A baler is a piece of machinery used to compact materials into a compressed bale that is useful for storage or transport. These machines can vary in complexity, which means that baler repair processes will vary significantly from machine to machine. The first step the technician or repairer should take is conducting a search for any documentation regarding the machine. A schematic of the baler will help significantly in the process of baler repair, as will any information on the machine's warranty. Some repairs may be covered by the warranty, thereby eliminating the need to pay for repair service.
It is also helpful to read the warranty before baler repair to ensure any repairs conducted independently will not void that manufacturer's warranty. Sometimes a manufacturer may void the warranty if the repairs cannot be verified as conducted by a professional, or within the limits of the stated warranty. If no warranty information is available, it is a good idea to contact the manufacturer directly.
Before conducting any baler repair processes, it is a wise decision to completely shut down the machine and disconnect it from power. A diagnosis or troubleshooting process may require the machine to be powered on, but once the cause of the issue has been determined, the machine should be powered down. This will prevent some accidents while the person conducting the repair is working on the machine; hydraulic arms are strong enough to cause injury, and moving parts within the machine can also lead to injury or even death. Anyone conducting repairs should work with a partner to ensure safety at all times. Proper safety equipment such as eye protection, ear protection, and in some cases head protection should be worn at all times during the repair process.
Understand the different types of balers before attempting any baler repair. Processes for repairing a vertical baler can differ from the processes for repairing a horizontal baler; tire balers may differ in function than a metal baler, and the components in a hay baler can differ significantly from a plastic baler. Make sure to research the various designs and included components before attempting to repair balers, as this will avoid further damage to the machine as well as potential injury to the repairer.
Some balers run off a power take-off system (PTO). Such units are usually towed behind a tractor that supplies the power. Be sure to find out if the issue concerns the PTO before attempting any further baler repair, as addressing the power take-off may prevent any other repairs to the machine itself. In some cases, the issue may be with the tractor, not the baler.