The head filling machine is the most important machine in the mushroom farm because:

  • A good filling of the mushroom growing room has a very important impact on the final yield, although this is often taken for granted
  • The head filling machine allows not only to improve but also to automate loading operations, leading to considerable savings in time and labor.

If the head filler stops due to any failure, this constitutes a serious economic loss because the organic material deteriorates quickly and productivity is also lost.

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ALPIE head filling machine solutions

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To guarantee reliable head filling machines over time, ALPIE has focused on some key factors:

  • The choice of materials used, such as hot-dip galvanized steel and stainless steel, guarantees maximum corrosion resistance
  • The installed components have been selected for their reliability
  • The construction solutions are designed for real and intensive use of the machine: an example is the protection of the most sensitive parts of the electrical and hydraulic system inside a watertight cabinet for the PRO and SMART models

However, even a supercar needs regular maintenance, so keeping the head filling machine in good health must be the first goal of every mushroom grower.

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The main checks by the operator

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It is very important to know how to properly adjust a head filling machine before filling. This also means adjusting the various settings according to the characteristics of the compost and soil, or the climatic conditions.

However, a good operator must not forget to carry out systematic checks and the necessary maintenance. In particular:

  • Regular maintenance of the hydraulic system: this is the heart of the head filling machine (click here for more details)

  • Correct cleaning after each use, essential to avoid the spread of diseases, followed by accurate greasing and lubrication

  • A regular check of the integrity of the lifting chains, which must not show deformations, traces of rust, capillary breakings, and the chain pins  must be well inserted

  • The tensioning and lubrication of all chains in general, to avoid breakage due to chains that are too loose

  • The tensioning and centering of the belts to avoid slippage or premature wear

  • The oil level in the gearboxes and in the drum motors

  • Checking the integrity of the drum coating to avoid slippage of the belts

  • Check the integrity and functioning of all coverings of the safety devices.

The complete list of maintenance operations and their frequency is indicated in the use and maintenance manual.

Among the activities that require more time, there is certainly greasing and lubricating. This must be carried out after each washing of the head filling machine to prevent the formation of rust in the bearings or the failure of mechanical parts.

This is why ALPIE has introduced a special system, to the head filling machine PRO, called easy maintenance.

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Easy maintenance on the head filling machine PRO

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The head filling machine PRO is the top-of-the-range model suitable for medium-large mushroom farms looking for the utmost in technology and efficiency. One of the customer’s favorite options available in this particular model is the easy maintenance that allows you to centralize both the greasing operations of all the supports of the machinery and the lubrication of transmission chains. This allows a considerable saving of time, labor, and, obviously, costs.

The activity in a large mushroom farm is hectic, and the operator does not have much time to grease and lubricate the head filling machine properly. Furthermore, there is the risk that the application of grease and oil is not homogeneous, too little or too much, or that certain spots can be easily forgotten.

The centralized systems proposed by ALPIE enable optimized oil and grease distribution even in the most hidden or difficult-to-reach points; in particular:

  • The centralized automatic greasing system of all the bearings is controlled directly by the PLC, with an automatic cycle starting at the selected interval (customizable from the touch screen keypad). About 40/50 supports are automatically greased, and greasing is particularly effective because it is carried out while the machine is in motion.

  • The manual pump allows oil lubrication of the transmission chains of the main belt, the casing soil belt, and the pressure rollers without having to remove the protective carter.

By adding this option to your head filling machine PRO, you ensure that these operations are carried out, the machine is maintained in good working order, and your staff has more time to devote to other activities in the mushroom farm!

To discover ALPIE’s tips for easy maintenance of the hydraulic system, click here.