Cardboard balers are essential machines for waste paper recycling and packaging. However, like all industrial equipment, they may experience technical issues during operation. This guide provides cardboard baler troubleshooting tips for both vertical balers and horizontal balers, helping operators solve problems quickly, reduce downtime, and extend machine lifespan.
Vertical Baler Troubleshooting: Common Faults and Solutions

1. Transmission System Failure
Symptoms: The drive belt is loose, broken, or the bearing is damaged.
Solution: Check the belt tension, readjust or replace the broken belt, and check whether the bearing is damaged. If it is damaged, replace it in time.
2. Electrical System Failure
Symptoms: The main power supply fails or the wiring is loose.
Solution: Check the power wiring to ensure that the connection is correct and firm. If the main power supply fails, contact professional maintenance personnel.
3. Sensor Failure
Symptoms: The sensor is malfunctioning, damaged, or misadjusted.
Solution: Check the sensor connection and adjustment. Replace the sensor if necessary.
4. Sealing Mechanism Failure
Symptoms: Heating head temperature is uneven, tape tension is unstable, or sealing pressure is insufficient.
Solution: Adjust the temperature distribution of the heating head, check the tape tension adjustment device, and increase sealing pressure appropriately.
5. Suction Cup Failure
Symptoms: Insufficient adhesion or contamination of the suction cup.
Solution: Clean the surface of the suction cup and reapply adhesive.
6. Feeding System Failure
Symptoms: Feeding device is jammed or loose.
Solution: Inspect and adjust the feeding device to ensure smooth operation.
7. Control System Failure
Symptoms: Controller failure, program error, or operator mistake.
Solution: Restart the controller, check program settings, and provide operator training.
👉 When encountering these issues, operators should troubleshoot in time and seek help from professional technicians when necessary.
Horizontal Baler Troubleshooting: Hydraulic, Electrical, and Mechanical Issues

I. Hydraulic System Faults
1. Insufficient or Excessive Pressure
- Cause: Hydraulic pump has foreign objects, pump outlet or return pipeline is blocked, or the hydraulic pressure regulating valve is not adjusted properly.
- Solution: Clean the hydraulic pump and pipelines, and adjust the regulating valve.
2. Oil Temperature Too High or Too Low
- Cause: High oil temperature may result from insufficient oil or cooler failure; low oil temperature may be due to a faulty regulator or low-temperature start valve.
- Solution: Refill hydraulic oil, clean the cooler, or replace faulty components.
3. Leakage
- Cause: Aging or damaged seals, or loose pipeline connections.
- Solution: Replace seals or tighten connections.
II. Electrical System Faults
1. Unable to Start
- Cause: Power supply failure or damaged control circuit components.
- Solution: Check the power supply and replace faulty parts.
2. Unable to Work Normally
- Cause: Faulty contactors, fuses, circuit breakers, or relays.
- Solution: Inspect and replace damaged components.
III. Mechanical Faults
1. Loose Baling
- Cause: Defective baling head or insufficient pressure.
- Solution: Replace the baling head or adjust system pressure.
2. Material Jamming
- Cause: Loose or damaged conveyor belt, or malfunctioning press plate.
- Solution: Replace conveyor belt or tape, repair or replace press plate.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Balers
- Conduct regular inspections of hydraulic oil, belts, and sensors.
- Train operators to minimize human error.
- Schedule routine servicing to reduce downtime.
- Lubricate bearings and moving parts as recommended.
When to Contact a Professional
If troubleshooting does not solve the issue, or if breakdowns occur frequently, it’s best to consult an experienced technician. Professional service ensures long-term reliability, safety, and lower repair costs.
Conclusion
Whether you are handling vertical baler troubleshooting or horizontal baler troubleshooting, timely maintenance and professional repair services can significantly improve efficiency and extend machine life.
Need Reliable Baler Machines?
If your current cardboard baler is outdated or requires frequent repairs, upgrading to a new vertical or horizontal baler may be a smarter investment.
👉 Check our vertical balers and horizontal balers RIGHT NOW!