Maintenance issues

The symptoms

There are many things to look for when trouble-shooting pallet wrapping equipment. Are you changing rolls before they have even finished? Are strapping tools not feeding correctly? Are you struggling to create custom settings? Is the wrap not sealing properly?

There’s also one key factor to consider: how often are your operators complaining about the machine?

All these issues may be prevented with an ongoing maintenance schedule, a one-off tech site visit or greater care around the unit from all operators. Of course, sometimes the unit simply won’t start…

Trouble-shooting inoperable units

First let’s look at what happens when the unit won’t start. Before you get on the phone, check the obvious issues – that the power supply is on, any emergency stops are deactivated, that any safety switches have not been activated. You may still need to call a technician if certain switches have been triggered but it will still save a lot of time in the long run.

Then check the manual for stretch wrapper troubleshooting tips. It may seem like common sense but when you’re in a rush and under pressure it’s sometimes one of those simple processes that get overlooked. If there’s still no clear way forward, give us a call to arrange an equipment tech.

Common causes of wrapper damage or malfunction

We find there are three main causes of damage to wrapping units. Operator error is a big one. Forklift damage is an issue and can be a costly fix. We’ve also had to warn certain companies to make sure nobody is ‘riding’ the unit – sitting on the cartridge as it goes up and down!

Damage from rubbish or pallet wrap blown under the turntable is another issue, which is why it pays to always be a tidy kiwi! Finally, blown fuses from power surges have been known to occur.

Setting it right

Make sure you set a password that only the right people know. With too many chefs in the kitchen it’s easy for settings to be messed with and changed, making the final recipe (a well-wrapped pallet) rather unappetising.

Otherwise, you can write down each setting for the different types of loads so they are easily reset if things go wrong. This is important to get right. Re-setting everything can’t be done over the phone, so we often have to send someone out to fix this type of issue.  

Safety first

Protect your people and your wrapper with a robust and usable safety system. With proper fencing, light barriers and other appropriate processes we can safeguard your company’s most important resources and avoid unnecessary pain in the future.