Essential Strapping Machine Maintenance Checklist

When it comes to industrial strapping equipment, nothing halts productivity faster than unexpected breakdowns. A jammed strap path, faulty sensor, or worn part can bring your packaging line to a standstill, costing valuable time and money.

This article outlines quick checks and simple maintenance actions that operators can perform to keep equipment running efficiently. However, for a tailored maintenance routine or advice that ensures safety and protects your investment, it's always best to consult your local FROMM service technician. All maintenance tasks should only be carried out in a safe environment, with the machine or tool completely powered down to prevent accidents or damage.

The good news? With a structured maintenance routine, you can prevent most issues before they occur. Below is an easy to follow strapping machine maintenance checklist, designed to help warehouse teams and operators maintain uptime and reliability.

Why a maintenance routine is your best defence against downtime

Regular maintenance isn't just about avoiding breakdowns. It's about maximising uptime, improving operator safety, and protecting your investment in pallet strapping equipment.

Every FROMM strapping machine and tool is engineered for durability, but like any high performance equipment, it depends on proper care. Proactive maintenance ensures:

• Consistent strap tension and reliable seal quality
• Reduced risk of unplanned stoppages or product damage
• Extended equipment lifespan and lower total cost of ownership

A disciplined maintenance routine can transform how your warehouse operates, keeping every load secure and every dispatch on schedule.

Strapping Equipment Maintenance Checklist

Before performing any maintenance, always prioritise safety. Ensure the machine or tool is fully powered off and isolated from its energy source. Do not dismantle any components unless recommended by a qualified FROMM service technician.

Tip 1: Keep the machine or tool clean

Cleanliness is the most important preventative maintenance step for any operator. Dust, strap flakes, and cardboard debris can quickly build up and interfere with the smooth operation of sensors and moving parts, causing jams or false signals.

Action: Use compressed air and a clean cloth to remove debris from machine surfaces, guides and rollers. For semi-automatic strapping machines gently wipe photo-eye sensors and limit switches with a soft, dry cloth as part of a weekly routine. Regular cleaning reduces friction, prevents errors and ensures consistent strap feeding and sealing performance.

Tip 2: Where possible inspect the strap path and feed mechanism

A clear strap path is essential for uninterrupted operation. Even minor nicks or residue can cause strap jams, the most common source of downtime in any strapping machine.

Action: For semi-automatic machines, check the external strap guides weekly for damage or buildup. If applicable to confirm the mechanical brake applies light, consistent resistance to prevent overwinding or slipping

Tip 3: Monitor battery health on portable strapping tools

FROMM's battery powered strapping tools deliver flexibility and speed, but maintaining their power source is crucial. 

Action: Avoid leaving batteries discharged for long periods. Follow FROMM's charging guidelines and keep all contact points clean for efficient charging and tool performance. Take note of any batteries that loose charge quickly as these may soon need replacement. 

Tip 4: Check conveyors and system integration points

This tip is generally only applicable to fully automatic strapping machines whereby the machine is part of a larger system with conveyors and line controllers. Any misalignment or loose guide can affect overall performance.

Action: Where possible inspect the condition of conveyors including any debris located along the line. Ensure package guides are secure and the product load aligns accurately when the strap is applied. If you discover an issue with alignment do not attempt to fix this issue yourself and contact a FROMM technician. These machines are often aligned with exact guides and adjusting elements yourself can have significant flow on effects. 

Tip 5: Use only high quality supplies and genuine parts

Using the wrong strap or imitation parts can lead to premature wear and costly repairs. Genuine FROMM parts are engineered to exact specifications for safety and reliability.

Action: Always use the correct size and grade of strap specified for your model. Poor quality strap can shred or clog the feed mechanism. When replacing wearing parts such as cutters or feed wheels, insist on genuine FROMM spare parts and service to maintain warranty coverage and equipment integrity. 

Tip 6: Schedule professional preventative maintenance

Even with consistent in-house maintenance, professional servicing ensures your system performs at its best. FROMM's certified technicians conduct checks that go beyond daily routines.

Action: Book regular 6-month health checks to verify mechanical and electronic calibration, software diagnostics, and wearing parts performance. 
This service typically includes:

• Inspection and calibration of all nuts, bolts and drive chains
• Alignment checks for consistent throughput quality
• Review of all operating parameters via the HMI panel
• A full written service report outlining adjustments and recommendations

A standard service takes around four hours and starts from $590 (conditions apply). Smaller machines may be cheaper to inspect. Book your service here or contact your local FROMM service representative.

Partner with the experts for total peace of mind

Cleaning and operator checks are vital, but nothing replaces the expertise of a trained professional. FROMM's national service network provides fast reliable support to keep your industrial strapping equipment operating at peak efficiency.

Whether you need a one-off service, a spare part or a preventative maintenance plan, FROMM is here to help. Visit our Service page, Book a Service or Contact Us for assistance today.