The constant demands of running a business make it easy to forget about recycling equipment maintenance. Even though conveyors, compactors, balers and other recycling gear are a big investment – and ones that can save your business a lot of money – many companies take them for granted once they become just another piece of everyday equipment.
Continued Maintenance = Better Lifespans
But, like any other piece of industrial equipment, recycling machinery requires regular maintenance, cleaning and routine inspections. Proper maintenance is the key to maximizing the lifespan of your equipment, getting the greatest bang for your buck, keeping your business running smoothly and, most importantly, workplace safety.
Red Flags to Watch For…
In-between inspections and scheduled maintenance, though, it’s important to watch for red flags that your equipment may be in of need repair or immediate service. Catching small problems early on, after all, is the best way to avoid costly repairs and downtime. If you see any of these warning signs, it’s important to seek service from a trained Norton professional:
Horizontal and Vertical Balers:
- Damaged conduit or wiring
- Door or gate won’t close
- Leaks in the hydraulic system
- Hoses shows signs of cuts or mechanical abrasion
- Lines are damaged from heat or age
- Cracks, stress or breaks in the frame, welds or cylinder mounts
- Dull shear blades
- Loss of power or operation, or switch/button not working/lighting up
- Runs out of cardboard baling wire
Conveyors:
- Damaged conduit or wiring
- Lines are damaged from heat or age
- Cracks, stress or breaks in the frame, sidewalls or cleats
- Belt damage of any kind
- Weakened or degraded belt due to oil, heat or other factors
- Loss of power or operation
Compactors:
- Damaged conduit or wiring
- Door or gate won’t close
- Leaks in the hydraulic system
- Hoses shows signs of cuts or mechanical abrasion
- Lines are damaged from heat or age
- Cracks, stress or breaks in the frame, welds or cylinder mounts
- Corrosion or other damage to the electrical systems or control panel
- Loss of power or operation
- Constant or frequent “sticking”
Shredders:
- Unusual sounds, grinding noise
- Runs but doesn’t shred
- Only runs in reverse
- Materials aren’t shredding properly – dull cutters
- Damaged conduit or wiring
- Lines are damaged from heat or age
- Cracks, stress or breaks in the frame, welds or cylinder mounts
- Corrosion or other damage to the electrical systems or control panel
- Loss of power or operation
Some universal warning signs? Equipment that’s smoking, gives off a burning smell or that leaves visible oil residue on the ground below. Another tell-tale sign? A screeching or scraping sound or equipment that, simply, doesn’t work, doesn’t move or doesn’t cycle properly -- or at all.
If you’re experiencing any of the problems above or have tried to troubleshoot the issue without any success, it’s time to look a service specialist at Norton Equipment Co. Without attention, seemingly small problems can spiral into major issues that degrade your machinery and threaten your operators. We’ve been the Mid-South’s leading recycling equipment sales and service provider for more than 20 years, and work with all major brands. Contact us today to schedule a service call.