Maintenance Tips For Your Cardboard Baler

In our world of greater environmental concerns and consequent focus on recycling, specialized equipment like cardboard balers can be more necessary than ever. Waste balers eliminate the need for recycling bins, and can reduce the costs of waste collection dramatically.

It has been shown that the use of balers, and subsequently fewer waste collections, can decrease overall emissions of up to 75%!

So, it’s crucial to keep your baler in prime condition.

Afterall, breakdowns can result in a cascading effect where even a short  wait for an engineer can cause waste to pile up. If you have limited space for cardboard waste, the materials may end up in general waste or out in the open.  With these tips however, you can keep your cardboard baler running smoothly.

Personnel training / operator safety

As with using any piece of equipment, most accidents and damage will be caused by improper use.

Even with an automated machine, employees operating a baler should be fully trained on how to use it. This includes both operating the machine, as well as details on its necessary inspections, cleaning and monitoring.

Failure to fully train staff using the baler can result in its poor performance and reduced lifespan, and create a hazardous working environment. So, it’s beneficial in more ways than one to invest in full training for your operators.

Inspection and Cleaning

All machines work at their best level when they’re regularly cleaned. Removing dust and leftover shredded cardboard continually will improve performance and reduce damage. Cleaning should be part of your balers daily operating cycle, including inside and outside the baler.

The sensor and oil cooler areas will often need extra attention, as proper maintenance here will reduce the likelihood of oil contamination or the machine overheating.

It’s important to note however, that the full effect of this cleaning regime will be lost without routine inspections.

Setting a regular inspection rota, alongside one for cleaning, will ensure that everything remains as close to factory standard as possible. Creating monthly and annual inspection guidelines will be crucial in tracking the machine’s health and longevity. Many companies like QCR offer fully maintained retail options.

Record keeping

Both of the previous tips for cleaning and inspection will underperform without accurate and consistent record keeping. This is especially important if multiple balers are in use, as they will require an entirely unique maintenance routine.

Accurate record-keeping will help minimise human error, as each step can be checked by a supervisor.  As an unexpected bonus, these records can easily increase a baler’s resale value should you choose to buy a new model – so it’s definitely worth the investment.

Keeping your facility clean

Though we’ve mentioned the importance of cleaning the machine itself, the workspace around the baler is just as important.

Removing clutter around the baler will not only improve its performance, but will reduce hazards to employees. Similarly, removing dust and air particles as much as you can will help keep the baler operating correctly.

Using the right materials

Inevitably, using a machine for a job outside of its intended purpose will be hazardous to the machine and to the health of the operator. Balers are built to compact soft materials such as cardboard. Trying to compact other materials with your baler is absolutely not recommended and can result in serious faults.

Research parts & suppliers

As with all complex machinery, the cost of the inevitable repair and part replacement can have a significant impact on company productivity. It’s always a useful idea to research the expected lifespan of your baler’s major component parts, as well as local suppliers, so you’re well prepared. This includes hydraulic or pneumatic components, cylinders and especially wires.

As shown, keeping your baler well maintained is no small task, but it is necessary to keep your equipment fighting-fit for as long as possible. You may find that this level of maintenance is unfeasible for your company – whether that’s due to personnel, time limitations or monetary investment.  If this is the case, there’s no need to worry! Renting a baler from QCR could be the solution. QCR provides maintenance as part of their service, meaning no self-maintenance is required. That way, you can still reduce waste and money, with the guarantee that your baler will remain in prime condition with the necessary care and attention.