Searching for a stretch wrapper can be an overwhelming process. Sometimes it feels like the more machines you look at 
the more similar they appear. To simplify things, consider focusing on just a few areas. Our customers seem to be paying the most attention to safety, reliability and ease of use for a machine. They also want support if something goes wrong. In this blog we will break down those four topics and give you tips on how to evaluate a semi-automatic stretch wrapper.
4 Topics To Evaluate a Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrapper
Safety
- All wires and motors are enclosed to prevent trip, scrape or burn hazards.
- The rollers on the film delivery system are enclosed to prevent operator’s hands from getting caught inside.
- The film delivery system is located on the same side as the mast to prevent operators from walking between the mast and the load.
- The turntable is large enough for your pallet to fit inside the perimeter without protruding corners to prevent trip hazards.
Easy to use
- Simple to thread film delivery systems.
- Easily adjustable load wrapping choices on the control panel.
- An operator’s guide is attached to the machine.
- Ability to operate machine without instruction.
For machines that are even easier to operate, look for ones that can:
- Automatically cut film at the end of a cycle to eliminate manual film cutting and let operators remove loads from the turntable or wrap zone, or
- Automatically attach film to the load at the beginning of the cycle and cuts it at the end, this type of machine improves productivity by keeping operators on their forklifts.
Reliable and durable
Look for:
- A manufacturer with a large customer base.
- A manufacturer who life cycle tests components of the machine.
- A machine that requires little to no preventative maintenance.
- A machine that uses belts instead of chains.
- A turntable drive system that doesn’t require lubrication or makes excessive noise.
Support
Screen your prospective purchases against these criteria:
- The manufacturer is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for support.
- The local distributor has factory trained and certified technicians.
- The warranty for components is five years for turntable machines and three for straddles.
- Operating manuals, videos and parts lists are supplied with the machine.
- Step-by-step troubleshooting and operating guides are supplied with the machine.
- The manufacturer offers extended warranties.
If you’re more interested in machine details you can find a list of Lantech options, specs and compare models side by side, here. And if you are buying your first wrapper here are some good things to know like budgeting for a stretch wrapper.
Above all, understand what you’re buying. This means don’t take shortcuts. All machines aren’t created equal. Don’t let too-good-to-be-true deals tempt you into buying the wrong thing. Remember you get what you pay for.
If you want to learn more about your available options, please visit our stretch wrapping fundamentals pages to get answers to your questions.
This post was published on May 31, 2016 and updated on November 22, 2019.
May 31, 2016
