Basic housekeeping can help you avoid costly repairs caused by dust, debris, or low fluid levels.
- Follow all guidelines by INTERNATIONAL BALER as they relates to daily, weekly, monthly, and annual inspections and preventative maintenance (refer to your manual).
- Regularly clean debris from around the baler; good for the baler and the safety of your operations crew!
- Regularly inspect and clean dust and debris from inside the baler, paying special attention to the area behind the ram/cylinder(s), all sensors, and the oil cooler.
- Balers get hot and dust is an insulator. Overheating may cause damage to components or even fire.
- Keep it clean and take precautions to ensure the cooler and the motors are cleaned daily.
Daily inspections should include the following (refer to manual or call International Baler for training):
- hydraulic fluid levels
- hydraulic oil temperature
- hydraulic hoses
- filters
- cylinders
- pumps, valves, hoses and pipes
- motors and conduit for damage
- photo eyes and/or proximity switches
- the wire tier’s cutter, twister, track,
- springs, knotter and the feed to the tensioner
- twister pinions and bushings
cleanliness - safety guarding; and
- radiator or cooling device
Weekly inspections should include:
- cylinder housing areas for debris
- 1e-stops for functionality
- bale chamber for debris buildup
- floor for integrity
- ensure warning stickers are in place
- motor couplings
- oil tank magnets
- hydraulic oil filter
- hydraulic oil temperature
- bearings in drive unit
- limit and proximity switches
- electrical components
- bottom track cover
- clean and lubricate track assembly
- clean and lubricate knotter
- track springs for proper tension, wear
- bale wire covers; and safety guarding
Monthly inspections should include:
- shear knife clearance (gap); (see “Checking the Shear Gap”).
- floor, sides and platen wear plates
- hydraulic system pressure
- It is important to ensure the baler’s hydraulic system is operating properly. Have the hydraulic fluid analyzed frequently. Follow your OEM’s specifications or those of the fluid producer. Most OEMs recommend maintaining an oil analysis program.
