Installing a crate washer: What conditions does the location need to satisfy?

Sufficient space for the crate washer

It is important that the area where the crate washer is to be placed is large enough. The washer must be easily accessible on all sides – for cleaning for example – and the machine’s swinging doors must be able to be fully opened. If there is not enough space, it will make life difficult for your employees.

You must also check whether there is enough room to put the crate washer in its place. The passageway from the truck to the area where the washer is going to be located must be spacious enough.

Solid floor for placing the crate washer on

The stainless steel housing, the pump installation and the water storage mean that the crate washer is heavy. So it is important that the floor is strong and of good quality – preferably made of concrete. 

Safe, watertight power supply for the crate washer

A crate washer runs on electricity. Make sure that there is a safe, watertight power supply in the room where the washer is to be installed.

Water supply according to the 98/83/EC standard

It must be easy to connect the crate washing machine’s water tank to a water supply with drinking water quality. Elpress recommends a water supply according to the 98/83/EC standard for drinking water.

Good drainage through a pit or gutter

A crate washer’s water tank has a capacity of at least 150 litres, and for most models the tanks have a capacity for 350 litres or more. When this tank is emptied, it is important that the water is properly drained immediately. Good drainage via a drain or manhole is necessary. And the drains must be regularly maintained to ensure proper drainage.

Heating for washing water in the crate washer

There must be a facility for heating the crate washer’s washing water. There are various options available. The water can be heated by a steam boiler or a central heating boiler.
 If such a facility is not present, heating the washing water with electric heating elements is also a good – but less energy-efficient – alternative.

Cleaning and maintenance of the crate washer

It is important to properly maintain and clean the crate washer. A satellite cleaning station – preferably with a hose reel – must therefore be present close to the crate washer, otherwise a mobile cleaning system must be available.

What are the points of attention when purchasing a crate washer?