We, the whole of humankind, have one single goal today, and it is the saving of the planet for the generations to come in the future. The only way to save the earth and maintain its pristine natural state is to be environmentally friendly. This is the main reason as to why the main emphasis is on recycling and waste processing.
The more you recycle, the better it is for nature since it deals with material recovery. The more we recover, the less inclined we are to mine and harvest from the environment. Now when it comes to recycling and waste processing, there are several pieces of equipment that aid in the material recovery. These pieces of equipment are highly valuable and popular across various Material Recovery Facilities all around the world.
Recycling balers, along with other conveyor systems that include forklifts, loaders, and screens are highly essential tools when it comes to recycling materials. If you have decided to help clean up the environment with the help of recycling balers, then you need to consider the time and effort you need to put in to make it work.
Unlike most of the recycling equipment, you cannot rent or hire a baler on the “as-needed” basis. Then there are baler breakdowns as well since the equipment houses various moving parts and sophisticated machinery. Breakdown leads to downtimes, and that consequently lowers the efficiency of your recycling and recovery facility. Maintaining a baler is a full-time job, and in the following section, we have listed the top nine considerations when you buy one.
Let’s have a look at the do’s and don’ts for using a baler according to experts at the Recycling Balers incorporated. It is the only way to maximize efficiency and reduce downtime by avoiding baler breakdowns.
- Cleaning and inspection
Any machinery or equipment will operate better when it is free of dust and debris. The same goes for balers as well. You need to consider setting up a schedule and a logbook to maintain the visual inspections, cleaning, and small-time maintenance to prevent breakdowns. Additionally, it is a great idea to set updates and schedules for weekly, monthly, and annual inspections by a certified professional or according to the service book provided by the manufacturer during the purchase.
- Preventive maintenance is important
Consider going for anticipated maintenance and small-time repairs if you are looking to get rid of the minor issues before they end up causing a significant breakdown. These routine preventive measures can make all the difference between a facility that has high efficiency and one that faces downtimes due to equipment malfunctioning. The more preventive measures you install at your facility, the better it is, with respect to the output, performance, and efficiency of the baler.
- Planning a schedule perfectly
Yes, it is all about how good you are at planning the schedule for inspection, maintenance, and repair. In an ideal world, you would want your baler to perform 24-7 all through the year. But keep in mind there will be periods when the production will take a dip, and progress will be slow.
Schedule most of your inspection and maintenance work during this period. Plan your entire operation period around the weeks/months/annual inspection and maintenance schedule. This will enable you to negotiate even the most time-consuming repair work, including the relining of the baler.
- Concerning the safety of the operator
Baler accidents are quite rare, thanks to the training the operators receive during the purchase and the installation. But there still happen and can, at your facility. To avoid unnecessary accidents, it is essential to take sufficient and preventive measures. Care should be taken not only while operating the equipment but also during inspections, maintenance, and repair work. Handle your equipment with care to avoid hassles in the long run.
- Train your staff
Are you planning to operate the baler personally? Do you have a team that will run the equipment inside your facility? Keep in mind that the baler operator should be a trained professional, and it is a great idea to go for an experienced operator.
The more experience your operator has, the better it is for the recycling operations as well as for the maintenance and repair. A trained professional will be able to identify minute problems faster before they end up damaging the performance and the lifespan of the baler permanently.
- About the spare parts
Your baler comes equipped with several critical spare parts. These spares are difficult to replace. So, the idea is not to wait for the disaster to happen to purchase the spares but get ahead of the game. Stock the spares as and when they come on the market. Befriend your supplier or call up the manufacturer to stock up on the parts, so that you can minimize the downtime should anything malfunction. Plan the little things better to avoid losses.
- Keep in mind the lifespan of the components
It is not just about these critical spare parts; you have to consider the lifespan for the major components as well. When you need to replace these significant components, these will make in a dent in your savings as well. So do not get caught off guard when it happens and stay on top of the situation by doing thorough research. Once you have figured out the expected lifespan for these major components, plan to buy the spare before it is too late.
- About the wire tier
This is the component of the baler that wears down the most and needs frequent maintenance, repair, and replacement. Since the demand for the spare wire tier parts is high, the waiting period to get your hands on one is enormous as well. So be prepared and stock your inventory well in advance.
- The hydraulic system
The hydraulic system is essential and is continuously subjected to extreme conditions of pressure and temperature. This is why you need to monitor the hydraulic fluid/oil and keep the environment cool and clean from dust/debris. Monitor the bale density as well to avoid overloading.
If you are considering recycling, then you need to be aware of the effort you need to put in so that you can maximize the efficiency and output of your baler. Make sure you treat the backbone of your recycling facility right to make the equipment last longer. All the best!
