What is a Baler?

The ram capability on a baler refers to the pressure of the ram held inside the machinery – the stronger the ram, the more it can crush. If you’re crushing tougher materials like metal and plastic, you’ll want to choose a ram with higher compression to avoid springing waste.

Balers are available in 2000, 2300, or 5000 lbs. of ram force. They range from 12 to 18 inches wide, 18 to 24.5 inches deep, and 34 to 36 inches high.

It’s important to be wary of the safety requirements for high ram balers. The force applied to materials such as plastic and glass could cause springing and shattering during the compacting process. Always wear the correct safety equipment, including goggles for eye protection.

How long it takes for your baler to crush your waste depends on the size and strength of the machine and the type and amount of waste you want to compress. This also affects the cycle time of baling. If you have a mill-sized baler, for example, the baling process may well be on an industrial scale, meaning ongoing compressing during business operation times.

The type of power outlet you need for a baler depends on the model of baler you use. It varies hugely depending on the baler size. Speak to the manufacturer and look through the model specs before connecting any baler to a power outlet to ensure it’s correct.

The exact maintenance requirements for a baler depend on the specific machine and should be included in the operating manual and any training provided. General good practice for baler maintenance includes to:

• Train operators to use and maintain the baler properly and safely.
• Follow the manufacturer’s checklist for monthly, quarterly, and annual checks and maintenance tasks.
• Clean debris inside and outside the baler – especially around the ram(s), sensors, and oil cooler.
• Sample the oil used in the baler every 1,200 operating hours and change the baler’s oil and air filters every 950 hours.
• Examine the baler’s wear parts every 1,000 to 1,500 hours of use. This includes the liners and auto tiers and repairing or replacing them if required.
• Keep detailed maintenance records about the baling machinery, including oil analysis and cleaning reports.

Most balers cannot be used to bale hazardous waste materials and are designed to compact dry mixed recycling, such as paper, cardboard, and plastics. However, there are specialist hazardous waste compactors available that are designed to compress soft hazardous materials like contaminated gloves, masks, and paper tissues.

The lifespan of a typical baler machine is between 10 and 15 years. This depends on their use, maintenance, and manufacturing quality. Well-built and maintained baler machines can have a lifespan longer than 15 years. Those used less frequently may also last for longer.

Key safety measures to take when using a baler machine are to:

• Wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe shoes.
• Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety rules, as well as any business policies and procedures.
• Inspect the baler before use and observe any locks or tags placed on it by maintenance personnel.
• Stand away from the front of the baler during operation.
• Ensure the sharp (cut) end of the baling wire is facing down when using it to avoid cuts.
• Use assistance when moving the bale to avoid back injury, or unload onto a pallet and move using a pallet jack.
• Remove the key from the switch when finished.
• Clean the baler and the surrounding floor surface after use to avoid slips and falls.

Training is required for anyone to operate a baler machine. It ensures operators use the baling machinery safely and properly to get the best possible results and minimise the chance of accidents. Operator misuse can cause injury and baler breakdown. Proper training helps reduce baler downtime and incidents.

You might be able to provide baler training in-house or use a third party to deliver professional baler training. Important topics to cover include health and safety requirements, equipment, understanding parts, cleaning a baler, instrumentation and controls, and baler machine operation.

The amount of space you need for a baler to work effectively depends on the size and type of the baler. Generally, you need enough space to walk around the baler, open the chamber door, put in waste, and remove the bales. This should all be possible without blocking any doors or windows in the room.

A baler machine should be placed near where waste is produced and along the path that rubbish follows through your premises. For many organisations, this is in a warehouse, bin area, or at the end of a production line.

Baler machines can be rented for both short and long-term use. This provides an affordable option for organisations that don’t need or want to buy a baler, or only need temporary use. Rental terms for baling machines can vary from a couple of weeks to a few years.

When renting a baler, you’ll need to factor in time to transport and install the baler. Baler leasing is also possible, with some lease-to-own options available where you make regular payments over a set period and own the baler when the final payment is made.

Most balers are delivered on a trailer due to their size. Once a rental agreement is in place, we’ll work to establish a date and time to deliver the baler to your premises. You’ll know in advance to have time to clear the space and ensure the delivery fits in with your operations.

You can book collections of waste bales of cardboard, plastic, metals, and other recyclables on a daily, weekly, or fortnightly basis. Once your baler rental period ends, we’ll arrange pickup of the baler machine at a suitable time and date.

Some manufacturers of baling machines can build custom models to suit the specific needs of businesses. Experts can assess your premises and needs, plan a solution, discuss the costs, build a custom baler machine, and install it. A customised baler is normally more expensive than buying or renting another baler due to the extra time and effort required.