Manual soil block presses are built to be tough and need little maintenance, but “low maintenance” does not mean “no maintenance”. A few minutes of care at the right times keeps blocks accurate and prevents expensive breakdowns. This routine applies to most manually operated presses. Always check the instructions that came with your own machine.

Every day: after pressing

• Clean the mould. Remove soil from the mould, the compression plate and the surfaces that touch the mix. Dried cement-soil mix is hard to remove later.
• Brush down the machine. Clear soil from the lever, hinges and base.
• Look for damage. Check for cracks, bent parts and loose fasteners before you leave.

Every week: moving parts

• Lubricate pivots, pins and sliding surfaces with grease or oil suitable for dusty conditions, and wipe away old, gritty lubricant first.
• Check that the machine is firmly mounted. A press that rocks wastes effort and gives uneven blocks.
• Tighten nuts and bolts.

Every month: inspect for wear

• Check the mould dimensions with a ruler or gauge. Blocks that vary in height or length may mean wear or a bent part.
• Look at welds and structural members for cracks.
• Touch up bare metal with paint or protective coating to prevent rust.

Storage and protection

Keep the press under a roof, ideally off the bare ground. In rainy seasons, cover it and make sure water does not stand around the base. If the machine will be unused for a long time, clean, lubricate and cover it.

Operator habits that protect the machine

• Use the lever smoothly instead of jerking or striking it.
• Do not overfill the mould or press stones and lumps.
• Never extend the lever with pipes unless the manufacturer allows it.

Keep spares and records

Note the date of each service and any parts replaced. Keep key spares on hand so a small failure does not stop production. For specifications and spare parts questions about our machines, see the Standard Straight press page or contact us.

• block press
• machine care
• maintenance