Trash compactors and cardboard balers will eventually fail if not properly cared for. Like any other machine, they need to be checked over regularly. Hoses can leak. Cylinders can crack. Etc. Planned maintenance is essential to the long-term use of your compaction equipment. What is involved in planned trash compactor, or cardboard baler, maintenance?
First, a technician will need to check hydraulic hoses for cracks, leaks, or other signs of wear. Good hydraulic hoses will ensure high pressures can be sustained. It also helps keep many major hydraulic fluid spills from happening.
After that, regular inspections of the hydraulic cylinder(s) are highly recommended. If a cylinder breaks, housing cracks, or some other malfunction happens with the cylinder there is a chance that you, as the customer, will need to make the most expensive unplanned repair possible with any trash compactor or cardboard baler. While it won’t eliminate all the potential problems, keeping close track is one way you can stay ahead of those expenditures, ensuring long-term success with your equipment.
Next, a qualified technician should check all the electrical wires in and around the power unit. Wiggling each one to make sure the wires aren’t loose or disconnected. While checking they can smell and feel burned wires or broken parts. In this way you can fix problems that may not be bothering you yet or prevent other disasters from striking.
Continuing the service, a visual inspection of all structural and mechanical components is important. An owner needs to make sure they haven’t busted any welds. You also wouldn’t want to have a loosened gate making the equipment either inoperable or dangerous to use.
Following Up, a series of tests on all safety features is a must. A service technician needs to ensure that these life saving devices are neither broken nor bypassed. Safety features exist on trash compactors and cardboard balers to make them safe for everyone to use.
Finally, multiple full cycle test runs of the trash compactor or cardboard baler should be completed. Watching how far the ram head goes, listening for the sounds of pushing and pulling, timing cycles, making a bale, etc. are all good ways that a great technician can ensure proper use for years to come. It’s often in this final stage of inspection that the need for key repairs are discovered.
There are additional services a technician may recommend that would also be advantageous such as oil changes, parts replacements, and team training. These often come at additional cost but can be worth it in the long run.
With planned preventative maintenance a company can get the most out of their investment in either a trash compactor or cardboard baler. Don’t let these steps intimidate you. If you have any additional questions about preventative maintenance for trash compactors or cardboard balers , please give us a call today. (817) 769-8340