How to Select or Buy a New or Used Baler

Industrial Baler Buying Guide for Recycling Operations

Selecting the right industrial baler is one of the most important decisions when designing or upgrading a recycling system. With many types of new and used balers for sale, choosing the correct machine can be challenging.

Balers (sometimes spelled bailers) compress recyclable materials such as cardboard, paper, plastics, textiles, or metals into dense bales for easier handling, storage, and shipment to recycling mills.

This guide explains the key factors to consider when buying a new or used baler so you can choose the machine that best fits your facility and production requirements.

If you need assistance selecting the right equipment, the specialists at Recycling Equipment Corporation (REC) can help evaluate your application.

Step 1: Determine Your Recycling Needs

Before selecting a baler, gather basic information about your operation. Even when working with an experienced recycling equipment dealer, these details are essential for proper machine selection.

1. Material Type

The type of material being baled determines the required baler size and strength.

Common recyclable materials include:

• Carboard - Boxes, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC)
• Paper - Trim Waste, printers waste, newspaper, tissue, documents, books, or mixed paper
• Plastics - PET Bottles, HDPE, bags, LDPE Film, used beverage containers (UBC), and shrink wrap
• Metal -Aluminum siding, radiators, extrusions, white goods, skeletons,  or cans
• Textiles- rags, trim, and clothing
• Foam - packaging, mattresses, furniture
• Industrial scrap materials - any loose or bulky material that needs to be condensed

Different materials require different bale densities, compression forces, and chamber sizes.

2. Volume of Material Generated

Recycling equipment capacity is typically measured in tons per day, week, or month.

Understanding your material volume helps determine:

• Baler size
• Production capacity
• Automation requirements
• Bale handling methods

For example:

• Small retail operations may produce 1–2 tons per week
• Large distribution centers may generate 10–50 tons per day

3. Material Collection Method

Consider how material is delivered to the baler.

Common feeding methods include:

• Hand loading
• Carts or totes
• Forklift dumpers
• Conveyors
• Pneumatic scrap handling systems

Automated systems typically require horizontal balers, while hand-loading operations often use vertical balers.

4. Electrical Power Requirements

Industrial balers require adequate electrical supply.

Important information includes:

• Single-phase or three-phase power
• Voltage available
• Electrical service capacity (amps)

Larger horizontal balers typically require three-phase power and higher amperage capacity.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Baler

Several types of balers are available depending on production needs, automation requirements, and material type.

Vertical Balers

Vertical balers compress material using a platen that moves up and down.

Typical characteristics:

• Bale chamber width: 24"–72"
• Bale weight: approximately 250–1,500 pounds
• Hand-fed operation
• Ideal for smaller recycling volumes

Vertical balers are commonly used by:

• Retail stores
• Small warehouses
• Manufacturing facilities
• Supermarkets

Production capacity is typically up to 3–4 bales per shift.

Horizontal Balers

Horizontal balers compress material using a ram that travels front to back in the chamber.

They allow for continuous or automated feeding, making them suitable for high-volume recycling operations.

Horizontal balers fall into several categories.

Closed-End Horizontal Balers

Closed-end balers compress material against a door at the end of the chamber.

Characteristics:

• Requires opening and closing the door for each bale
• Hand tying required
• Can accept automated feeding from conveyors or cart dumpers
• Best for moderate production environments

Open-End Horizontal Balers

Open-end balers eliminate the need for a chamber door.

Instead, a tension system holds the bale while it is being formed.

Advantages include:

• Higher production capacity
• Continuous feeding capability
• Less operator handling compared to closed-end balers

Hand tying is still required.

Auto-Tie Horizontal Balers

Auto-tie balers are similar to open-end balers but include automatic wire feeding and tying systems.

These machines are among the most popular balers used in:

• Distribution centers
• Printing facilities
• Paper recycling plants
• Large manufacturing facilities

Typical specifications:

• Feed hopper sizes: 30" × 30" to 83" × 43"
• Production capacity: up to 50 tons per hour

Auto-tie systems significantly reduce labor requirements.

Two-Ram Balers

Two-ram balers, also known as box chamber balers, use two compression rams.

Process:

1. Material is compressed against a fixed wall.
2. A second ram pushes the completed bale out of the chamber at a 90-degree angle.
3. The machine automatically ties the bale with wire.

These machines are commonly used in:

• Material recovery facilities (MRFs)
• Plastics recycling plants
• Solid waste operations
• Multi-grade recycling systems

Upstroke or Pit Balers

Pit balers compress material from below using a platen located in a pit.

Material is swept into the pit and compressed upward into the bale chamber above ground.

While once common in large recycling facilities, many of these machines have been replaced by modern auto-tie horizontal balers.

New vs Used Balers

When purchasing recycling equipment, businesses often compare new balers vs used balers.  

Benefits of New Balers

• Latest safety features
• Manufacturer warranty
• Maximum equipment lifespan
• Improved efficiency and automation options

With new balers you get the benefit of knowing the condition of the baler and can expect reliable and trouble free operation with no surprises of major repairs.  With rising service labor rates, in many applications this is the right way to go.  Like other pieces of equipment, routine replacements and upgrades can be budgeted in.

Benefits of Used or Reconditioned Balers

• Lower upfront investment
• Faster delivery
• Proven equipment performance

With used equipment, deals may be had but buyer beware.  Hours of use and previous applications can effect condition drastically.  There are also models known in the industry as machines to avoid even from otherwise great manufacturers.  Many brands or manufactures are now out of business and machines are no longer supported by a factory.  Many older machines do not meet basic or current OSHA or ANSI Standards.  Always have a qualified technician review machine and the expected new application. Experience matters. 

Beware of a machine sold or labelled as rebuilt.  What was done during the rebuild, and by who, makes a big difference. Some machines are only "rebuilt" in the paint shop.  Hydraulic seals and rubber hoses deteriorate over time.  In Balers, machines over 20 years old are likely going to need cylinders rebuilt and O-Ring Seals or hoses replaced.  Computer controllers and touch screens become obsolete and hardware, software, and programs become lost.   At REC, many used machines can be reconditioned and tested by certified technicians before installation.

Get Expert Help Selecting the Right Baler!

Choosing the right baler requires evaluating material type, volume, facility layout, and automation needs.  Proper sizing of chamber size, horsepower, and cylinder size and matching to budgets is critical to the success of an operation. 

Recycling Equipment Corporation has decades of experience helping companies select the correct recycling equipment for their operations. They are a full design, install, service , and support facility with the capability of selecting from many different brands to ensure the best machine for the job is used.

REC provides:

• Stocks new and used balers for sale - largest inventory in country!
• Equipment application consultation
• System design and integration
• In house installation and rigging crews
• Huge inventory of Parts and full Service Technician support
• Stocks quality Baling Wire for all machines

📞 Call REC: 267-218-7200
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Our team can help you select the best baler solution for your facility and recycling goals. 

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