3 Signs Your Packaging Equipment Needs Service Before Peak Season

How to Keep Strapping Machines & Stretch Wrappers Running When It Matters Most

As peak season approaches, packaging operations nationwide are preparing for higher order volumes and tighter deadlines. Increased demand means your equipment, especially strapping machines and stretch wrappers, will be pushed harder than at any other time of year.

At UTSI, we work with operations of all sizes to keep packaging lines running smoothly. One truth we have learned is that equipment issues rarely happen on a slow day. A small warning sign in early fall can quickly become a serious breakdown when production ramps up in November and December. That is why it pays to schedule preventive maintenance before Q4 demand hits.

Here are three signs your packaging equipment needs attention before the rush.

1. Inconsistent Performance in Strapping Machines or Stretch Wrappers

A drop in performance is one of the first red flags that your equipment needs service. Even small inconsistencies can indicate larger issues building beneath the surface. Common signs include:

• Slower-than-usual cycle times
• Missed straps or poor strap tension
• Uneven film wrapping or cycle errors

When operators start working around these problems, like double-wrapping pallets, re-feeding strapping material, or restarting machines mid-cycle, it is more than a nuisance. These issues slow down production and waste materials, increasing the risk of unstable loads.

During peak season, there is little room for inefficiency. A strapping machine occasionally skipping a strap in September could create repeated packaging failures in December. Similarly, a stretch wrapper that leaves film loose or inconsistent can result in damaged products and unhappy customers.

By scheduling service now, you can recalibrate and tune your equipment to ensure consistent performance when production lines are at their busiest.

2. Visible Wear or Unusual Noises From Packaging Equipment

The second sign is often more obvious: physical wear or unexpected noises from your machines. These cues are usually the first warning that parts are wearing down. Look for:

• Frayed or slipping belts
• Dull blades that drag or fail to cut cleanly
• Tools that overheat after short use
• Clicking, grinding, or resistance in moving parts

Strapping machines and stretch wrappers are designed to withstand heavy use, but no machine runs indefinitely without service. High-use facilities, in particular, put constant strain on belts, rollers, blades, and bearings. If those parts fail unexpectedly, a line can be shut down for hours or days.

Addressing wear early makes repairs simpler and less disruptive. Replacing a frayed belt or worn blade during a planned service call is far easier than arranging emergency repairs during the holiday rush. Preventive maintenance inspections catch these issues before they turn into downtime, which costs production time and customer trust.

3. No Record of Recent Preventive Maintenance

The third sign does not come from the machine itself. It comes from your records. When was the last time your stretch wrapper or strapping machine was serviced?

If it has been over 6 to 12 months, your equipment is overdue. Much like a car that needs regular oil changes, packaging equipment requires ongoing care to operate reliably.

A professional service visit typically includes:

• Calibrating systems for proper strap tension and film stretch
• Replacing worn or damaged components before they fail
• Cleaning and resetting sensors to prevent errors during cycles
• Testing equipment under load to confirm peak performance

Skipping maintenance increases the risk of unexpected breakdowns when technicians are hardest to schedule. By the time peak season arrives, most service providers have limited availability for emergency calls. Planning ensures your equipment is ready and your production schedule stays on track.

Get Ahead of the Rush

At UTSI, we stock OEM parts, provide in-house and on-site service, and help customers reduce last-minute surprises. If you already see these warning signs or want peace of mind before demand peaks, now is the time to act.

Contact UTSI today via the web or by calling at: 586-772-8350 to schedule preventive maintenance for your strapping machines and stretch wrappers. Do not wait until the holiday rush to discover your equipment cannot keep up.