Pallet inverters are designed to autonomously work 24/7 but make sure to buy them from an established manufacturer. Many companies openly say that it is the purchaser’s responsibility to safely operate the pallet inverter. TopIndustries work differently. Advanced technology is employed and with confidence, they take pallet turner units’ safe operation responsibility. The products they sell have safety brakes, and emergency buttons and even offer nets/gates to ensure a safe rotation process. Technical support is free because if the unit stops it becomes their priority. The team ensures that the pallet exchange process starts as soon as possible.
To lessen the loss of service calls and mechanical failures schedule pallet inverter maintenance. It is essential to maintain the performance of the turner equipment. Here are some safety and maintenance tips for pallet changers.
Safety guidelines for using the pallet inverter
- A fully authorized operator must handle the pallet exchanger.
- Always wear PPE per OSHA protocols for health and safety.
- Start the unit only after the area inside the fixed guard is clear. Ensure no one enters the area when the inverter is active.
- Never place more weight than the inverter’s maximum load capacity.
- Ensure to place loads securely in the unit touching the rear wall.
- While performing maintenance shut off or isolate the electrical supply.
- Place suitable chocks to avoid the framework to tilt, while carrying out maintenance.
- Never use a machine other than its original purpose.
- If the unit encounters malfunctions report immediately, and never tamper with it.
Maintenance guidelines
Ensure the machine is at its default position, isolated from the electrical socket, and chocked before you start the maintenance task. It doesn’t matter if the maintenance is a weekly, monthly, or yearly task….personal safety matters!
Lubricate points include combination bearing, wear plate, and pivot boss. Grease the lubrication points every week. Every month check the hydraulic oil level [tank sight glass] and if needed replenish it. Ensure to use the appropriate oil grade.
Every year visually examine the equipment for noticeable deformities or cracks.
Pay specific attention to –
- Body, frame, and tables
- Electrical panels, hinges, and latches
- Rubber buffers for wear & tear
- Hoses, manifolds, and valves for leakage
- Electric cable, insulation, and conduit.
- Clamps
- Check guard panels
- Clean motor fins and casing
- Adjust wear plate
- Renew suction filter and hydraulic oil
Pallet inverter components
Pump assembly external
- Pressure gauge
- Filler/filter
- Pressure gauge
- Tank sight glass
- Return filter assembly & pressure indicator
Pump assembly [internal]
- Hydraulic pump
- Filler filter
- Strainer filter
- Motor bell housing
- Return filter
- Flexible coupling
Turnover arm
- Turnover ram
- Ram seal kit
- Speed control valves
Rack & Pinion
- Wear plate
- Rack
- Pinion
- Rack boss
- Boss
Valve assembly
- Clamps [speed control valves]
- Valve manifold assembly
Other components
- Rubber conical buffer
- Clamp rams
- Combination bearings
Ensure to use the lubricants and hydraulic oils as mentioned in the manufacturer’s manual. Dispose of the changed oil, waste grease, and soiled cloths correctly following local authority guidelines. After completion of the maintenance, the task replaces the removed guard panels and reinstalls other safety devices before you switch on the main control panel.
TopIndustries have posted lots of videos on their official YouTube account, so check them out for visual understanding.
