TAP Blowing Machines are designed for years of use, but there are some preventative maintenance that needs to occur to keep them up and running. If you take care of the machine, it will give you years of solid service. Here are a few tips when it comes to maintaining your TAP Blowing Machine:
After Every Job: Make sure the hopper is emptied of all TAP. It’s best to run all insulation from the hopper and the hoses prior to leaving the attic on completion. [Unplug the machine for the rest of the maintenance] Remove the air filter and, using compressed air, blow the filter clean and put it back in place. Using a knife, cut out any debris from the agitator arms inside the hopper. Check the guards on the machine to make sure they are in good shape and in proper position. Using the compressed air, blow out the vent holes of any dust and debris. Remove the bottom plexiglass guard and, using compressed air, blow out any dust from inside the machine, especially around the motors. Replace the plexiglass guard.
After 40 Hours of Use: It is important to make sure the machine is operating at its peak efficiency. Airlock seals can be damaged unknowingly when a foreign object gets into the hopper and damages the seals. To test for this, use the TAP Pressure Gauge. The gauge is used to test the air output of the machine while the agitators are working. A motor will produce about 3.5 psi but if the airlock seals are worn, that air will displace through the hopper and the gauge will either show lower psi or drop from 3.5 to a lower number as the damaged seal rotates. If the gauge drops more than ¼ of a psi, then there is at least 1 damaged seal and you should replace all 6 seals. Blowing Machine Seals can be purchased from TAP. You should also visually check your hoses for cracks and make sure the connections are tight. Inspect the power and remote cords for cracks and damage. Replace or repair if there is damage. Remove the front plexiglass and check the chain and the chain tensions. They should be tight so they do not slip. Use the chain tensioner pulley to tighten the chain.
After 200 Hours of Use: Remove the front plexiglass and check the drive alignment. Make sure the chains are aligned and tight. On the front electrical panel, unlock the main disconnect switch and remove the 2 screws on the side of the panel. Pull down the metal cover and, using compressed air, blow out any dust in the electrical components and look for any damaged wiring. Be sure to secure the panel and connect panel when done. If needed, lubricate the chains using a dry grease similar to that used on motorcycle chains (do not use wet grease or WD40). Lastly, grease the airlock bearings. Relubrication at the grease fittings is done with a lithium base grease conforming to a NLGI GRADE TWO consistency. The grease should be pumped in slowly until a slight bead forms around the seals. This bead, in addition to acting as an indicator of adequate lubrication, provides additional protection against the entry of foreign matter.
Yearly: Once a year, if not done sooner, replace the airlock seals. Even if the machine sat idle for long periods of time, the seals will begin to lose elasticity and form to the airlock and lose their seal. Always replace all 6 seals.
These simple tasks will ensure your equipment is running at its best and will serve you well into the future. If you’d like stickers that detail these very steps for your machine, contact TAP and ask for the Blower Maintenance Sticker. There is even a QR code on the sticker with videos to show you how to perform the steps.