A483: Heavy Duty Pusher Tool
One of Fromm’s popular tools, the A483 is a tool using steel strapping and is a staple in many of the packaging industries. Though steel strapping is slowly being replaced by poly strapping, those who use steel strapping rely on A483, as it is a reliable and durable tool. This tool is heavier and bigger than the Fromm’s A482 and it can be used with 1 ¼” wide steel straps. It has a pneumatically raised feed wheel and good to feed heavy steel straps for large applications.
The feedwheel is automatic and so it makes it easy for the operator who does not have the additional job of feeding in continuously. The tool is also highly reliable and does not break down in the midst of operation. Though it is a very heavy tool it can withstand continuous operations and this is the reason it is a much-favored tool in the industry. This tool is ideal to strap rods, tubes and steel coils in any position and can also be suspended with four different suspension brackets. These suspension brackets can be bought for additional cost while purchasing the tool.
All the wear parts for A483 are available with Allstrap. The wear parts are the feedwheel, vane, cutter jack, cutter jaw, notching knife and the slide jaw, which commonly get worn after continuous usage for a long time.
The only disadvantage of the A483 is its weight, but being a combination tool is an advantage as it can strap, seal and cut all at the touch of a button. In order to operate the tool, the straps are kept on top of one another and the upper part of the strap is held with the left hand so that it does not get tangled with the sealing part of the tool. Then the right index finger is used to trigger the valve to begin the sealing process.
However, in recent times, the packaging industry is slowly moving away from using steel straps and also moving away from pneumatic tools to battery operated tools. Battery operated tools are faster and more economical. Steel strapping is not only expensive but also has the risk of rusting and spoiling the packaged goods by leaving scars on the goods.