The Baler Has Been Purchased. Are You Ready for Delivery?
Choosing the right baler is a difficult task. Hopper size, peak tons per hour, energy savings, wire-tying and safety issues are all thoroughly discussed prior to making the final baler model decision. But the job does not end there. After you have selected the best baler for your application, more needs to be considered. American Baler has developed a list of the top 7 things you need to do once the order has been placed.
1. Installation:
You will need a Civil Engineering company with a concrete specialist to ensure that the foundation will structurally support the weight of the baler and other system components. Just ask the baler manufacturer for the weight and dimensional drawings. You will need to supply these to the engineering firm.
2. Electrical:
You will need an electrician that is certified to handle this type of application. One of the most important pieces of information that he will require will be the FLA or full load amps. FLA requirements include not only the baler but all components that will comprise your baling operation including conveyors, air systems and fluffers. Each of these units draw amperage and need to be calculated into the requirements. The FLA information is required so that the electrician can specify the right electrical components required for the hook-up between the main power source and the (MCC) main control cabinet located on the baler. If your equipment is going to be used in an outdoor application or in an area that will be exposed to moisture, NEMA 4 electrical components must be specified. Of course this will have been part of the discussion you would have had with your baler dealer or OEM to make sure that the equipment that you have selected meets your defined requirement.
3. Transportation and Off loading:
The big day has arrived. Balers are transported by various means but usually on flatbed trailers and off-loaded by several methods depending upon the installation contractor's recommendations. The company doing the installation will need to know the weight of the baler, the height and width of your dock and your existing equipment. Again, the equipment weight and dimension drawings are again critical and will be something that the installers will need. Make sure that the OEM supplies them to you. Using the wrong lifting equipment could result in damage of the equipment or even injury.
At American Baler, the factory or our dealers can make the freight arrangements with a trucking firm that has an excellent reputation. This includes providing customer service such as calling you or your installation contractor 24 hours prior to arriving at the site. This advance notice means that the rigging company has time to get the equipment in place to off load your new investment with all the right equipment.
Many of our American Baler dealers are certified to perform the off-loading. Those who are not certified have proven contacts within the industry to perform this stage of installation. It is critical to have a company that is certified to carry out this stage as the baler warranty may be voided if it is not done correctly. Our dealers will be more than pleased to supply you references if you are unfamiliar with them.
4. Start-up and Training:
We are ready to get to work. However, before we can bale our first bale, start-up and training is the next phase of the installation. Again, many of our American Baler dealers are certified for start-up and training your operators on the features of your new investment; maximizing the baler efficiency, maintenance and safety. At American Baler we, like some of the larger manufacturers also have field technician's on-staff certified to provide this service as well.
Getting Trained is Serious Business.
Properly trained operators are vital to an efficient baling operation. Don't rely on the "follow Fred around" approach to baler operator training. At American Baler, we believe training is so important, we offer four Service Schools each year. Service Schools include instruction and hands-on training on how to properly maintain, troubleshoot and operate a baler at maximum efficiency. Professionals from American Baler's engineering, quality assurance and service departments will provide all instruction. All classes are designed to focus on each attendee's individual level of experience relative to their baler model.
Properly trained operators are vital to an efficient baling operation. Don't rely on the "follow Fred around" approach to baler operator training. At American Baler, we believe training is so important, we offer four Service Schools each year. Service Schools include instruction and hands-on training on how to properly maintain, troubleshoot and operate a baler at maximum efficiency. Professionals from American Baler's engineering, quality assurance and service departments will provide all instruction. All classes are designed to focus on each attendee's individual level of experience relative to their baler model.
5. Hydraulic Fluids:
Your new baler will not be shipped with hydraulic fluid in the tank. Your Pre-Start Up Manual will provide the correct number of gallons of hydraulic fluid and a list of suggested fluid manufacturers. The hydraulic fluid needs to be located at the installation site upon the arrival of the equipment so that the installation contractor or dealer's installer can add the fluid into the tank prior to start-up. (According to the manual, it is recommended that the hydraulic fluid be added with an inline filter with no more than 10 microns of filtration.)
6. Baling Wire:
Make sure that when it comes time to test the machine that you have the correct baling wire. Not using the correct wire can cause serious injury to the operator. Talk to your dealer or the equipment manufacturer about the proper wire size and type.
7. Baling Material for Testing:
When all of the installation procedures have been completed, you will be able to test the equipment to ensure that it is running as it should. Getting it right at this time will get you to the production numbers quicker and with less headaches. Make sure that you have enough testing material available to properly test the equipment. As not all equipment can process the same amount of material, it is recommended that you talk to your dealer or the equipment manufacturer so that you have enough material on hand to do a proper test.
Congratulations, you now have your baler ready to go to work. Together, you, your dealer and the manufacturer identified all the applications to make sure that you got the equipment that you needed. Following these 7 steps will help ensure that your baler is ready to go to work as soon as the installation is completed. At American Baler, we believe that by working closely with the manufacturer and your dealer that this need not be a complex or unorganized event.
NOTE: The information in this article is not intended to be all-inclusive as it pertains to the installation of a baler. Please consult the manufacturer for any important information pertaining to your equipment. Also, please use this information in conjunction with OSHA/ANSI regulations or local or State codes.
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