can build when the coupler is blocked, not the steady-state pressure reaching the bearing. The 900 cc reservoir and the 650 cc reservoir on the shorter S-716 deliver grease to the fitting at the same pressure profile; only the total volume available per fill differs.

What is the grease injection injury risk of a 6,000 PSI lever grease gun in field service?

Real and clinically significant. Grease injection injuries from 6,000 PSI medium-duty guns are documented in emergency medicine and require immediate surgical treatment regardless of the pressure tier. A pinhole in the hose or an unseated coupler can drive grease through intact skin at 6,000 PSI. The initial wound looks like a tiny puncture and often does not hurt much; grease then migrates along tissue planes and causes chemical damage visible as swelling, colour change, and infection over 24-72 hours. Go to an emergency department immediately for any suspected injection injury, brief the staff it is a high-pressure grease injection (not a simple puncture), and do not wait for pain to develop. Untreated grease injections can progress to tissue necrosis and amputation. The extended length of the S-716L does not change the injection injury risk profile versus the shorter S-716.

What PPE is required when using the S-716L at full service pressure?

Mandatory: wraparound safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1+ impact-rated), nitrile chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes at minimum. Safety rules: never point the coupler or flex hose at any body part, keep the non-lever hand behind the coupler head during pumping, inspect the 300 mm flex hose before each use for cracks, bulges, or stiffness, and never test grease flow by pressing the coupler against skin or fabric. The PPE requirement is pressure-class-based not gun-size-based: a 900 cc gun at 6,000 PSI has the same PPE profile as a 650 cc gun at the same pressure. Long-barrel guns require slightly more attention to hose and coupler inspection because the longer service sessions mean more total pumping strokes per reload.

How does the S-716L reduce reload downtime on field service routes?

A reload trip back to the grease pail on a typical field service route takes 60-90 seconds round-trip including walking and scooping. The S-716L eliminates an estimated 40-50 percent of reload trips versus the 650 cc S-716 on typical multi-machine service, because the 900 cc reservoir covers a full multi-machine cycle where the 650 cc barrel requires a mid-session reload. Over a 5-machine contractor day that translates to roughly 3-5 fewer reload trips per day, which at 60-90 seconds each recovers 3-7 minutes per operator per day. Over a 5-day week this accumulates to 15-35 recovered minutes, which on an hourly-billed contractor service is measurable revenue back to the operator. The bigger productivity benefit, however, is avoiding flow interruption: not breaking the service rhythm mid-machine is often worth more than the literal minute savings.

Is the S-716L too large for home workshop service?

Usually yes. For single-machine home service (one tractor, one car, occasional trailer work), the 900 cc reservoir sits mostly empty between uses, which accelerates oil separation from the grease and can cause priming problems over time. For home workshop service on compact tractors, cars, motorcycles, and occasional trailer work, the shorter S-716 at 650 cc is sized right and the lighter, shorter gun is easier to handle between service points. The S-716L pays back when multi-machine service is the typical use pattern, not for single-machine service cycles.

Can the S-716L be used on heavy construction or mining equipment?

Not recommended. Heavy construction, mining haul trucks, and outdoor-exposed heavy equipment have fittings that routinely crust from extended outdoor exposure, and the 6,000 PSI of the S-716L may refuse to push fresh grease through a crusted zerk. For heavy-duty service on Australian and NZ mining and construction equipment, step up to the S-710L at 12,000 PSI with forged-steel Quadra-Cut Precision head at the same 900 cc wide-barrel capacity. For the highest pumping speed on 50+ fitting heavy-equipment service, the dual-piston S-714DP at 900 cc is the correct pick. Using the S-716L on heavy equipment results in slow service on crusted fittings and operator frustration.

What NLGI grade grease is recommended for the S-716L in cold conditions?

For service at or below 5°C ambient, switch to NLGI 1 grade grease; for Tasmanian winters, NZ South Island, or alpine service below 0°C, NLGI 0 or NLGI 00 are appropriate for pumpability. Standard NLGI 2 grease thickens significantly in sub-5°C conditions and increases pumping effort and priming difficulty on any lever grease gun. NLGI 1 at the same temperature pumps freely through the medium-duty mechanism and primes within the expected 3-5 strokes. On the 900 cc barrel the cold-weather penalty is slightly higher than on the 650 cc S-716 because the taller grease column has more grease to thicken; switching to NLGI 1 restores normal pumping behaviour. Switching grease grades in the same gun requires a full solvent flush between chemistries.

How do I prime the S-716L after bulk loading from a pail?

After bulk packing the 900 cc reservoir, release the plunger rod from the side-slot lock, crack the air bleeder valve a quarter turn to release trapped air, then pump the lever 5 to 8 full strokes with the coupler disconnected. Close the bleeder valve when grease flows cleanly without air bubbles. Bulk packing often traps air voids against the sidewalls of the reservoir, so first-pump priming of a freshly bulk-loaded 900 cc barrel typically takes 2-3 more strokes than cartridge loading, where the cartridge has no bulk-pack air voids. If priming fails after 8-10 strokes: retract the plunger and inspect the grease column for visible air pockets; if found, re-pack the grease firmly against the sidewalls with a scoop and retry. In cold weather, allow the grease to warm to ambient for 10 minutes before priming.

Why won't my S-716L pump grease after a cartridge change?

Air entered the pump cavity during the cartridge change as the head was unscrewed and the grease column exposed to atmosphere. The pump is air-locked and needs re-priming. Fix: crack the air bleeder valve a quarter turn, pump the lever 5-8 strokes with the coupler disconnected and pointing at a rag or drop pad, wait for grease to flow cleanly from the bleeder, then close the bleeder. If the pump still refuses to prime: check the plunger rod is fully released from the side lock (the follower spring must compress the grease column against the head), and inspect the 450 g cartridge seating for air gaps at the cartridge-head interface. On the 900 cc barrel the extra barrel length means slightly more strokes may be needed than on the shorter S-716.

How should I store the S-716L between seasonal service cycles?

For storage between Australian cropping seasons or post-season equipment storage cycles exceeding 30 days: drain the 900 cc reservoir, disassemble the head and barrel, wipe the barrel interior with a lint-free rag dampened with mineral spirits, dry completely, reassemble with a light film of grease on the plunger-rod seal, cap the coupler, and store horizontally in a clean, dry shed. The 900 cc barrel is particularly susceptible to oil separation during long storage because the taller grease column has more vertical runway for gravity-assisted oil drainage; draining the reservoir before storage prevents the separation problem. For storage under 30 days the gun can be left loaded provided the plunger rod is released and the coupler is capped. Always store out of direct sunlight to prolong powder-coat and hose-rubber lifespan.

Can the S-716L be rebuilt with standard STAR spare parts?

Yes. The S-716L shares all wear parts (seals, O-rings, plunger-rod seal, non-return valve, coupler, flexible hose, steel extension) with the shorter S-716; only the follower spring and plunger rod are sized specifically for the longer barrel. Rebuild kits covering the common wear parts are listed in the STAR spare parts catalogue and available through Australian and NZ distributors. Typical wear-part lifespan at regular field service: O-rings and plunger seal 3-5 years, follower spring 5-10 years, hose and coupler 3-4 years depending on use intensity. A full rebuild costs a fraction of a new gun and extends working life indefinitely. The shared spare parts inventory between S-716 and S-716L is an advantage for distributors and fleet operators carrying both SKUs.

What accessories ship with the S-716L in each kit configuration?

Three kit configurations: S-716L/R (with 150 mm steel rigid extension), S-716L/F (with 300 mm flexible hose), and S-716L/RF (with both rigid extension and flexible hose). All three kits include the gun, hydraulic coupler, and instruction manual. Kit configuration is specified at order time. For distributor bulk orders wanting additional accessories (pointed connectors for flush-mount fittings, 4-jaw couplers, alternative hose lengths, locking couplers), custom kit bundles are available against MOQ. The base S-716L does not include a rubber sleeve or bundled pointed connector; those are pro-tier features on the heavy-duty S-710L/PRO.

Is the S-716L available for OEM and private-label orders to Australian distributors?

Yes. OEM and private-label manufacture is available on the S-716L for Australian and NZ distributors including custom branding, packaging design for retail or industrial-supply format, BSPT thread as default for these markets, and kit configuration per agreement. MOQ depends on customisation level: product-level rebranding (logo and packaging only) has a lower MOQ than full thread or kit-spec customisation. Shipping is sea freight to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Auckland, or Christchurch as common Australia/NZ hub ports. Mixed-container consolidation with other STAR products (including the matching S-716 shorter model, heavy-duty variants, dispenser buckets, accessories) is possible to hit MOQ thresholds economically for distributors building a complete wide-barrel catalogue. Contact the STAR export team for distributor pricing, lead times, and packaging specifications.