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By Mickey Cereoli
National Sales Support Manager,
Landfill and Stabilization for BOMAG Americas, Inc.

How Preventive Maintenance Keeps Refuse Compactors Up and Running.

There are many different types of vehicles on today’s roads. There are also different types of vehicle owners. Some are very conscious of the maintenance needs of a vehicle, from checking the tire pressure once a month to anticipating major problems before they become serious repairs. Others drive their vehicles into the ground, not putting a single minute or penny into basic up keep.

Fortunately, the majority of landfill operations managers are conscientious about equipment maintenance. If they weren’t, piles of broken-down machinery rather than piles of trash would occupy landfills.

Because refuse compactors play such a key role in daily landfill operations, proper maintenance is extremely important. Ignoring maintenance on your refuse compactor isn’t exactly like disregarding the “check engine” light on your mini-van. It’s more like closing your eyes to the smoke coming from underneath your dashboard. In other words, the cost of ignoring your compactor’s maintenance requirements can be expensive and devastating.

The environment in which a refuse compactor challenges to the machine. Instead of smoothly paved highways, refuse compactors churn through mountains of pure garbage. Not only that, but they are doing it all day, every day. Throw machines, many of mammoth in the fact that works poses several we’re talking about which weigh more than 100,000 pounds, and it’s pretty obvious why refuse compactors need to be taken care of properly on a regular basis.

Addressing specific areas of concern will enhance the longevity and productivity of a refuse compactor, and in the process will keep the cost of ownership to a minimum. While the maintenance requirements shown in the operator’s manual may provide a good start, a few key issues are worth discussing in greater detail.