The City of Casper purchased new balers in 2009 through a design-bid process. The winning design-bid company chose Harris Balers, model HRB-1445W. We have had numerous problems with these balers including one major problem with the new laser eye technology.
Our balers are equipped with laser eye technology. The laser eyes need constant cleaning and the programming associated with the system causes the gathering ram to jerk back and forth and the gathering ram has hit the ejection ram. Our mechanics believe the S9 Valve (1/4" SOL 4-way Valve) does not adequately respond as a decompression valve to eliminate the potential for the rams to hit one another. I understand many owners of Harris Balers with the laser eye technology have removed the laser eye technology and replaced it with travel rods and limit switches. In my opinion, Harris designed this new laser eye technology for their balers without field testing to learn if the system is actually better than limit switches & travel rods. The Harris CEO, Kenneth Galason informed the City of Casper that Harris sold a lot of their new energy efficient balers and they were not ramped up on the service end to manage the problems with the new balers. It appears Harris again sold new technology on balers without field testing.
Also, in my opinion, Harris's customer service related to design problems and failed units has been terrible. If you own a Harris baler with laser eye technology, I would love to hear your story and your opinion of Harris. Please contact me -- I am very interested in others opinions of Harris.
Best Regards,
Cindie
Cynthia Langston
City of Casper, WY
Solid Waste Director
clangston@cityofcasperwy.com
307/235-8397 office
307/267-4094 cell
307/235-8246 secretary