Press-type strapping machine with platen-locking system

A strapping machine comprising:

• a machine frame;
• a load supporter;
• a platen supported by the machine frame and movable toward and away from the load supporter;
• a platen actuator operably connected to the platen and configured to move the platen toward and away from the load supporter;
• a platen-locking system having a locked configuration in which the platen-locking system prevents the platen from moving toward the load supporter and an unlocked configuration in which the platen-locking system does not prevent the platen from moving toward the load supporter, wherein the platen-locking system comprises a locking arm movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the platen-locking system is in the locked configuration when the locking arm is in the first position and in the unlocked configuration when the locking arm is in the second position;
• a strapping head;
• and
• a controller configured to, responsive to receiving a platen-unlock instruction when the locking arm is in the first position, switch the platen-locking system from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by:
• controlling the platen actuator to begin moving the platen away from the load supporter;
• and
• after the platen begins moving away from the load supporter, controlling the platen-locking system to move the locking arm from the first position to the second position.