Recycling is essential in preserving our planet, and it is important to develop good habits when it comes to using recycling balers. Balers are machines that compress materials such as cardboard, plastic, and paper into dense cubes or bales for easier storage and transport. There are two main types of balers in the market: vertical balers and horizontal balers. Both are effective equipment for recycling. Having good habits in using the recycling balers can help you to maximize recycling efforts and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Good Operating Habits
Whether you are using vertical baler or horizontal baler, safety is always the top priority. As a machine, it may cause danger if not operated properly. Here are some good habits we suggest:
1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow all safety precautions.
2. Make sure the baler is properly positioned and stable before loading it with materials.
3. When loading the material, make sure they are properly distributed and evenly balanced into the baler chamber, especially for the vertical balers. This can avoid the possibility of damage to the platen, and ensure the material are properly compressed and enable you make perfect bales.
4. Always turn off the machine when it is not in use.
5. Do not use the baler to bale other materials which are not suitable for your machine, as well as hazardous materials, glass, gas, and pressurized containers.
6. Be aware of pressing the emergency stop button to shut down the baling machine, whenever you think there is any sign of improper operation that may harm the machine or operator.
7. Clean up area around the baler. Lots of waste material lying around the machine could result in an unsafe working environment to health and possible accidents due to slipping or tripping.
8. Remember to immediately replace any switches that are found not in proper working condition.
Tips on the Maintenance of Recycling Balers
Besides developing safe operating habits, it is also essential to understand the importance of maintenance and upkeep. Because without proper maintenance, the baling machine might not run smoothly and even perhaps stop running due to some damage. To ensure your baler is always running at its best condition and maximize its output, here are some tips for maintaining your recycling baler.
Keep Clean and Free of Debris
Make sure that all of the moving parts are free of dust, dirt, and other particles that could cause the machine to malfunction or break down. Clean up the machine including the hydraulic unit, the surface of the oil tank, the inside and outside of the machine, and cooling fan if there is.
Inspect the Machine for Signs of Damage or Wear and Tear
For example, check the cutters to make sure they can cut off the wires or material easily. If the cutters become dull, you need to grind it or replace with new ones. Check if there are any oil leaks. If there is any leakage, tighten the nuts, or may be the seal rings are worn out and need replacement. Check other components as well, to make sure they are in good condition and that they are not worn down or broken. If any parts need to be replaced, make sure to do so as soon as possible. This will help to prevent any further damage to the baler.
Check Oil Level and Temperature
For oil temperature, make sure it is not exceeding 60 Celsius degrees. For oil level, when the compressing platen is at home position, the hydraulic oil should be at the best oil level.
Check Bolts and Nuts if Tight
Check all the bolts and nuts on the machine and make sure they are tight. For example, the bolts and nuts on the half block of the main cylinder, the shearing blades, the upper rails and lower rails of the main cylinder, and threader arms. Meanwhile, spray anti-rust liquid on all the bolts and nuts.
Lubrication on Parts
Make sure all the chains and pulleys are properly lubricated regularly, like the main cylinder pulleys, all wire pusher pulleys, wire pusher chains, twister chains, and the chains on the conveyor. For the chains, you also need to check if they are in proper tension situation. Besides, make sure the pulleys of the wire pushers and twisters rotates smoothly. Once any of the pulleys is abraded or damaged, you need to repair or replace, otherwise the baling wires will break easily and frequently during baling.
Check the Pressure Value
Check the pressure value of each pressure gauge to make sure it is within the recommended range. Usually, machine manufacturer has set all the pressures in the proper value. If adjustment is needed, check first, but don’t randomly change the pressure value, otherwise, it can lead to the machine running inefficiently.
Regularly Service the Baler
This includes checking the hydraulic oil level and changing the oil when necessary. The oil should not look cloudy. Commonly, hydraulic oil should be changed 6 months after commencing operations (or after 1500hours of operation). Thereafter, changed once every year (or after 3000 hours of operation). Clean the oil filter once half a year, and do repairs or replacement on any broken parts. This will help to ensure that the baler is running as efficiently as possible.
By implementing these good habits on operating and maintaining the baling machine, you can ensure that your recycling baler is running at its best and is helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Regular inspections and servicing can help to ensure that your baler is always in top condition and extend its service life. Also bring you the greatest returns.
