SteelTrak: Diagnosing & troubleshooting technical issues - Older Machines

This page is designed to assist with the diagnosis and troubleshooting of issues related to older SteelTrak machines only. If you have a newly installed machine that has been in use for several years, please refer to this page instead >

Please look through the sections below to identify the issue that most closely matches your problem. You will find information on possible causes and guidance on how to resolve the issue.

RATCHET

Issue	Usual reason & outcome	Where to find information
1A My ratchet is not disengaging when the head reaches the bottom of the machine 1B My ratchet will no longer engage	As the machine is used over time parts become worn and may need tightening or replacing.	Use the checklist to find the issue with the ratchet >

CLAMP

Issue	Usual reason & outcome	Where to find information
2A Clamp will not close fully 2B Clamp is not in alignment and will not close along the whole length	This may happen just quickly and can mean the clamp bar has moved off its internal guides. Easily rectified using the quick easy guide.	See step 1 of the clamp troubleshooting guide >
2C Clamp does not work at all 2D When I use the handle the clamp bar does not move	Over time parts in the handle or push rod assembly become worn. Use the clamp troubleshooting guide to work through and see what has been affected. Check both the handle and the push rod assembly where it joins the handle.	See step 4 of the clamp troubleshooting guide >
2E It is getting harder to apply the clamp hard enough to hold my material in place 2F I am having to apply more and more pressure to the handle to hold my material	Wear on the friction block hidden in the machine can mean the clamp pressure needs to be increased to compensate. Follow instructions on adjusting the pressure screws in the handle. Then move on – see Section 3 of clamp troubleshooting guide	First step adjust the pressure screws using this guide > If there is still not enough pressure move onto step 3 of the clamp troubleshooting guide >

CLAMP HANDLE

Issue	Usual reason & outcome	Where to find information
3A When I use my handle to engage the clamp I cannot push it hard enough to close the clamp fully 3B My clamp handle seems wobbly and I cannot close the clamp properly	A number of reasons – the clamp pressure may just need adjusting or over time parts in the handle or push rod assembly may be worn. Use the clamp troubleshooting guide to work through and find the issue.	See steps 3 of the clamp troubleshooting guide >
3C My machine makes a squeaking noise when I use my clamp handle	Most likely that the pivot housing needs lubricating or tightening. Use the guide to stop the noise and solve this issue.	Solve this noise issue using the quick guide >

HEAD

Issue

Usual reason & outcome

Where to find information

4A Lower head pivots freely and does not spring back when ratchet is released

In this instance you will also probably hear a loud clunk when the head reaches the bottom. Both due to the return spring breaking or being stretched. A cutter return spring kit – SS31-061 is needed to fix this problem.

Follow this guide on how to replace the return spring on a SteelTrak >

4B Feels rough or bumpy when I run the head up and down the spine (see pulley cable)

Check for debris or items stuck to the guide rods and rollers. Wipe using cleaning solvent on a cloth and lubricate the surfaces lightly with petroleum jelly, see the short maintenance video on how to do this best. The axles of the rollers are lubricated and sealed for life and need no further attention.

If after doing this there is still an issue, it will be time to check the pulley cable for damage, fraying, debris stuck to it or lodged in the spine channel.

See short SteelTrak maintenance video >

ACP/ACM CUTTING & V-GROOVING ISSUES

Issue	Usual reason & outcome	Where to find information
5A I am not getting a consistent ACM cut or V-groove along the full length 5B My ACM cut/ V-groove has a poor finish 5C I can see cracking in my ACM after cutting or V-grooving	Can be a number of issues from brand of ACM material to poor body posture during the cut. Follow our checklist to check through all the possible causes of issues. Once you have gone through this checklist step by step, the reason for your issues should either be solved or become more apparent. If further assistance is now required please email a full report of the steps you have taken and the results to [email protected] and we will offer further assistance.	Use the checklist to find the issue >

CUTTING ISSUES

Issue

Usual reason & outcome

Where to find information

6A My machine is not cutting straight – the material tracks off at the bottom
6B My machine is not cutting square

The first step is to check the machine is square then to replace the blades. If neither of this solves the issue then it would be time to check the clamp is holding the material properly.

Follow this video on how to square your SteelTrak machine >

To check the clamp is operating correctly refer to of the clamp troubleshooting guide >

PULLEY CABLE

Issue

Usual reason & outcome

Where to find information

7A It feels rough, bumpy or not running smooth when I run the head up and down the spine

If after doing this there is still an issue, it will be time to check the pulley cable for damage, fraying, debris stuck to it or lodged in the spine channel.

See short SteelTrak maintenance video >

7B My head will no longer run up and down
7C The cable to my head has snapped

Over time the cable will wear and require replacing. Each kit is listed below

SS31-063 – ST165 kit >

SS32-063 – ST210 kit >

SS33-063 – ST250 kit >

Fairly simple to replace using our step by step instructions.

Step by step fitting instructions for each kit

ST165 kit fitting instructions >
ST210 kit fitting instructions >
ST250 kit fitting instructions >

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