Ah, winter is here and it is time to check the chimney and get the KC Grate System ready for another winter. If you have had your grate for more than a year, this is the year to oil the motor. Oiling the motor will help keep your motor a running quietly and give it a longer life.

Regular oil such as 3 in 1 oil will burn your motor up. The KC Grate motors should be oiled per the motor manufacturer's requirements. They suggest Anderol 465 oil. About 20 drops every 6 - 12 months, depending on how much you use your KC Grate System, will keep the motor running quietly. This oil is made especially for this high temperature motor.

If you cannot find the oil locally we do sell it here on the website. Please check in our parts gallery for prices. Below is a picture of the motor and where to place the oil.

Lubrication

Inceased bearing life can be achieved by relubrication every 6 months,

with 10 to 20 drops of anderol #465 high temperature synthetic lubric-

ant . Do not use petroleum base oil as bearing failure will result.

To lubricate the bearing, remove the cap on the bottom of the motor.

See the tiny button on the bottom of the motor? That is where you will place the drops of oil.

Preparing your fireplace and grate for the winter season.

As the days get shorter and the temperatures are dropping, you may brighten your nights and warm your house by putting your fireplace to work. Before you bring in the firewood, keep these safety tips in mind.

Think clean at least once a year, have your fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. It is important to clean up creosote, which can lead to chimney fires. (Creosote is the black, tarry substance that builds up on chimney walls after you have used the fireplace repeatedly.)

Maintain your chimney if you see any cracks or spot a loose brick or mortar, have repairs done before using your fireplace.

The KC Grate System requires little maintenance. After the first year and each year thereafter, you should oil the motor. This will keep it running quietly and offer more longevity. The motor manufacturer recommends Anderol 465 oil, 10-20 drops once or twice a year. This is a special oil recommended for high temperature motors. Other oils like 3-1 oil will burn up the motor so do not use any other oil. Pictures on how to do this will be added to the site soon.

Do not leave debris(especially flammable debris) around your fireplace. Keep fires where they belong behind the screen.

Check the flue to make sure there are no birds' nests or other obstructions blocking the flue. Trim overhanging branches or large trees near the chimney.

Build the fire carefully by placing the logs on the grate at the rear of the fireplace. Don't overload the fireplace with too many logs, or use the fireplace to burn paper. NEVER leave a fire unattended.

Use the right wood, a hardwood, such as oak, hickory and ash typically burn cleaner than soft woods like fir, pine, and cedar. Manufactured fire logs generally burn cleaner and deposit less creosote than firewood.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy and make sure it is in good working order. Everyone in your family should know how to use it.

By being safe, you and your family can enjoy the warmth of your fireplace in comfort and security.