How to Troubleshoot an Industrial Compactor
POSTED ON February 24, 2021 | BY Dan Studer
Before you call for service, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot an industrial compactor. Nothing stops work faster than a compactor that isn’t working. But the team doesn’t need to sit around waiting for a service crew, especially if there’s an easy fix. If your compactor won’t start, run through these steps to get it back on track.
Check the electrical disconnect. This may sound too basic to bother with, but it may have been switched off. Make sure it’s in the On position.
Check the emergency button. It may have been engaged by a team member and no one mentioned it. Make sure it’s not engaged.
Check all the hoses if you have a self-contained compactor or a cart dumper. Make sure there are no disconnections. You may need to reconnect or tighten them.
Check all the doors. The compactor won’t work if a door isn’t fully closed. You may need to open and close them to make sure they’re fully closed and sealed. Also check the interlock switches to make sure they’re engaged.
Check the Drivers Green Light. Was your vertical compactor recently serviced? Make sure the Drivers Green Light is lit. If it isn’t, that means the container isn’t properly seated. When the container is correctly in place, the light will turn on.
Reset the power. Did you have a power outage since the last time you used the compactor? Turn off the electrical disconnect box for about 20 seconds, then turn it back on. This resets the compactor’s internal computer.
Take a minute to troubleshoot an industrial compactor using these steps, and you should get your compactor back up and running. If you’re still having trouble, give your account manager a call. We’re here to help you solve problems as quickly as possible to keep your business running smoothly.