In feed extrusion, most production issues are not caused by the machine itself, but by overlooked daily maintenance.
From a long-term engineering perspective, correct maintenance is one of the most effective ways to protect feed extruder performance, feed quality, and operating cost.

Below are key maintenance points we consistently emphasize to feed mill owners.

For new feed extruder machines, grease should be added before startup and fully replaced after the first 200 operating hours.
Under normal production, a complete grease replacement every 500 hours is recommended.

Regular lubrication of all bearing positions helps prevent early bearing and gearbox failure.

Extruder screws and screw sleeves should never be hit with heavy tools during installation or removal.
Standing on the extrusion chamber or placing heavy objects on it may cause deformation and hidden damage.

Proper handling extends the service life of core extruder components.

Metal and hard impurities entering the feed extruder can cause severe damage to screws and barrels.
Effective raw material cleaning is a basic but critical step in extruder equipment protection.

Abnormal noise, vibration, or temperature changes are early warning signs.
Timely replacement of extruder wear parts prevents minor wear from developing into major failures.

Residual material left inside the extrusion chamber can cake, mold, or cause cross-contamination.
Cleaning is especially important for aquatic feed extruders and high-protein formulations.

Wear is usually heavier near the discharge end than the feeding end.
When replacing wear parts, start from the discharge side and proceed step by step to maintain stable extrusion performance.

Consultant’s Takeaway

Good feed extruder maintenance is not extra work — it is risk control.
Stable operation, consistent feed quality, and lower long-term costs all come from disciplined daily care.