PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

 

A good maintenance program is the key to long and successful machine life and trouble-free operation. There are a few very important steps that you can perform in order to get the best performance from your American Feeding Systems equipment.

 

CLEANING SCHEDULE AND PROCEDURES

NOTE: The primary cause of decreased system performance is the presence of oil and/or debris within the system from the parts and product atmospheres.

Clean, dry parts and a clean system are essential for optimum feeder performance. The frequency of the cleaning schedule is entirely dependent upon the operating environment.  In conditions that are less than ideal, it may be necessary to perform cleaning procedures once a day, once a shift, or even more frequently.  In very clean environments, once a week or less may be adequate.  It is the responsibility of the Purchaser to determine and adhere to an appropriate cleaning schedule.
WARNING:  Turn off main power switch and disconnect power sources while performing cleaning procedures.

PARTS

• Parts must be clean and lubricant free.

• DO NOT reuse parts that have run through the system without first cleaning them.

 

BOWL AND HOPPER

• Remove all parts before attempting to clean.

• Remove any visible debris and foreign objects.

• Clean by wiping down with lacquer thinner, acetone, or enamel reducer and a clean cloth.

 

Daily Maintenance Schedule
Inspect the system for the presence of debris or oil and perform any necessary cleaning procedures.

Weekly Maintenance Schedule
Inspect the system for proper tightness of all nuts, bolts, and screws to be sure the machine is in safe working condition.  Specifically, turn off the power to the bowl and check the drive unit bolts, the bowl's center bolt, all top and bottom spring clamp bolts, toe clamp bolts, and the coil bolts.

WARNING: NEVER OIL THE DRIVE SPRINGS!

 

Quick Reference:

• Control switch may be in the “off” position.

• The power supply to the control may be inadequate.

• The cord from the feeder to the control may be unplugged or damaged.

• A fuse may be blown in the controller.

• A coil may be shorted out.

• A wire lead may be unplugged at the coil.

• The gap between the coil and striker plate may be closed or damaged.

• Metal shavings may have entered the controller and shorted it out.

• A foreign object may be lodged between the coil and striker plate.

• The feeder bowl may have been attached to a rigid track, or the bowl and/or drive unit may be making contact with other equipment.

• One or more springs may be cracked or broken.