Pallet Wrapper fault
Film Carriage Not Moving
A film carriage that won't lift, travel or position correctly is usually a drive, belt, chain or sensor fault — the system that moves the carriage up and down the mast has developed a mechanical or electrical problem.
Does this match your fault?
Common symptoms
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Carriage does not move when cycle starts
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Carriage moves partway then stops
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Carriage moves in one direction only
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Carriage speed is inconsistent or jerky
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Alarm showing when carriage movement is commanded
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Turntable runs but carriage stays still
What causes this
Typical causes
Lift motor or inverter fault
The carriage lift motor has failed or the inverter driving it has tripped. An inverter fault is often indicated by a code on the inverter unit or main display.
Drive belt or chain failure
The belt or chain driving the carriage up the mast has stretched, slipped or broken. This is one of the most common causes of carriage movement failure on older machines.
Upper or lower limit sensor fault
Limit sensors define the carriage travel range. A failed or misaligned sensor can prevent the carriage moving beyond a certain point or stop it from homing correctly.
Carriage guide rail obstruction or wear
Debris, film build-up or worn guide components on the mast create resistance the drive cannot overcome. Causes gradual slowing before eventual stoppage.
Before calling an engineer
What to check first
These are the practical checks worth trying before calling out an engineer. If none of these resolve the fault, or if the issue keeps returning, it needs a proper diagnosis.
01
Check for fault codes on display and inverter
Look for codes on both the main control display and the lift inverter unit. Note them before resetting — they are the most direct route to identifying the cause.
02
Inspect the lift belt or chain
With the machine isolated, check the belt or chain for slack, damage or displacement. The drive belt should have no more than minimal deflection when pressed firmly.
03
Check carriage guide rails for obstruction
Inspect the full length of the mast guide rails for film wrapping, debris or obvious mechanical damage. Clean any build-up and check the carriage slides move freely.
04
Check limit sensor positions and condition
Locate the upper and lower limit sensors on the mast and check they are clean, undamaged and correctly positioned to be triggered by the carriage flag.
When to call us
If any of these apply, call now
At this point, continued resets or workarounds are unlikely to resolve the underlying fault. A proper diagnosis is faster and cheaper than repeated call-outs for the same issue.
Belt or chain visibly broken or displaced
Carriage inverter showing a fault code that will not clear
Carriage makes unusual noise or shows mechanical resistance when pushed by hand (machine isolated)
Related faults
More fault support
Report a Breakdown
Include the machine make and model, the fault you are seeing and any error codes. A photo of the display helps us triage faster.