Baler Servicing: When and How to Service Your Waste Equipment

As businesses look to cut down on waste, using waste balers is becoming an increasingly popular way of managing recyclable materials efficiently, including plastic and cardboard. Waste balers are crucial to more effective waste management as they help reduce waste volume and make recycling more sustainable. However, like any machinery, balers require regular maintenance to keep them in optimal working condition. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns and reduced efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore when and how to service your waste baler equipment. We’ll also identify the common maintenance mistakes with waste balers, and how phs Wastekit can help you stay on top of your baler servicing to avoid those pitfalls. phs Wastekit's servicing is carried out by an Alcumus SafeContractor Approved team, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

The importance of waste baler maintenance

Maintaining your waste baler is not just about keeping it in good shape; it’s about optimising your recycling operations. Here’s why it’s crucial:

Cost Savings

Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your baler. Replacing a waste baler is a significant investment, so keeping it in good condition can save you money in the long run. Specialised baler compactor servicing plans are available to help maintain the equipment efficiently.

Efficiency

Well maintained balers operate at peak efficiency. They bale more waste in less time, reducing labour costs and increasing overall productivity. Qualified service engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal performance of the balers.

Safety

A poorly maintained baler can pose safety risks to your employees. Malfunctions and breakdowns can lead to accidents, which can damage your business’ reputation and have financial implications. Regular maintenance ensures a safer working environment.

Environmental impact

Recycling is essential for reducing the environmental impact of waste. A well maintained baler helps you maximise recycling efforts, which, in turn, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Common maintenance mistakes with waste balers – and how to avoid them

Maintaining your waste baler is crucial not only for operational efficiency but also for legal compliance, particularly regarding employee safety. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER or PUWER regulations) place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment – to ensure the equipment is safe for use, maintained in a safe condition, correctly installed and inspected regularly and appropriately.

Unfortunately, several common mistakes occur during baler servicing and baler maintenance, which can lead to breakdowns, safety hazards, and costly repairs.

Top issues to avoid:

1. Dust and debris build up – One frequent mistake is neglecting regular cleaning, which allows dust and debris to accumulate in the baling chamber. This build up can cause wear and tear, reducing the machine’s efficiency over time

2. Improper lubrication – Overlooking proper lubrication of moving parts can lead to mechanical failure, making routine checks essential.

3. Ignoring warning signs – Another common issue is ignoring warning signs like unusual noises or vibrations, which can indicate deeper mechanical problems. Not addressing these signs early can result in significant downtime and expensive repairs. Look at our list below for more indicators of ‘When to service your waste baler’.

4. Ignoring maintenance schedules – Failure to comply with legal maintenance schedules under regulations like PUWER can leave businesses vulnerable to safety risks and legal penalties.

To avoid these mistakes, businesses should implement a regular baler maintenance plan that includes the following as the minimum:

· Safety inspections

· Operational inspections

· Cleaning

· Lubrication.

To guarantee that your baler is properly maintained and legally compliant, scheduling professional baler servicing is recommended. This ensures that all components, from hydraulic systems to electrical parts, are in good working order, helping maintain safety standards and operational efficiency. See our section below for full details of the ‘Professional waste baler service by phs Wastekit’.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for the optimal performance of your waste baler. Performing routine checks and repairs can prevent costly breakdowns, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Regular maintenance also ensures that your baler is operating safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and environmental damage. Additionally, regular maintenance can help you identify potential issues before they become major problems, allowing you to schedule repairs and maintenance at a time that suits your business.

Some of the key benefits of regular maintenance include:

· Reduced downtime and increased productivity: Regular maintenance helps keep your waste baler running smoothly, minimising unexpected breakdowns and ensuring continuous operation.

· Extended lifespan of your equipment: Routine checks and timely repairs can significantly extend the life of your baler, protecting your investment.

· Improved safety and reduced risk of accidents: Well maintained equipment is less likely to malfunction, reducing the risk of workplace accidents and ensuring a safer environment for your employees.

· Reduced environmental impact: Efficiently operating balers contribute to better recycling practices, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

· Cost savings through reduced repair costs and extended equipment lifespan: Preventive maintenance helps avoid costly repairs and replacements, saving your business money in the long run.

By prioritising regular maintenance, you can ensure your waste baler remains in top condition, providing reliable performance and contributing to your overall operational efficiency.

When to service your waste baler

Understanding when to service your waste baler at regular intervals as per the manufacturer's guidelines is key to its longevity and efficiency. Here are some key indicators that it’s time to schedule maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for regular service intervals. These schedules are designed to address common wear and tear issues and prevent major breakdowns. Baler servicing maintenance plans are specifically designed to address these issues and ensure the longevity and efficiency of your baler.

Unusual sounds or vibrations

If your baler starts making strange noises or vibrating excessively during operation, it’s a sign that something may be wrong. Get it checked out immediately to prevent further damage. Addressing issues with critical parts promptly can prevent further damage and ensure smooth operation.

Hydraulic issues

Hydraulic systems are critical for plastic and cardboard baler operation. If you notice slow or erratic hydraulic movements, it's a red flag that the system needs attention.

Bale quality

Inspect the quality of the bales your machine produces. If they are loose, uneven, or not up to standard, your baler may need adjustments.

Oil leaks

Oil leaks can be a common issue with hydraulic systems. If you see any oil leaks, address them promptly to prevent hydraulic system damage.

Safety concerns

If any safety features or emergency stop mechanisms aren't functioning correctly, don't delay in getting them fixed. Safety should always be a top priority.

How to Service Your Waste Baler

Regular machine maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your baler. Now that we know when to service your baler, let’s explore how to do it effectively:

· Regular cleaning: Start with regular cleaning. Dust, debris, and waste materials can accumulate over time, causing wear and tear. Clean all accessible parts of the baler regularly to keep it in good shape.

· Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for moving parts. Refer to your cardboard or plastic baler’s manual for guidance on which lubricants to use and how often to apply them.

· Tension adjustment: Check and adjust the tension settings as needed. Proper tension ensures that the bales are tightly packed and reduces strain on the baler.

· Hydraulic system check: Inspect the hydraulic system for leaks, loose connections, and damaged hoses. Address any issues promptly to avoid costly repairs.

· Electrical components: Test and maintain electrical components, including switches and sensors, to ensure they are functioning correctly.

· Safety features: Regularly test and inspect safety features such as emergency stops and interlocks. Ensure they are in working order to protect your employees.

· Replace worn parts: Over time, various components may wear out. Keep an inventory of common spare parts and replace them as needed to prevent downtime.

Baler Maintenance Service Portal

Our baler maintenance service portal is designed to provide you with easy access to your account history, live and closed tickets, and other important information. Our portal is user friendly and allows you to manage your baler maintenance with ease. With our portal, you can:

· View your account history and track your maintenance records: Keep a detailed record of all maintenance activities, ensuring you have a comprehensive history of your baler’s upkeep.

· Access live and closed tickets and track the progress of your repairs: Stay informed about the status of ongoing repairs and review past maintenance activities.

· Request maintenance and repairs online: Conveniently schedule maintenance services and report issues directly through the portal.

· Access important documents and information related to your baler maintenance: Easily find manuals, service reports, and other essential documents.

Our service portal is designed to provide you with a convenient and efficient way to manage your baler maintenance. With our portal, you can stay on top of your maintenance needs and ensure that your equipment is always running at its best.

Hire professional maintenance solutions for the best results

While you can perform some maintenance tasks in house, professional maintenance can be a far more effective solution for ensuring cardboard and plastic waste balers are kept up to scratch. A professional technician can identify and address issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. phs Wastekit's in house Alcumus SafeContractor Approved team ensures optimal performance and reliability.

Best practice for plastic and cardboard waste balers

When it comes to waste balers, whether they are used for plastic or cardboard, the maintenance principles remain largely the same. However, there are a few specific considerations:

· Cardboard balers may require more frequent maintenance, as cardboard can be abrasive and cause faster wear and tear. Keep a close eye on the baling chamber and ensure it’s clean and free of debris.

· Plastic balers may face challenges related to material build up and adhesion. Regular cleaning and lubrication are even more critical in this case.

· Before baling plastic or cardboard, inspect the materials for any contaminants that could damage the baler or reduce bale quality. Remove any foreign objects before baling.

Maintaining recycling equipment, particularly balers, is crucial to ensure optimal operational efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns.

Professional waste baler maintenance from phs Wastekit

Proper waste baler maintenance is essential for cost savings, operational efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. Knowing when to service your equipment and how to do it effectively can help you maximise the benefits of your waste baler.

At phs Wastekit, we not only provide cardboard and plastic balers to rent and buy, but we also provide waste baler service and maintenance to help ensure your balers maintain their performance. We have four maintenance packages available to help you decide on the best package for your needs. Our country enabling service ensures quick response times and effective maintenance across a wide geographic area.

Bronze Shield

· Routine service

· Scheduled by our team for peace of mind

· Completed to manufacturer’s recommendations

· Fully trained specialists

· PUWER compliance

Silver Shield

· Routine service

· Scheduled by our team for peace of mind

· Completed to manufacture’s recommendations

· Fully trained specialists

· Breakdown coverage

· High rate of first time fix

· PUWER compliance

Gold Shield

· Routine service

· Scheduled by our team for peace of mind

· Completed to manufacture’s recommendations

· Fully trained specialists

· Breakdown coverage

· High rate of first time fix

· Full labour coverage

· PUWER compliance

Platinum Shield

· Routine service

· Scheduled by our team for peace of mind

· Completed to manufacture’s recommendations

· Fully trained specialists

· Breakdown coverage

· High rate of first time fix

· Full labour coverage

· Parts required for repairs

· PUWER compliance

And no matter which package you choose, you will also get:

· You’ll receive two preventative maintenance calls every year, to help us diagnose and repair issues with waste handling equipment before they become a problem.

· You pay just one simple annual payment.

· You’ll get courteous and friendly services from a fully qualified engineer trained in all manner of health and safety requirements and the servicing of hydraulic and electrical equipment.

· You’ll benefit from unlimited call outs, providing peace of mind for customers.

Different packages have different price points, and there may be packages more suited to your needs than others. For more information or help choosing the best waste baler service plan for your needs, contact phs Wastekit today and we’ll help you keep your waste baler in shape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular maintenance is essential for the optimal performance of your waste baler. By performing routine checks and repairs, you can prevent costly breakdowns, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Our baler maintenance service portal is designed to provide you with easy access to your account history, live and closed tickets, and other important information. With our portal, you can manage your baler maintenance with ease and ensure that your equipment is always running at its best. Contact us today to learn more about our baler maintenance services and how we can help you keep your equipment running smoothly.