Weeks of downtime can hide pitfalls: here's how to restart production without surprises.
After weeks of machine downtime for the summer break, every nursery has one priority: getting back up and running as quickly as possible, without a hitch. But a hasty restart, skipping the necessary checks, risks turning into a production shutdown far more costly than the planned one. That's why, before switching the equipment back on, it's worth dedicating a few hours to a targeted checklist.
Why Extended Downtime Is a Specific Risk
Unlike a simple overnight or weekend stop, weeks of inactivity expose machinery to greater risks: residual moisture in components, dust buildup in circuits, seals and wiring affected by prolonged inactivity, plus possible mechanical seizing due to a lack of movement over time. Ignoring these factors means starting production on shaky ground, risking breakdowns right in the most delicate first weeks of the season.
Seeding Lines: Checks You Can't Skip
Before restarting the seeding lines, it's important to check the condition of rollers, chains, and moving parts, which often stiffen after a long period of inactivity. A visual inspection of belts and gears, together with an empty test run, helps catch anomalies before they become a problem once full production resumes.
Tray Washers: Watch Out for Moisture and Residue
The washing and disinfection systems, left idle for weeks, can develop buildups of organic or limescale residue in the hydraulic circuits. Preventive flushing of the pipework and checking the nozzles ensure correct operation from the very first cycle, avoiding clogs that would compromise washing efficiency.
Irrigation: Recalibrate Before Restarting
The irrigation booms require a specific check of nozzles, solenoid valves, and sliding systems, which may have been affected by the extended downtime. It's also the right moment to recalibrate water distribution parameters, adapting them to the climate conditions, which may have changed since before the break.
PLC Control Panels: Verify Before Reprogramming
After weeks without continuous power, PLC control panels should be checked before reprogramming production cycles: a simple test start-up lets you verify that parameters and automations are still correctly set, avoiding production errors in the season's first batches.
A Verification Plan, Not Just a Restart
The difference between a smooth restart and one full of unexpected issues lies entirely in how the checks are planned: dedicating a few hours to a structured checklist before switching the equipment back on means saving days of downtime in the weeks that follow.
Restart with the Right Peace of Mind!
The return from the summer break is the ideal moment to make sure every system is ready to face the new season without surprises. If you have doubts about the condition of your equipment or want a technical check before restarting, get in touch: our team is on hand to support you.
