Maintenance tips for your commercial can crusher

5th Aug 2021

Commercial industries often benefit from the use of can crushers. They reduce the expense involved in waste removal by minimising the size of the waste. This has the added advantages of saving space and making the workplace safer to navigate.

If your workplace needs one but you’re worried about maintenance, don’t be! This equipment requires minimal and manageable upkeep. Read on to find out more.

Different types of can crusher

Manual Can Crusher

This is a very un-common type of can crusher; however, it only permits users to crush one can at a time. It requires pulling a lever as well as the manual insertion and removal of each can, which could be too time-intensive for some commercial purposes.  Homes are more common for these as the kids normally find this fun – especially when you have a thirst on during BBQ season!

Up to 30 litre Can Crusher

This is a more practical choice if you have multiple cans to crush. Although it still crushes one after another and when sited well is a huge asset.  These can be pneumatic or hydraulic machines.  Volume reduction – up to 95%.

Can/PET baler

Whilst it will not compact the cans as dense as an individual can crusher – volumes are still reduced by up to 85% with a nice neat bale being created.

Drum Crusher

When these need compacting (up to 210 litre) then a specialist machine is required. Safe compaction and removal of liquids as well as 80% reduction in volume.

Cleaning a can crusher

Even once you empty the contents of a can, you may find liquid remnants persist within it. Unless they are comprehensively removed, they’ll also enter your can crusher.

Don’t panic! If this occurs occasionally and in small quantities, it’s unlikely to cause any significant harm to the machine However, if you’re crushing many cans at once -- for example, in a commercial setting -- then your machine may require cleaning afterwards. Acting now will ensure its ongoing functionality.

Leaving liquids to linger in your can crusher isn’t a very good idea. They could cause your machine to rust, especially if the can crusher is exposed to humidity or temperature changes. They can damage the hinges and internal mechanisms of the machine, limiting its movement. Apart from anything else, they might accumulate and cause an unpleasant smell.

You can clean a crusher as you would any other metal tool: using a moist cloth. If the liquids have already dried up, you may look at typical household cleaning products to remove stains. Make sure you check the materials used in your can crusher. Is it made from steel or plastic? This will help you choose the most effective and least damaging product.

We recommend using paint thinners to clean the inside of your commercial can crusher. This will prevent the build-up of materials in the chamber and drainage pipes, which can be damaging.

Maintenance tips

Here are some general tips for using and maintaining a commercial can crusher.

  • Try and position the QCR can press as close as possible to the area where the can/tin has become obsolete.  This really helps to reduce labour costs when moving the metal to your recycling area later.
  • Position the can/tin in the centre of the can press when you use it.
  • Make the most of your time! After you press start on the machine, continue with other tasks. Don't just wait around for the cycle to finish – you can take the crushed can out of the QCR can press the next time you use it.
  • Always use safety gloves when handling crushed cans. Edges will be sharp, and this can be very dangerous.
  • Disconnect all power sources and open the front door of the QCR can press before carrying out any adjustments or maintenance.
  • If you have an air operated model (QCR 101 or QCR CP30A), make sure you know how to lubricate the RAM and check the air compressor. You can use this video to guide you.
  • If you have a QCR CP30H or QCR CP30HDXL, watch this video instead. It shows the nuts and bolts to check on the inside of the can press, the oil levels and the drainage pipes.

Why hire a commercial can crusher with QCR?

When a company considers investing in an asset such as a commercial can crusher, then maintenance is often a concern. They don’t want to end up spending a fortune over the years to keep their equipment in top condition. What if it breaks down? Expensive repairs are to be avoided.

That’s why so many have decided to rent this machine instead. This is a service offered by QCR. Rather than pay cash upfront for a wasting asset they’ll have to fix and maintain themselves, they’re able to leave the responsibility to us and still enjoy the use of this convenient equipment.

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