How To Service Your Cardboard Baler

25th Feb 2024

Only trained engineers should carry out servicing work on a cardboard baler. If you have a baler at your premises, it's your responsibility to ensure that the person you instruct to service it is competent and the work is documented. Read our guide to finding the right person to assess your machine.

Can I Service My Own Baler or Does It Need To Be Done By A Professional?

Timely baler servicing Whilst there are some basic daily, weekly and monthly baler machine checks you must complete by yourself, it's important to arrange for a competent technician to service your cardboard baler at least once per year. Baler Engineers have the expertise and specialised tools needed to undertake a thorough inspection of the baling equipment you have at your premises. QCR's nationwide Baler Service Engineers are experts in their field who travel across the UK looking after hydraulic and pneumatic balers.

When booking a baler service, keep these things in mind:

CHECK ENGINEER COMPETENCY : A baler is a heavy piece of machinery, so you need to be sure that the person servicing it knows what they’re doing and has sufficient PPE to undertake the task safely. We recommend booking a service with a company accredited by the SafeContractor™ scheme for added peace of mind that they have awareness of health and safety legislation.
HOUSEKEEPING: The area around your machine will need to be temporarily cordoned off to give the engineer a safe space to work.
TIMING: It's important for the person at your premises who is responsible for the baler is present on the day of the appointment so the service engineer can give them feedback. Booking the appointment on your quietest day can minimise disruption. Notify all relevant departments of the date so they can plan accordingly.
REPUTATION MATTERS: Always choose a company with documented experience of servicing Waste Balers. Check reviews online and ask for a quotation so you know what is and what isn't included to avoid any surprises when you receive their invoice.
CHECK ENGINEER CAPABILITY : A good engineer will arrive at your premises fully equipped with the right tools for the job, their own PPE, full knowledge of the manual and a van containing common spare parts to avoid downtime if repairs are necessary. Hydraulic and pneumatic balers need to be checked differently, so ensure the engineer you have employed to do the task knows what they're doing. Certifications such as BCAS prove that the person you've hired to service your baler has relevant expertise.
MACHINE SUITABILITY: An experienced engineer can also assess whether the machine you have is still the most suitable choice for your waste volumes. If waste volume has increased, they can identify if a larger machine would lead to more efficient waste handling at your site.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: While baler servicing is strictly for professionals, your place of work is responsible for basic baler maintenance tasks as listed in the manual.
DON'T CONFUSE MAINTENANCE & SERVICING: A baler maintenance checklist is distinctly different to a baler servicing checklist.

Top Tip: Ask your chosen contractor about whether they offer service contracts.

FAQ's

What Is Cardboard Baler Servicing?

Cardboard baler Baler Servicing involves the regular inspection and repair of cardboard baling equipment to ensure it is working safely and efficiently. It typically involves tasks such as checking seals, lubricating components and ensuring it has the correct oil levels.

Why Is Cardboard Baler Servicing Important?

Baler servicing is crucial for maintaining the safety, reliability and longevity of your cardboard baler. Regular servicing helps to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems, reduces the risk of breakdowns and ensures compliance with safety regulations.

How Often Should I Have My Cardboard Baler Serviced?

The frequency of baler servicing depends on various factors such as the manufacturer's recommendations, usage intensity and where it's installed. It's recommended to book a baler service at least once a year.

What Are the Benefits of Regular Baler Servicing?

Scheduling regular baler servicing offers several benefits included enhanced safety, reduced downtime, improved performance, increased lifespan, minimised repairs costs, compliance with regulations and better bale output. It helps identify and address problems early on, which can prevent major breakdowns that may lead to a backlog of cardboard recycling.

How Long Does a Baler Service Usually Take?

The duration of cardboard baler servicing can vary depending on the type of service being performed, the size and condition of the baler and whether any issues are identified as part of the process. Typically, a routine servicing session on a medium vertical baler takes around 2 hours.

What Should I Expect During a Baler Servicing Appointment?

During a baler servicing appointment, the technician will conduct a thorough inspection of the core components of the equipment such as the compaction plate, ram and sensors. They will conduct functional tests, perform maintenance tasks, replace any worn-out parts and lubricate the system. A professional engineer will supply you with details of what has been checked, any remedial works that are necessary and their recommendations.

How Much Does Baler Servicing Cost?

The cost of baler servicing varies on several factors such as the type and size of the machine, any issues that have been identified and the agreement you have with the contractor. Businesses that hire a baler from QCR Recycling Equipment do not need to worry about the cost of servicing because it's included as part of the rental agreement.