What should you consider when buying a crate washer?

Crate contamination

The type and degree of soiling of your crates has an influence on the washing process. You need to check what kind of soiling you are dealing with: protein, blood residues, fat, sticker glue and glue remnants or possibly a combination of these? Is there a low or high degree of contamination? And is the soiling fresh or dried?

Number of crates

The correct capacity of your crate washer will be determined by the number of crates that you would like to wash. You should not only look at the total number of crates per day, but also at possible peak moments and the availability of employees to operate the washer. Are there lots of crates to be washed within a short period of time? Or do you, for example, only have workers available for a few hours per day to operate the washer? In this case you will need a high capacity crate washer.

Type of crate

Before you purchase a crate washer, clearly identify the type of load carriers you work with in your company. Do you work with one type of crate or with various kinds of crates? What are the measurements and do they have grooves or indentations or not? Obviously the best efficiency is achieved when working with one type of crate. Do you have multiple types of crate then we advise you to sort the crates first before washing them? However this is not possible in all situations.

Space for the crate washer

Obviously you must have a suitable space that is large enough and easily accessible so that the washer can be installed without any problems. The room must have a solid floor, a high voltage power supply, a good water supply and drainage and a facility for heating the washing water. It is also important to have a good cleansing system available so that the washer can be cleaned. And last but not least do not forget the aeration or the possibility to extract air from the room. Usually when washing vapours are released and it creates steam.

Logistic process for a crate washer 

It is important to keep the washed crates separate from the dirty ones. You need to think carefully about the logistics of the dirty crate delivery and the removal of the clean ones.  Working with two separate rooms – the so called dirty and clean zones – is preferable.

Check all the points to consider when purchasing a crate washer

Do you want a quick and easy insight into what to think about when purchasing a crate washer? Then fill in the checklist ‘Points to consider when buying a crate washer’. The checklist will provide you with the following:

• A better understanding of the variables involved in selecting a crate washer
• You will avoid making a hasty decision resulting in choosing the wrong crate washer for your business
• You will take the next step in selecting the perfect crate washer for your business.