01242 620903Maintenance Tips For Your Cardboard Baler
23rd Feb 2021
To keep your cardboard baler running safely and efficiently you'll need to undertake a series of daily, weekly and monthly checks on key components. These checks are in addition to a periodic service work undertaken by a qualified professional. Maintaining your cardboard baler properly is essential to lower your total cost of ownership (TTO), maximise uptime, comply with PUWER and keep operators safe. Read on to discover the five cardboard baler maintenance tips you need to know.
1. Identify your baler maintenance and servicing tasks
Hydraulic balers and pneumatic balers have unique maintenance routines. On a daily, weekly and monthly basis it's important to carry out machine-specific checks and visual inspections to keep it functioning correctly. These checks focus on key features of the equipment such as the emergency stop button, hoses and interlocks. 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.
Top tip: Don't ignore or confuse your baler maintenance and servicing responsibilities. Both are distinctly different.
Best practice guidance: In addition to regular maintenance, it's recommended that balers are serviced at least every 12 months. Equipment used intensively or installed in harsh environments will need more frequent servicing work than the average. Routine Baler Servicing must always be undertaken by a competent person (someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the work safely). As an extra layer of due diligence, choose a baler contractor that is endorsed by an external health and safety company such as SafeContractor™. Where possible, schedule maintenance tasks and serving work during quieter periods to prevent a build-up of waste that could delay operations.
2. Keep your baler location tidy
It's essential to keep the area around your machine free from clutter. Removing debris from around the baler will not only improve its performance and make it easier to operate, it will also reduce the risk of slips and trips. Ensure the space around the control panel is kept clear so the operator can work the controls of the baler without distraction.
3. Invest in staff training
Members of staff who are responsible for maintaining your baling machine must be fully trained and have easy access to the instruction manual. Failure to train staff on the daily, weekly and monthly baler pre-use checks can result in personal injury and poor baling results. Each workplace with a baler installed should have a designated in-house trainer who is easily contactable. Under health and safety regulations in the UK, employers have a legal obligation to manage the risks for staff using a baler which is why RAMS (risk assessments & method statements) are important. Refresher training from your baler supplier is recommended every 3-5 years or when bad practice is witnessed.
Top tip: Places with a high turnover of staff will need to schedule more frequent baler training sessions for their team than those with a lower turnover. As a result, workplaces with a high turnover can save money by renting a baler from QCR because training is included in the hire package.
4. Check safety stickers, decals and signs for damage
Balers supplied by reputable suppliers will have safety stickers, decals and signs to highlight important instructions and warnings to operators. Not only should safety signage make it clear that it shoudn't be used by untrained people, they also warn baler operators of hidden hazards and aid compliance with strict workplace regulations. If the stickers begin to peel off, fade or become damaged they must be replaced.
Top tip: In addition to servicing paperwork and your diarised servicing appointments, a service history record sticker can be applied to the side of the machine as a visual reminder of when the next service is due.
5. Utilise the baling expertise of QCR
Whether you're in need of a hydraulic baler service or want advice on how to maintain a pneumatic cardboard baling machine, baler experts like QCR are on hand to assist. The team at QCR have over 25 years of experience of working on balers so they have the necessary skills and expertise to provide you with best advice. Plus, the QCR team are certified by SafeContractor™ giving you extra confidence when we're undertaking work on your baler at your premises.
TOP TIP: Ask about QCR's popular Baler Rental Service packages that include complimentary baler servicing support.
Baler Maintenance and PUWER
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) require that:
- All Cardboard Balers be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient order and in good repair
- The baling machinery maintenance log is kept up to date
- Maintenance operations on baling equipment at work must be carried out safely
Important things to do before you undertake baler maintenance
- Assess your skill level: Only attempt tasks that you are fully equipped and trained for, as mistakes may lead to injury.
- Read the manual: Plan and undertake maintenance tasks using the guidance from the instruction manual. If you don't understand the task, seek help from your supplier.
- Wear correct PPE: Make sure the team who undertake maintenance tasks have appropriate PPE.
- Clear the workspace: Take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of others working near to the machine. Work in a well-lit, ventilated area free from clutter.
Best practice: Don't buy a baler from a supplier that doesn't provide in-person training on baler maintenance as part of the package because proper training ensures that you have the skills to maintain your machine properly.
Conclusion
Maintaining your baler is essential to ensure the longevity, performance and safety of your equipment. Baler maintenance needs to be scheduled and carried out according to the instruction manual. If you don't have the necessary resources or knowledge, get expert help.
Article updated 02.07.26
Written By: QCR's Baler Servicing & Development Manager
