Waste Balers

Baler machines are made of a steel frame with internal or external cylinders, and a hydraulic ram powered by an electric motor-driven pump. When waste is placed in the chamber and the baler machine is turned on, it pumps hydraulic oil under pressure to the cylinder. This moves the ram against the waste material being baled.

The two main types of baler machines are vertical and horizontal balers. Vertical balers are smaller, and the ram pushes the waste down from above. Horizontal balers are much larger and suit businesses that create at least 2,000kg of cardboard or plastic waste daily. Waste is placed in the chamber and the ram (or rams) flatten it from the side.

Baling machines are either automatic or semi-automatic. Automatic balers compress the waste and wrap it together, so no manual labour is required. Semi-automatic balers compress the materials into a block, but the operator must prepare it with wire to tie it together before the bale is ejected.

In the UK, the most common baler power supplies are 380V/50Hz/3 Phase and 415V/50Hz/3 Phase. The power supply for balers depends on their size and varies by region:

• Small balers run on Single Phase or 3 Phase Electrical Power
• Big balers run on 3 Phase Electrical Power

To protect operators and workers, all balers should include safety features, including machine guards and safety interlocks. The safety interlock device automatically stops the baler from working if a worker tries to access a ram or the travel zone of the ram when the baling machine is operating.

Modern balers feature point-of-operation guards. These prevent workers from reaching into a baling machine when it’s operating. The interlocked control systems stop or reverse the ram’s motion if the compression chamber doors are opened. All emergency stop devices should be interconnected so the complete baler machine shuts down even if only one is pressed.

The best baler machine for your operations will depend on the type and amount of waste you produce and how often. There are a few other important factors to consider that can help you choose the right baler machine for your organisation. These include:

• Size and space – first, you need to work out where the baler will go and how much floor space is available for it. You should also consider how much space there is for the baled waste and how long they’ll be onsite before collection, to ensure there’s enough room for both the baler and what it produces.
• Capacity – the amount of waste you produce that needs baling also impacts the best size and type of baler. Determine the volume of waste you create and how often you’ll use the baler. Vertical balers suit businesses that need to bale smaller volumes of rubbish or less frequently, while horizontal balers have much larger capacities.
• Power capacity – the type and volume of waste you need to bale affects the best power capacity. For heavy materials such as scrap metals, you’ll need a baler machine with a greater power supply and capacity than for cardboard or paper waste, for example.
• Automation – balers can be semi or fully automatic. A semi-automatic baler requires additional training and manual labour to wire the bale, while a fully automatic baler provides complete convenience to save time.
• Energy efficiency – balers use a lot of energy as they’re heavy-duty machines that may run for a long time. This can result in expensive electricity bills. Check the energy efficiency ratings to work out how much it may cost to run.
• Budget – before you look at a baler for sale or hire decide on your budget, as this will impact the size and types of baler machines that you can realistically afford to use. Work out how regularly you’ll use it and if buying or hiring a baler is best.

Hire a baler anywhere in the UK today with Business Waste. Our nationwide network means we can find and arrange delivery of a baler of many sizes and types to your organisation. Arrange everything from cardboard baler hire to vertical baler rental that suits your needs and budget.

As a leading waste broker, we can source highly competitive prices for baler hire. Simply provide a few details about the types and volume of waste you produce, your location, and the available space. One of our experts will find the best option and price to hire a baler for your business.