Free  Strapping Machine Service - How to avoid the Scams!

More than 90 percent of all service repair calls  received  for semi automatic and automatic carton strapping machines simply require  strap chutes and heater blades cleaned and the major part of any service charge made will be for travelling time to and from the strapping machine location.  Where parts are fitted and charged for, the user should ensure that all worn or faulty parts removed from these machines are retained prior to departure of the service engineers , that new parts fitted are identified in the machine, and the condition status of replacement parts fitted checked i.e are they new or used. Note also that some wear parts in the conventional semi and automatic box strapping machines have reversible components - items like strap clamps, cutters etc but it is commonplace for the user not to be told - the item reversed and refitted - and charge made for a new component. A comprehensive diagnosis and service should generally easily be completed in one hour with these simple strapping machines.

 These recommedations apply even more for the larger inline automated strapping systems where the user may not have or want a detailed knowledge of strapping heads, as the mark up applied on spares for  more sophisticated strapping machines  is commonly in the region of 300 percent if concessionary service terms are agreed (Normally linked to strapping supply), and up to 600 percent otherwise.  

 

Automated Inline Vertical Strapping Machine

Inline Automated Compression Strapping Machine

Automated Inline Horizontal Strapping Machine

 

Owners of strapping machines under warranty should also observe from the outset service engineers activity on the machines as there is a tendency, given the opportunity to charge for work that would otherwise qualify as non chargeable under warranty terms. Strapping machine warranties are generally limited to faults arising from use of faulty materialsm or workship used during manufacture of the machine, but service engineers are under pressure to create revenue, and there will sometimes be a temptation to mis-diagnose cause of strapping machine malfunction, and 'shift it' into a chargeable category. NEVER ACCEPT A VERBAL MACHINE FAULT DIAGNOSIS WITHOUT QUESTION.

 e.g. Strapping machine within 12 month warranty period mis-feeds strap around the arch and user is told rectification is chargeable as strap ejector mechanism needed adjustment due to incorrect operation of the machine. When questioned as to what type of incorrect operation would cause the mechanism to mis-align, information required to instruct operator such that it did not re-occur, the engineer was unable to give a meaningful explanation, and subtly attributed cause to alleged use of inappropriate strapping material, which incidentally had remained the same since the machine was installed approx. 11 months earlier. Again when questioned as to how a lightweight 160kgs strap could cause a substantial metal component to mis align, there was no satisfactory explanation.  The invoice for approx. £250 made in effect for tightening screws, was eventually cancelled, but only after further attempts to justify charges and  not issue credit for charges. 

It should also be noted that the status of the Strapping Company - local or international - providing the service, makes no difference as to the likelihood of these scams  being attempted, and extra vigilance should be exercised if strapping from the strapping machine service supplier is not being used. All strapping machine service departments, particularly with the large international strapping companies are under pressure to maximise profitability - make sure it's not at your expense.

 

 

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