PTR BALER & COMPACTOR BLOG

Balers are made up of electrical, hydraulic and mechanical parts. They undergo very high temperatures and pressure, and therefore require frequent monitoring and maintenance. What’s your role in taking care of your vertical baler?  There’s several things you should do to keep your equipment operating optimally and help increase its longevity. Here’s some basic, but important ways to show your baler some love!

Clean & Monitor
Dust and debris in the baler can be hugely detrimental to its performance. Ideally, motors and coolers should be cleaned every day. Check in on the bale chamber- is there any recycling material wrapped inside the belt rollers? You’ll also want to regularly monitor and analyze the hydraulic system’s fluid.

Order Parts from parts.ptrco.com
Prevent unnecessary downtime by keeping spare critical parts in inventory. Our parts website has OEM certified replacement parts including top quality brands like Square D, Cutler Hammer, Baldor and Idec.  All baler and compactor parts are backed by our one year replacement warranty.

Operator Training
The only employees who should be operating the baler are those who have been trained on safe, proper usage. It’s also a good idea to have your baler operators be the party responsible for keeping track of when maintenance is needed and ensure it gets done.

PTR offers Technical Service Training. Your service personnel will receive hands on training and in-depth knowledge of troubleshooting, schematic reading, hydraulics, electrical theory and installation. Learn more about what the course entails and how to register here.

PTR Preventative Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance is key to keeping your baler running smoothly. Technicians will address critical systems and structures. This includes evaluating the overall condition of the unit, performing a structural inspection, setting all pressures, inspecting all control box switches and verifying that the area around the baler is safe and sufficient. Many more objectives are involved in a routine inspection- see the full list here. Another helpful tip: consider what your slower production times are, and schedule these maintenance appointments during that time.

It’s critical to properly maintain your waste & recycling equipment. It can make all the difference in your baler’s performance and thereby, your company’s daily operations and employee productivity. For more information or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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PTR is built on a tradition of quality, safety and innovation. Improving the safety of your backroom operations is a key part of our company’s mission. PTR Vertical Balers are equipped with many safety features that make them a cut above the rest industry.

PTR Balers feature the following mechanisms for added safety benefits:
• Passive Error and Safety Bypass Monitoring
• PLC Actively Monitors for Safety Switch Failure or Bypass
• Automatic shutdown and an error message will appear on screen until safety concern is corrected.
• The Triple Switch Safety System, which includes:

• •  Foot Pedal Switch
  • Concealed Proximity Switch
  • Door Switch
  • All three of these functions work together to ensure every action with the baler is intentional and within its proper use.

PLC Controls with Indicator Lights 
PTR vertical balers have transitioned from the relay based control panel to a PLC based control panel. Our  ‘Programmable Logic Controller’ is a newly engineered, revolutionary baler feature. It’s now standard on all PTR equipment. It’s much like what has been successfully used on PTR’s Compactors for the greater part of the last 10 years. The change is part of an ongoing effort to provide the industry’s most dependable, trusted recycling baler through continuous improvement and innovation. The PLC panel features:

• Illuminated E-Stop
• Power On
• Overload Tripped
• Door Closed
• Gate Closed
• Ram Up
• Prox Switch Failure
• Full Bale
• PM Inspection Required

The indicator light system prevents nuisance down time due to operator error. The bale size is adjustable, and the ‘full bale light’ comes as a standard feature. The bale counter feature allows you to see the quantity of full bales produced. This feature can be set as resettable or non resettable.

You’ll experience reduced down time due to error reporting that reduces time associated with troubleshooting. The PLC allows the flexibility of changed functionality or added features. Reliability is improved with PLC control panel, that are rated to cycle millions of times. This cycle counting feature allows you to measure productivity. The PM Indicator lets you know it’s time for Preventative Maintenance, at 60,000 cycles. This allows you to more effectively plan maintenance on the baler, prevent unnecessary downtime and productivity loss.

Should a safety device be bypassed or fail to function, there is the bypass detection feature on the gate proximity switch. The unit will be rendered inoperable until the condition is corrected.

We will continue to make improvements and add supplementary features, including more advanced error checking and a separation of the PM, Full Bale and Prox. Bypass light into 3 different indictors.

A ‘Smart’ or expanded memory version of the PLC will be available soon, so stay tuned for more information. Be sure to sign up for our ‘Monthly News Dispatch’ e-newsletter to ensure you receive the latest product launches and most up to date PTR news available

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As of 2017, PTR has been making vertical balers for 50 years. In many cases, that’s decades over the competition. PTR’s Flagship signature series Vertical Downstroke Baler, the 3400HD, was the first High Density baler to hit the market place. Currently, well over 10,000 units have been manufactured. 

PTR’s 3400HD Vertical Downstroke Baler is our most popular high density baler for a variety of reasons. It’s an ideal size and design for markets including retail chain stores, drug stores, department stores supermarkets, hospitals, hotels, malls and more. With this model, you’ll produce and ideal 1,000 to 1,300 lb. bale of corrugated material, reducing the cost of storage space, handling, and transportation.

Safely and quickly recycle materials such as:

• Cardboard waste, cardboard boxes, packaging, displays
• Aluminum siding
• Plastic P.E.T. Bottles
• Aluminum cans
• Dry commercial, industrial and retail waste

3400HD bale specs below:

Industries like the aforementioned know how critical it is to keep floorspace clear of discarded materials, in order to get maximum use of their space. It’s also a key factor in helping your organization implement sustainability policies and reach it’s sustainability goals. Your company will reduce it’s overall waste and decrease it’s carbon footprint, having a hugely positive impact on your immediate environment, your employee’s well being, and the planet. To learn more about about the environmental effects, click here.

With the 3400HD and many other PTR Baler units, you’ll have the option to add on features like the following and more.

• Biometric Locking Device BIOLOC 3000
• Quiet Pump Power Unit
• Automatic Bale Sizer with Full Bale Light
• Outdoor Controls
• Automatic Ejection System
• Wire Tie Guides
• Color Options

Plus, you’ll receive 24/7 Emergency Service and our best-in-class PTR warranty. Our technicians are electrical, mechanical and hydraulic experts, so your equipment will always be in the great hands. You’ll also have access to our extensive parts inventory. Check out our separate parts site here. 

PTR Baler & Compactor is proud to offer products manufactured in the U.S.A. and fully U.L. approved. Contact us to learn more about the 3400HD baler or one of our many other models today.

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New year, like-new equipment!

As your balers or compactors age, you may start to experience hight maintenance costs. If your organization has an existing baler or compactor, or fleet of waste or recycling equipment, PTR’s Rebuilt programs may be the perfect option for you. Particularly, if you are not in a financial position to buy new, this is a great solution. Plus, it’s a way to go even greener. Your business or organization becomes even more sustainable when you choose to ‘recycle’ your waste handling and recycling equipment. It’s a cost-effective, sustainable way to upgrade your current waste systems.

We have Rebuilt programs for virtually all of our equipment, including Vertical Balers, Stationary Compactor and Self-Contained Compactors. Our rebuilding facilitates are located throughout the United States. This helps us keep freight costs at a minimum. 

There are significant benefits to choosing PTR Baler and Compactor Co. when having your equipment rebuilt. For one, our technicians are OEM-factory-trained waste equipment experts. Our welders are AWS certified. All Rebuilt units come standard with a 90 day limited parts and labor warranty.

Certified Pre-Owned PTR balers and compactors are not like any other used baler or compactor. We hand-pick each one, based on a variety of criteria. The unit must be 15 years old or less and have no structural defects. This would eliminate them from qualifying for ‘Certified Pre-Owned’. They undergo a thorough ’52 Point Inspection Process”. All electrical, mechanical and hydraulic issues will be addressed and fixed. Afterwards, the equipment undergoes a complete reconditioning. It looks brand new after a deep cleaning, fresh coat of paint and safety stickers. What’s more, it will run like new after wear parts are replaced with exclusively OEM Certified parts, hydraulic oil is refilled, moving parts are greased, and more. Learn more here. 

Have questions? If you’d like to learn more about our Certified Pre-Owned equipment, or are interested in having your current equipment rebuilt, contact PTR here. 

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Wishing you and yours a very happy, healthy Holiday Season!

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Patent-Pending Polymer Wheels for Self-Contained Compactors

We’ve done the research, so you reap the rewards.

Are you tired of damaged concrete pads and having to replace worn out wheels on your compactors and containers? PTR’s patent-pending polymer wheels are specially designed to eliminate the problems experienced with traditional steel wheels.

Specially formulated composition and durometer have led to an industry changing innovation. The need for costly steel plates being imbedded or anchored to your pads for protection from damage and costly service repairs are now a thing of the past, thanks to our patent-pending polymer wheels.

With PTR polymer wheels, your concrete pad is protected from damage and rust, you will virtually eliminate the potential for wearing out your wheels. This will lead to significant savings in costly replacement charges. Our low coefficient of friction design gets rid of the need for service technicians to grease wheels and axels.

Product Benefits Include:

• Eliminates problems caused by traditional steel wheels, such as damaged concrete.

• No more costly ground plates anchored or imbedded in your concrete pad.

• Impact resistant polymer reduces machine damage caused by rough or abusive haulers.

• No more grease fittings- low friction design eliminates the need to grease your wheels.

• Long-lasting design has proven itself, with 10+ years of service in routine applications.

• Less wear on wheels means less maintenance & overall cost of ownership.

Click to access a printable pdf version of our Polymer Wheel fact sheet.

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The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) highly recommends yearly maintenance checks on waste and recycling equipment. Preventative Maintenance is key to the longevity of your baler or compactor, and therefore to the productivity of your waste management system and staff. PTR’s programs are a cost-effective measure for your organization. 

Keep equipment functioning at prime efficiency and employees safe and productive with Preventative Maintenance. No matter what fleet size, your organization will benefit greatly from our Preventative Maintenance programs.

After years of regular use, the oil quality in your baler or compactor will degrade. Parts will also begin to wear, thus creating a domino effect. From there, pressure capability and material weights decrease. That reduction in compactor weights result in additional pull fees for your company. Likewise, balers not working at optimal levels result in lower bale weights and an increase in labor costs. Productivity takes a down-turn, fees soar, and sanitation issues will likely arise. 

PTR’s Preventative Maintenance Program technician will address the critical systems and structures of your unit. Here’s just a few of the areas they’ll cover during the visit:

• Evaluate overall equipment condition.
• Verify that all safety decals are in good condition.
  
• Test and verify the operation of safety features.
• Thoroughly inspect the cylinder welds and seals.
  
• Grease all fittings.
  
• Inspect all hoses and crimps.
  
• Inspect all hose clamps and tighten as needed.
  
• Inspect motor for signs of wear or end of life conditions.
  
• Inspect pump for leaks or signs of failure.
• Inspect oil level and general condition.
• (Optional) Perform oil analysis by an independent laboratory.
• Operate gauge and verify that there are no leaks and operational.
• To see the complete list of items addressed, click here.

Programs can also be customized to best suit your company’s needs. These are a few of the most popular add-on options:

• Replacing up to 5 gallons of Hydraulic Fluid
• Replacing Safety Stickers
• Replace two main hydraulic hoses and fittings
• Replace start/stop button
• Replace key switch
• Key Guard Installation

Call us to schedule your maintenance appointment for the busy Holiday Season! (800) 523-1155

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Why is PTR the top choice of both public and private institutions?

Like all the markets we serve, we’re dedicated to offering equipment that will reduce your organization’s waste streams and get you closer to reaching your sustainability goals. We do this by providing the highest quality, most reliable and safest waste and recycling equipment available in the industry.

MEETING SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

Private and public institutions, such as those in the Healthcare, Education, Transportation and Military industries, need reliable solutions to meet their sustainability goals. Our equipment has been designed to fit a variety of waste applications from recycled cardboard to industrial waste. An experienced PTR product specialist will help you to decide which unit is best for your organization. We’re on a mission to help companies like yours reduce waste and create a healthier internal and external environment. Click here to learn more.

RECYCLABLE & NON-RECYCLABLE WASTE STREAMS

Your organization will experience both waste stream reduction and significant cost savings with our recycling equipment. We have an extensive line of Vertical balers in varying sizes to suit the needs of public and private institutions large and small. Cardboard, shrink wrap, packaging material and light aluminum scrap are no match for our Vertical Balers.

For non-recyclable waste, there’s many stationary and self-contained compactors to choose from based on your needs. Our Cart Tippers are designed to work with our compactors and will truly streamline your waste handling process even more. Learn more here.

SAFETY-FOCUSED

All PTR Vertical Balers, Compactor, and other products meet or exceed all OSHA and NOISH recommendations. Each unit is meticulously engineered and undergoes extensive testing and inspection to ensure years of dependable operation. Of course, all PTR units are backed with a comprehensive warranty. 

Private and public institutions are typically concerned with meeting OSHA and NOISH standards. The PTR Bioloc secure access option is the answer. With the Bioloc, shrinkage is reduced and employees under 18 will be unable to access the equipment. 

COAST TO COAST SERVICE & REPAIR

Our Nationwide Service Coverage is the icing on the cake. No matter where you are located in the country, we have service centers and expert technicians close by. From coast to coast, they are prepared to deliver, install and service your waste and recycling equipment. Prompt and professional service is our #1 priority.

PTR Baler and Compactor Company is constantly innovating and creating new technology that will improve the efficiency of our products. Our Weight Scale, the Quiet Pump Power Unit, and the PTR Smart Baler are revolutionizing the industry. Click the links to learn more about this, and be sure to sign up for our monthly e-Newsletter to get the latest company updates and product launches.

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If you can use your smartphone, you’re already an expert at using our Smart Baler interface.

The soon to be launched PTR Smart Baler features innovative technology that will revolutionize your company’s waste and recycling systems. It was carefully designed to increase speed, accuracy and efficiency.

We knew that it was critical to make the interface user-friendly. The all-new ‘Smart Control Panel’ is a touchscreen that will feel immediately familiar to users. That’s because it’s set up very similarly to the screen of most smartphones. So, if you can use your smartphone, using this touchscreen will be a breeze.

The ‘Smart Control Panel’ featured on the new PTR Smart Baler

The PTR Smart Baler also features keyless operation. Eliminating keys increases efficiency, because you’ll never find yourself searching for a lost or misplaced key again. Purchasing a new key is costly and results in unwanted downtime. Instead, you’ll input a PIN number to use the baler. Selected employees can be assigned their own, personal PIN number, as well. There is even an option for a fingerprint reader – just like your cell phone.

The weight readings provided are the most precise possible, and the data attained is the most accurate to date. You can use this highly accurate information to make better decisions- decisions that will ultimately save your organization valuable time and money.

We’ve barely scratched the surface of what The Smart Baler has to offer. The new features will increase safety, productivity and overall efficiency, while helping your company reach and exceed it’s sustainability goals. Ready to learn more? Contact PTR today.

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PTR Baler and Compactor Company prides itself on quality, performance and durability. Each unit is water tested and factory inspected to insure year after year of dependable use, and every unit is backed with our best-in-class PTR warranty. PTR’s standard warranty covers all equipment when operated, maintained and installed, and used in normal service for one full year from the date of installation, to be free from defects in both material and workmanship.

What’s more, in addition to the 1 full year warranty, we will continue to warrant the following parts for defective operation for an additional 2 years.

• Cylinder
• Motor
• Electrical Control Box
• Structural Steel Frame
• Pump
• Directional Valve
• Platen
• Door Latch Assembly
  

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Some non-warrantable repairs include the following:

• Adjustments required as the result of routine operations; limit switches, pressure switch, relief valve.
• Tightening of hydraulic fittings and terminal connections.
• Electrical fuses.
• Power to the unit.
• Addition of hydraulic oil.
• Ejector system chains, straps or shackles.
• Repairs necessitated by improper use, failure to follow instructions and abuse of equipment.

Your authorized PTR service center is required to use PTR Baler & Compactor Company authorized parts only.

When calling for service, be sure to have the unit’s Serial Number ready. Customer service representatives are ready to help when you need it. For complete warranty information or if you have any questions regarding what’s covered in the standard warranty or any extended warranties, please do not hesitate to contact us. Click here

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