Go to In-depth Balcrank Product Breakdowns:
MO Meter Product Breakdown
TM Control Product Breakdown
115 Years of Balcrank
2021 marks the 115th anniversary of Balcrank Corporation. Below you will find topics and images celebrating Balcrank’s achievements from its inception, products and more throughout the year
January
Balcrank Then vs. Now
Cincinnati, OH Facility
Cincinnati, OH Factory
The Cincinnati Ball Crank Company was founded on July 12, 1906 by Thomas L. Pogue, Clifford Gren, James A. Forbes and Henry and Louis Wessel in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio’s “Machine Tool Colony”. The first products produced by Balcrank were hand wheels and cranks used by the machine tool industry. The Cincinnati Ball Crank Company got its name from the production of ball-sockets and hand cranks and was commonly referred to as Ball Crank.
Balcrank is one of the oldest manufacturers of automotive lubrication products. Since its beginning, we have been providing our customers with the best products for the ever changing Automotive Commercial and Industrial markets. Our products service automotive quick lubes, dealerships, fleet, and commercial vehicle centers. Our product line has expanded, encompassing the heavy-duty market, which includes: trucking, municipalities, railroad, marine, industrial and mining. Our new line of Lion pumps, large hose reels and high volume control handles allows us to dispense oil products up to 32 gal per minute and grease up to 88 lb per minute.
Weaverville, NC Facility
Weaverville, NC Factory
115 years later, Balcrank Corporation provides system solutions for all types of vehicle maintenance facilities and industrial manufacturing. Our goal is to continue our traditions and evolve in markets and applications that make sense for our continued growth.
Humble Beginnings
“Balanced” Three-Ball Crank
Ball Crank’s line of cranks, handles and wheels
From humble beginnings in 1906 to being one of the oldest manufactures of automobile lubrication products, Balcrank continues to be focused on high quality, fast delivery and excellent service to our customers.
In 1906, Ball Crank was the first to mass produce “balanced” three-ball cranks, cast steel and aluminum hand wheels for the machine tool industries. The innovative three-ball design kept the cranks balanced after adjustment to lock it in place to prevent it from moving. Today these ball-cranks are still proudly made in the USA.
Shortly after the three-ball cranks introduction to the market, a line of control handles was created. These control handles became the high-quality choice for demanding builders of machine tools, valves, actuators, instruments and control systems. Balcrank controls are strong and reliable enough to be found in the most sensitive applications – medical and military – where precise machine response is imperative.
Steering Drag Link Advertisement
Steering Drag Link Advertisement
Official Patent on Ball and Socket Technology, 1931
The leading company of firsts and innovation, Ball Crank also became the first mass producer of starting cranks for automobiles. In 1908, Ball Crank introduced the steering drag links to the automotive industry. Almost every automotive manufacturer adopted these drag links and for the first time, steering a car became an easy task. The ball and socket technology behind the steering drag links would then be perfected and officially patented in 1931.
Growing into the Lubrication Markets
Always looking forward, in 1922 Balcrank entered the lubrication field by inventing and producing the first electric grease gun. The following year Balcrank was the first to patent the hydraulic coupler and fittings which are still universally used today. In 1923, Balcrank introduced the foot operated Model D grease gun into its fast-growing grease gun line.
The early 1920’s was a busy and prosperous time for Balcrank as they continued their pattern of “firsts”. In 1924, the first air operated high-pressure/volume grease gun was developed and then just 2 years later, the first air powered lubrication pump was developed. These pumps came in high and low pressures with a “DeLuxe” shell. DeLuxe pumps were finished in red and black enamel with highly polished chromium trim. Portable Deluxe units were also available with large noiseless composition casters and chromium handles.
After these successes, Balcrank began to branch out into more industrial markets by introducing its “AA” Air Lubricator specifically designed for trucks, busses and other large industrial vehicles.
Then vs. Now: Product Evolution – Hose Reel
In 1930, the Model R-20 Balcrank hose reel with hose stops made its debut, marking it as the first Balcrank hose reel developed. It was an air reel that was adaptable to ceiling, wall or floor installations. The standard unit was finished in black enamel with white lettering.
Starting in the 1940’s and into 1950’s, as more types of hose reels were developed, the Lubette was created. The Lubette was a special cabinet that would fit between the bays of a typical 2 bay service station that would house hose reels, meters, and then later, the famous “Jet Power” pump which was introduced in 1948. The cabinets would be mounted on the floor and came in a variety of models.
Fast forward to today, and the Balcrank hose reel line has grown to accommodate all matter of installations and applications with its Signature Series Reels.
Balcrank Signature Series hose reels are built for the toughest environments and applications. The Evolution is lightweight but extremely durable. The Classic reel offers over a decade of proven performance and is an excellent choice for general duty, automotive dealerships, and service garages. The Premium reel features improved serviceability and advanced design features for long life in the toughest environments while reducing overall weight.
For heavy duty environments choose the EV, EVX & EVX+ reels. These reels are designed for larger hoses, higher volume and flow requirements in industrial, construction, and mining environments.
Branding
The Cincinnati Ball Crank Company got its name from the production of ball-sockets and hand cranks and was commonly referred to as Ball Crank. In 1933, 27 years after Ball Crank’s inception, the Board of Directors voted to officially change the name Ball Crank to Balcrank, Inc.
Throughout the century of Balcrank’s history, the company grew and changed not only in size and product offerings, but in its brand and marketing image. The company rebranded 8 separate times before landing on the most current logo being used today.
Below is an estimated timeline of the evolution of Balcrank’s logo:
Here is a closer look at each logo with an estimated time of how long it was used as its branding image. More often than not, the logos listed below have a transitional overlap in which two logos were used at the same time.
 Estimated 1928 – 1931 |
 Estimated 1935 – 1940 |
 Estimated 1940 – 1957 |
 Estimated 1944 – 1959 |
 Estimated 1953 – 1970s |
 Estimated 1980 – 1994 |
 Estimated 1994 – 1996 |
 Estimated 1997 – Present |
The SHOTT Chair & WWII
During 1940 Balcrank began the mass production of steel outdoor furniture/chairs. In a short time Balcrank was producing over a thousand complete chairs per hour, packed and ready for shipment. Balcrank installed its own mill for the manufacture of steel tubing used in the chairs. These chairs are marketed under the trade name of “SHOTT”.
Due to an increasing demand for aluminum chairs, a new building was erected in 1953 giving an additional 60,000 square feet of manufacturing and storage space. In less than one year the metal chair division was producing 6,000 aluminum chairs a day in addition to the steel furniture.
In 1955 a hydraulic extrusion press capable of producing 25 miles of seamless aluminum tubing a day was purchased and installed for use in the manufacturing of aluminum chairs. The operation of this extrusion press enabled Balcrank to manufacture aluminum chairs of the finest quality at the lowest possible price to the customer.
SHOTT chairs and furniture were categorized into 6 groups: Deluxe Webbed, Economy Webbed, Luxury Padded, Umbrella Table/Chair, Steel All-Weather and Tables. The production of the SHOTT chairs slowed and ended in the 1960s.
Balcrank and its employees played an important part during both World Wars by producing various war materials of precision in highest production. During WWII, May 29th, 1943, Balcrank was awarded four Army-Navy “E” awards for outstanding production and construction work.
The Army-Navy “E” Award was an honor presented to companies during World War II whose production facilities achieved “Excellence in Production” (“E”) of war equipment. The award was also known as the Army-Navy Production Award. The award was created to encourage industrial mobilization and production of war time materials.
The award was presented with a pennant (to be flown) to the company and the employees present would receive individual pins.
Balcrank Then vs. Now: Product Evolution – Air Operated Pump
In 1948, Balcrank engineered and released the new Jet Power air operated pump. The Jet Power pump has been called the “heart and soul” and also the “bread and butter” of Balcrank, especially during its debut into the market. The idea that sparked the creation of the Jet Power came from engineer Mr. Butler while flipping on a light switch one day after rigorous research
and development. The simple switch motion resulted in the poppet air valve which helped propel the creation of the new Balcrank Jet Power air operated pump.
Early literature has stated that the Jet Power “pumps the greatest volume of any lubricant at any temperature at highest pressure” making this a huge seller of Balcrank for many years with its simple design remained heavily unchanged until its discontinuation in 2002. This heavy-duty pump with a 45:1 pressure ratio offered several features: no dirt or foreign matter can enter, simple construction, easy servicing, lowest cost maintenance, no air bleeding necessary, lightweight and an automatic visible oiler that gives oil film with air supply. Other pressure ratios offered were a 4:1 version and a 15:1 version.
As Balcrank was phasing out the Jet Power pump, the newest direct replacement become the Panther® Series pumps. In 1999 the Panther® HP 3:1 and 5:1 air operated pumps were developed and launched into the market.
Pride Series pumps are manufactured with a mechanical air valve and piston design which is more forgiving to environments with contaminated air.
The 3:1 version is a medium pressure pump for supplying higher volume than the 5:1 version but at lower operating pressures ideal for medium pumping distances and overall flow rates of 4-5 gpm.
The 5:1 version is a medium pressure pump for supplying higher pressures and for longer pumping distances than the 3:1 version but at lower volume ideal for longer pumping distances and overall flow rates of 4 gpm.
A few years later in 2002, the Panther® HP 50:1 grease pump was developed. These pumps are designed for lower volume users up to 2 dispense points. Designed for 25-35, 120 and 400 lb. drums and ideal for lower volume grease fittings on trucks and farm implements. Panther® pump is a double acting positive displacement capable of delivering up to 3.4 lbs. per minute.
Balcrank Then vs. Now: Product Evolution – Fluid Inventory Control
In 1968, Balcrank introduced the Director, a modular type oil control system. The Director inventory control system marked the first installment of Balcrank’s expansive FIC offering throughout the years.
The Director was advertised at its release as being “a money saving positive oil inventory control system.” The Director permitted up to 5 products (motor oil, gear oil, AFT, anti-freeze etc.) simultaneously to your choice of 10 stations from an accurate central control point.
The Director provided automatic inventory record, tamper-proof security, and eliminated the handling, storage and disposal of containers. Installation of the Director was stated as being simple, using a wiring diagram and utilizing existing systems converting them into a closed, remote control dispensing system quickly and economically.
There were 5 different models of the Director (Director I through V), and each model determined the number of products the system controlled (ex. Director III controlled 3 types of products while Director V controlled 5 types of products). Each model required an impulse meter (ex. Director III required 3 impulse meters, while Director V required 5 impulse meters) and 1 solenoid per control station.
The simple 5 step operation of the Director (power on, station selector, pre-set dial, start button and totalize) made it easy to control and navigate through the process of fluid inventory. 
The Director would be the sole FIC offering for Balcrank until the Director Jr., a simplified version of the Director, was made available in 1987.
Director Jr. manages 1 fluid for up to 10 dispense points. Simple, easy to install and use, the Director Jr. is a console designed to monitor and control fluid dispenses in a workshop from a single central location. Typical customers include small garages, dealerships, and small equipment service.
It wasn’t until 2007 that Balcrank introduced its first wireless FIC option, the fusion wireless fluid inventory control system. The fusion 2.4 system tracks every drop of fluid in your facility, from the bulk tanks, hose reels to portable equipment. No dispense will be delivered without authorization. The system wirelessly controls and manages up to 8 fluids and 30 dispense locations.
The most current offering of fluid inventory control systems is the Synergy Fluid Monitoring System, which was introduced in 2012. Unlimited number of fluids including oil, grease, DEF, windshield wash fluid and anti-freeze. Typical applications include, large dealerships, heavy-duty fleet/truck/bus facilities, industrial, mining and construction.
Acquisition & Growth
On July 9th, 2009, Balcrank Corporation was acquired by Linter North America, a subsidiary of the Linter Investments Corporation, one of the Moratiel Group of companies. The acquisition came at just the right time, saving and securing Balcrank’s future through the knowledge and experience that the Moratiel Group, a world leader in our industry could bring. Along with a world-class research and development team and the addition of new and innovative equipment to the Balcrank product line, the Moratiel Group not only secured the historical Balcrank brand’s future, but allowed the Group to diversify into the North American market.
At the time of acquisition, Mr. Moratiel said:
“The new Balcrank Corporation, based in Weaverville, N.C., will continue the excellent 103 year tradition of producing only the highest quality products and giving excellent customer value and service.”
Following the same traditions as our parent company, Balcrank’s manufacturing is world-class; focused on high quality, fast delivery, and excellent service to our customers. Since the acquisition, Balcrank Corporation has continuously grown in its product offerings and improved its overall quality.
Balcrank Then vs. Now: Old NC Location & New NC Location
In 2015, Balcrank relocated from the Reem’s Creek location to the new state-of-the-art factory and office headquarters on 90 Monticello in Weaverville, NC.
1983 was when Balcrank moved their offices and manufacturing to Weaverville, NC from Cincinnati, OH. Balcrank remained at this Reem’s Creek location until 2015, when a new building was constructed to meet the growing needs of Balcrank.
During the move, there was no interruption of order fulfillment, ensuring that Balcrank’s customers would receive no down time. By June 13th, 2015, the entire operation was moved to 90 Monticello Rd.
The new building was not only state-of-the-art with its innovative features conducive to a safe and comfortable work space, but it also included a massive improvement in space for product inventory.
New total square footage:
50,000 – Production
17,000 – Administration
24,000 – Warehouse
6 years later, Balcrank continues to grow and look for innovative solutions for its customers and evolve in markets and applications that make sense for Balcrank’s future.
What Makes Balcrank Work: Its People
Balcrank has a recognized position of leadership in design and engineering progress. All Balcrank equipment is built to meet the highest standards of quality control and performance requirements, all thanks to Balcrank’s people.
Balcrank is made of various teams that work together, start to finish, to ensure that every piece of equipment that leaves the facility is at the highest quality possible. Each team’s success relies on the previous team’s success; every team is equally important, making Balcrank’s internal operations one of the best in the industry. These teams are: Production, Assembly, Sales & Marketing, Shipping and Customer Service.
- Purchasing works closely with trusted vendors, purchasing materials for Balcrank’s production team, who create parts and components needed to build the final product.
- Assembly takes these components and builds, tests, and assembles Balcrank products, such as the Panther® pump series, Classic hose reels or the Premium drain series, to name a few.
- The Sales & Marketing team work together to provide brand awareness, product knowledge and help Distributors find exactly what they need.
- Shipping prepares orders and ships the product directly from Balcrank’s warehouse in a timely, cost-effective manner.
- The knowledgeable Customer Service team provides the end user with assistance on product information, order status and pricing, inquiries on delivery dates and changes, and promotional information.
These teams work together in tandem for the customer ensuring the highest quality and reliability from start to finish. Balcrank prides itself in customer satisfaction, and that dedication shows in its people.
Balcrank’s Future
Throughout the year, we have taken a look at landmark achievements in Balcrank’s history:
- The inception of Ball Crank Company which was founded on July 12, 1906 by Thomas L. Pogue, Clifford Gren, James A. Forbes and Henry and Louis Wessel in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio’s “Machine Tool Colony”
- The pioneer of mass producing “balanced” three-ball cranks, cast steel and aluminum hand wheels for the machine tool industries as well as becoming the first mass producer of starting cranks for automobiles
- Entering the lubrication field by inventing and producing the first electric grease gun in 1922, securing Balcrank’s place in the ever growing lubrication market
- The Model R-20 Balcrank hose reel with hose stops made its debut in 1930, marking it as the first Balcrank hose reel developed and definitely not its last – expanding to the Signature Series Reels to accommodate all matter of installations and applications
- The evolution of the Balcrank brand, each reflecting the stages of Balcrank’s continued climb in the lubrication market
- The mass production of steel outdoor furniture/chairs, under the trade name ‘SHOTT ‘ in 1940 as well as the receiving the prestigious Army-Navy “E” Award was an honor presented to companies during World War II whose production facilities achieved “Excellence in Production” (“E”) of war equipment
- The introduction of the Jet Power air operated pump in 1948, which has been called the “heart and soul” of Balcrank, catapulting the eventual creation of the direct replacement, the Panther® Series pumps
- The first installment of Balcrank’s expansive FIC offering throughout the years, The Director inventory control system in 1968
- The acquisition of Balcrank Corporation by Linter North America, a subsidiary of the Linter Investments Corporation, one of the Moratiel Group of companies in 2009, securing Balcrank’s future
- The relocation in 2015 from the Reem’s Creek location to the new state-of-the-art factory and office headquarters on 90 Monticello in Weaverville, NC
- Recognition and appreciation for what dictates Balcrank’s success as a company: its people
In the years ahead, Balcrank Corporation will continue to strive to meet customer demand and satisfaction, all the while manufacturing and distributing the highest quality products for the ever growing and changing automotive industry. Our goal is to continue our traditions and evolve in markets and applications that make sense for continued growth and to provide our customers with the right solutions and tools for their success.
Mechanical Oval Gear (MO Meter)
| MODELS AVAILABLE | EXTENSION TYPE & NOZZLE | EXTENSION CODE U/M | |
| Verify ID of ATF fill port for compatibility. | |||
| 3330-205 | Flex-memory | 1/4 turn – OIL | 3332-093 | QT |
| 3330-206 | Flex 90 | 1/4 turn – ATF | 3332-104 | QT |
| 3330-207 | Rigid | 1/4 turn – OIL | 3332-091 | QT |
| 3330-208 | Flex 90 | 1/4 turn – OIL | 3332-092 | QT |
| 3330-212 | Flex-memory | 1/4 turn – OIL | 3332-093 | L |
| 3330-213 | Flex 90 | 1/4 turn – ATF | 3332-104 | L |
| 3330-214 | Rigid | 1/4 turn – OIL | 3332-091 | L |
| 3330-215 | Flex 90 | 1/4 turn – OIL | 3332-092 | L |
| 3330-204 | Bare | – | QT |
| 3330-211 | Bare | – | L |
| 3330-209 | Meter only | – | L |
| 3330-210 | Meter only | – | QT |
Features
• 6-digit totalizer; keeps lifetime record of volume dispensed in gallons
• Meter with odometer display, works without batteries and performs well in all environments
• No calibration required; precision machined metering chamber assures repeatable accuracy
• Ergonomically designed grip handle for optimum comfort
• Unique 1/4 turn manual non-drip tip; fast, simple
• Included swivel hose-end cover, protects vehicle or machine surfaces from scratches
Fluids
• Synthetic and mineral based lubricants
• Gear Oil
• Hydraulic oil and fluids
• ATF
• Anti-freeze (Glycol) and anti-freeze water solution
Markets Served
• Car and truck dealers
• Fast lube and maintenance shops
• Fleets
• Mining and construction
• Lube trucks
Specifications:
| Units of measure (in 0.01 increments) |
Quarts & Liters (totalizer Gallons) |
| Accuracy | +/- 1% |
| Flow range | 0.25 – 8 gal/min (1 – 30 l/min) |
| Max pressure | 1,000 psi (70 bar) |
| Swivel inlet | 1/2” NPT (F) |
| Dispense Nozzle OD | Auto=0.605″ Manual 1/4 turn for Oil =0.705″ Manual 1/4 turn for ATF =0.315″ Verify the ID of ATF fill port for compatibility |
| Operating temp | 14ºF-160ºF (-10ºC-70ºC) |
| Battery | 2 x 1.5 v alkaline “AAA” |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.80 kg) (meter) |
| Compatible fluids | Oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, and anti-freeze |
| Wetted materials | Acetal, aluminum, stainless steel, NBR, Zinc plated steel, TPU, Polyamide |
Product Flyer
- Download PDF – MO Meter (mechanical oval gear)
TM Control
| MODEL AVAILABLE | |
| 3110-033 | TM Control |
Standalone tank controller with 4 channels capable of controlling up to 4 different tanks or fluids. Each channel can connect to a solenoid valve, remote alarm or strobe light.
The TM Control can be used as a high or low-level control to prevent overflow, or as a pump shutoff to prevent the pump from running dry, and allowing air to enter the system.
Features
- Controls up to four channels. Each channel can be assigned to a different tank, or multiple channels can be assigned to a single tank
- Each channel controls solenoid valves, relays, external alarms, etc.
- This unit can be a standalone unit; no need to connect to auxiliary software or systems
- TM Control works with Tank alert strobe light and alarm 3120-029
- One button for setup, resetting alarms, and system test
- Use the key switch for bypass mode control, setup access, or rebooting the system
- Status LEDs: yellow indicates bypass mode and white on indicates system status; on
- Input LED for each channel; red blinking LED indicates level warning
- Outputs can be configured to “normally- open” or “normally closed”
Technical Data:
| Function | Stand alone tank controller |
| Requirements & Limitations | 4 tanks or 4 fluids |
Power |
|
Product Flyer
- Download PDF – TM Control
