In a typical waste processing, recycling, or scrap metal facility, you’ll find forklifts, loaders, and balers, among other equipment. Balers are the core of any recycling operation, as they enable easy transportation of materials such as metals, plastics, or scrap paper after compressing them.
Over time, however, the baler machine is subjected to wear and tear which can cause malfunctions. These result in severe downtimes if the company can’t find major replacement components of a baler machine. Moreover, repair work can take several days to finish.
This extensive list of do’s and don’ts will ensure that your baler machine works efficiently and downtime is avoided.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Baler Maintenance
Baler Inspection
Keep the baler machine clean. Make sure that the operator follows manufacturer guidelines for baler inspection. Depending on your baler machine, it can require daily, weekly, or monthly inspections and clean ups.
Don’t avoid regular inspection of the machine. Balers need to be cleaned in order to prevent the heating of the motors and coolers because that can cause your baler machine to malfunction.
Keep Spare Parts On Hand
It is advisable to maintain a spare parts inventory as backup for break downs. You shouldn’t wait until your machine malfunctions to buy spare parts. Not having spare parts on hand will significantly increase downtime costs and increase your competitors’ market performance.
The major parts of your baler machine — such as the cylinder or hydraulic components — can take weeks to repair and can cause major downtime. You can discern the lifespan of these major components and plan accordingly for their procurement. You can also discuss with your baler manufacturer regarding parts to include in your inventory.
Preventative Maintenance
Based on the type of material processed, its volume, and the baler type, it will require major relining in a few years. Do plan regular maintenance for your baler to increase its longevity and productivity. Moreover, it helps to maintain safe operation of the machine.
Don’t wait for the baler to break before you make the repairs which you can prevent with regular maintenance.
Training Of Employees
Train your baler operator before they start working on the machine. Don’t think your employee will be able to handle the machine just because they have experience with other equipment.
Even if your employee was a good forklift operator or loader, they still need training to operate a new machine. An employee with poor or no training can cause issues that result in poor maintenance of the machine. This will significantly increase your baler’s maintenance cost.
For relining and servicing all models of balers, get in touch with us! At Crigler Enterprises, Inc., we provide our customers baling equipment, its design, installation, and automation. Our company specializes in waste handling systems, scrap recycling equipment, and much more. For further details, contact us and we’ll be happy to be at your service.