​Troubleshooting Guide

Is your equipment down and starting to pile up? Before you call to get an open top dumpster check out our guide below. This is a general guide for common issues that we see with balers and compactors. Employees should not attempt to do any repair work on machinery that they are not fully trained in. For over the phone troubleshooting or to schedule a service, call (833) 233-9377.

Problem: Unit Will Not Start

  1. No electrical power to the unit Turn on Main Disconnect Replace fuses or reset breakers

  2. No electrical power to control circuit
    Check primary and secondary sides of the transformer
    Check for correct voltage.
    Check control fusesCheck stop button
    Check start button to be sure contact closes when depressed

  3. No electrical power to the motor
    Check heater resets



Problem: Unit Will Not Continue Running When Start Button Is Released

  1. The motor starter is inoperative
    Check motor starter coil & wiring
  2. Motor starter auxiliary contacts are inoperative
    Check motor starter contacts & wiring
  3. Reverse button is inoperative
    Check reverse button to be sure contacts are closed
    Check wiring
  4. Secondary contact on start button is inoperative
    Check contact, wired black and orange, to be sure it is operating properly
    ​​​​​​​Check wiring



Problem: Motor Runs, But Ram Does Not Move Normally

  1. Insufficient oil in the reservoir
    Fill reservoir with oil
  2. Low relief pressure
    Check relief pressure
    Clean orifice in relief valve and reset pressure
    Check "O" rings on relief valve for damage or leakage
  3. Oil leakage in the cylinder
    Check cylinder for bypassing
    Replace seal kit, inspect rod and cylinder tube for scoring or nicks
    Replace cylinder
  4. Defective pump
    Replace pump
  5. Oil leakage from hose fittings
    Tighten hose fittings
  6. Low voltage
    ​​​​​​​Check voltage
  7. The pump may be driven in the wrong direction of rotation
    Stop immediately to prevent seizure. Check the direction of drive rotation (proper rotation direction is indicated by the arrow on motor)
  8. The shaft broke, or shaft key sheared
    Visually inspect motor and pump shaft and hub couplings for damage. Replace if necessary
  9. Intake pipe from reservoir blocked, or oil viscosity too heavy to prime
    Drain system. Add clean fluid of proper viscosity and specifications. Filter as recommended. Check system filter for cleanliness.
  10. Intake air leaks (foam in oil or sounds like gravel in the pump)
    Check intake connections. Tighten securely
  11. Units shift slowly
    Flow control valve (restrictor) clogged, remove and clean orifice
  12. Valve response sluggish
    Contaminated oil - drain and flush system
    Inadequate voltage, check voltage, check coil
    Disassemble valve and clean​
  13. Loose hub coupling
    Tighten set screws on hub coupling halves



Problem: Unit Will Not Reverse

  1. The solenoid valve is inoperative
    Check coil in the solenoid valve
  2. Reverse button is inoperative
    Check reverse button contacts



Problem: Pump Makes Noise - Sounds Like Gravel

  1. Partly clogged intake strainer or restricted intake pipe
    The pump must receive intake fluid freely or cavitation results. Drain system, clean intake pipe, and clean or replace the strainer
  2. Defective bearing
    Replace pump
  3. Air leak at pump intake pipe joints
    Tighten joints as required



Problem: Pump Shaft Seal Leaking

  1. Seal worn or damaged
    Replace seals or pump



Problem: Excessive Heat

  1. Continuous running
    - When over 140 degrees F or hot in comparison with circuit lines, the pump should be shut down immediately. Before restarting, ensure that fluid cooling capacity is adequate to remove system generated heat
    - Install oil cooler (air or water type)
    - Install oil temperature shut down switch
    - Check to be sure CYCON Power Pack has not been exchanged for Pressure Shifting Power Pack
  2. Undersized hydraulic lines
    - Replace with larger hydraulic lines
    - High ambient temp in relation to oil temp
    - Use lower viscosity oil
  3. Excessive system leakage
    ​​​​​​​- Check system for bypassing or leaks



Problem: Rapid Wear

  1. Abrasive matter in the hydraulic oil being circulated through the pump
    Install adequate filter or clean
    Replace oil more often and clean tank
  2. Viscosity of oil too low at working conditions
    Replace oil with factory recommended
  3. Pressure too high
    Reduce pump pressures to factory specifications
  4. Air recirculation causing pump noise
    Tighten all fittings



Problem: Erratic Operation

  1. Valve sticking or binding
    Disassemble & clean as necessary
  2. The viscosity of the oil is too high
    Change oil to factory recommended viscosity
  3. Air in system
    Check for leaks, tighten fittings
  4. Low oil
    Fill reservoir with oil
  5. Low voltage
    Check primary & secondary sides of the transformer for correct voltage



Problem: Overloads Trip Frequently

  1. Check for correct voltage (incoming power)
  2. Check fuses or breakers at the disconnect
  3. Check heater elements to be sure they are tight
  4. Check the wiring from starter to motor to make sure all connections are tight
  5. Check motor leads to be sure all connections are tight surges or voltage

    NOTE: excessive overload tripping and/or motor or coil failures may occur if voltage surges or voltage drops are frequent in your area. This circumstance can be remedied by the installation of phase protectors which drop power to the motor if surges are present.