Start with the symptom, not a guessed spare part
A machine that produces wet material may not have a failed heater. Feed moisture, excessive daily loading, poor mixing and the curing stage can each change results. Record controller readings, alarm text and the time the symptom began.
| Symptom | Safe initial checks | Technician checks |
|---|---|---|
| Machine does not start | Is the main supply available? Is the emergency stop engaged? | MCB, interlocks, contactors, overload protection and motor circuits |
| Mixer does not rotate | Stop loading; record any sound or displayed fault | Drive coupling, motor, gearbox, overload and interlock |
| Heating appears weak | Note setpoint, actual displayed temperature and cycle | Sensor placement, controller, contactor, heater circuits |
| Excess odour | Check segregation, standing liquid, cleaning and loading | Ventilation, process timing and mechanical performance |
| Discharge remains wet | Weigh input; review moisture and allowed bulking agent | Heating/mixing performance and suitability of process settings |
Safety: where operator checks must stop
Always isolate power according to the equipment procedure before opening guards or touching mechanical parts. Electrical panels and heater terminals are not operator troubleshooting points. A tripped overload is a protective event, not a request to wire around the relay.
- Never reverse a jammed shredder unless the OEM procedure expressly permits and personnel are trained.
- Do not reach into hoppers, rotating shafts or hot chambers.
- Avoid introducing polythene, glass, metal, garden branches or other prohibited waste streams.
If there is smoke, electrical burning smell, exposed conductors or an unsafe jam, stop operation, isolate safely and contact a qualified technician.
Wet output versus unfinished compost
An OWC discharge is not automatically finished compost. Even when the machine cycle completes, stabilization or curing may still be required. Judge wet discharge separately from mature-compost quality and do not rely on machine time alone as a maturity test.
- Record feedstock weight, moisture pattern, bulking material and number of batches.
- Check whether the machine is being overfilled above its intended kg/day process limit.
- Reserve a suitable curing stage and maintain clean discharge trays.
Information to send an AMC or repair vendor
A concise fault report avoids unnecessary site visits. Share make, model, serial number, operating age, exact fault message, latest service date, and photographs of the outside of the machine and its identification plate.
- Describe the most recent successful cycle and when the problem began.
- Note feedstock mix and approximate wet waste per day.
- Send any electrical readings only if taken by a qualified professional.
Prevent recurrence with an operator log
Use one daily sheet for incoming kg, rejected contaminants, machine operating status, controller alarms, cleaning, discharge and curing movement. Trend data can separate operational misuse from component failure and support warranty or AMC diagnosis.
This guide does not replace the original equipment manual or an authorised electrical/mechanical inspection.
When the question becomes model-specific
This guide stays general. For exact figures on a particular machine, these published pages from the COMPOSTO range are the reference.
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