Bin vibrator has no effect, packs the sand or cracks the wall
Symptom
The vibrator runs but the sand does not flow, the sand gets harder, a crack appears near the vibrator, or it rattles loudly.
Likely causes
- Vibrator too small, wrongly placed, or force set too low.
- Running with the gate closed or the bin empty, which packs the sand.
- Mounted directly on thin plate without a stiffening channel.
- Loose mounting bolts.
- Thermal trip, cut cable or lost air supply.
Most likely and cheapest to check first.
Checks
- Check size and position against the maker's sizing rule for the bin.
- Check the control logic - the vibrator must run only with the gate open.
- Inspect the mounting, the bolts and the plate around it for cracks.
Fix
- Resize or relocate the vibrator.
- Change the logic so it runs in short bursts with the gate open only.
- Repair cracks; fit a stiffening channel; re-torque and check bolts weekly.
- Reduce the force if the plate keeps cracking.
Stop the equipment if
A crack has appeared near the vibrator. Stop the vibrator and mark the crack ends.
Parts you may need
A vibrator is not a hammer
A vibrator breaks bridges and wall build-up while material is moving. Run with the gate closed, it compacts the sand instead and makes the next start harder. Run on an empty bin, it fatigues the steel.
CAUTIONMount a vibrator on a stiffening channel welded to the bin wall, never on bare thin plate.
⚠ Every check inside a machine starts with full lockout. Safety disclaimer