Used Balers

About second-hand Balers

Baler
Alternative names

Baler, waste baler, waste press, cardboard baler, cardboard press, paper baler, film baler, plastic baler, recycling baler, vertical baler, horizontal baler, industrial baler, hydraulic baler, waste compactor.

Short description

A baler is a machine used to compress cardboard, paper, plastic film and other recyclable waste and residual materials under high pressure into compact bales. Balers are widely used as cardboard balers in shops, warehouses, distribution centres, production companies, packaging companies, horticultural businesses and recycling companies.

There are, among others, vertical balers and horizontal balers. Which version is most suitable depends on the material, the amount of waste, the required capacity, the available space and the way in which the material is fed into and discharged from the machine.

Important: this page concerns industrial balers for compacting and recycling waste and packaging materials. These are not agricultural balers or hay balers that are used behind a tractor in arable farming and agriculture to make bales of straw, hay, grass or other crops.

Used balers for sale

Are you looking for a used baler, cardboard baler, vertical baler or horizontal baler? Balers are used to compress large quantities of loose material under high pressure into compact bales. This significantly reduces the amount of storage space required and makes the material easier and more efficient to store, handle and transport.

Cardboard in particular is an important application. For this reason, balers are often simply referred to as cardboard balers. A cardboard baler is used, for example, for empty cardboard boxes, corrugated cardboard, cardboard packaging and cardboard waste generated by shops, warehouses, packaging companies and distribution centres.

In addition to cardboard, many balers can, depending on the version, be used for:

paper
plastic film
plastic packaging film
stretch film
shrink film
soft plastics
PET bottles
certain plastic packaging
textiles
packaging material
production waste
recycling material
other compressible residual materials

By collecting these materials separately and compressing them into bales, a company can organise its waste streams more efficiently. The resulting bales are relatively easy to store and can then be transported to a recycling company or waste processor.

Not a baler for hay or straw

The term baler is used for different types of machines. It is therefore important to distinguish between an industrial waste baler and a baler used in agriculture.

The balers on this page are intended for waste processing, recycling and pressing materials such as cardboard, paper and plastic film.

They are therefore explicitly not agricultural balers that travel over the field behind a tractor.

In arable farming and agriculture, other balers are used for materials such as:

straw
hay
grass
silage
crop residues

These agricultural machines collect the material from the field and form round or square agricultural bales. They are also referred to as hay balers, straw balers, round balers or square balers.

An industrial cardboard baler, vertical baler or horizontal baler works according to a different principle and is generally installed as a stationary machine in a company, warehouse, factory, shop, packing station or recycling company.

How does a baler work?

A baler compresses loose material using a hydraulically driven pressing plate.

The material is first fed into the pressing chamber or hopper. The pressing plate then moves against the material and compresses it under high pressure. By carrying out several pressing cycles, more and more material can be added to the same bale.

Once sufficient material has been compressed, the bale is tied. Depending on the machine, this can be done using:

binding wire
steel or iron wire
plastic strapping
polyester strapping
other suitable binding material

On smaller vertical balers, tying is usually done manually. Large horizontal balers can be equipped with an automatic tying system.

After tying, the bale is removed from the machine. The compact bales can then be stored, stacked and transported.

Cardboard baler

A cardboard baler is one of the most common versions or applications of a baler. The machine is used to compress large quantities of cardboard boxes, corrugated cardboard and other cardboard into compact bales.

Cardboard has a relatively low weight but takes up a lot of space when it is not compressed. A container or storage area can therefore quickly become filled with empty cardboard boxes.

A cardboard baler compresses these boxes strongly. This produces a compact cardboard bale that is considerably easier to store and remove.

A cardboard baler is widely used at:

supermarkets
shops
garden centres
DIY stores
warehouses
distribution centres
wholesalers
webshops
fulfilment centres
production companies
packaging companies
fruit and vegetable packaging companies
fruit and vegetable companies
flower and plant companies
horticultural companies
recycling companies

Depending on the quantity of cardboard, a company can choose a small or medium-sized vertical cardboard baler or a larger horizontal cardboard baler.

Vertical baler

A vertical baler is a baler in which the pressing plate moves vertically from top to bottom.

The material is usually placed into the pressing chamber through a door at the front of the machine. Once the door has been closed, the hydraulic pressing plate moves downwards and compresses the material.

Vertical balers are widely used as cardboard balers for cardboard boxes and packaging cardboard, but depending on the model they may also be suitable for paper, film and certain plastics.

What is a vertical baler used for?

Common materials include:

cardboard boxes
corrugated cardboard
packaging cardboard
paper
plastic film
stretch film
shrink film
soft plastics
certain PET materials
textiles
packaging waste

Vertical balers generally have a relatively small footprint and can therefore be installed close to the location where the waste is generated.

A shop or supermarket can, for example, install a vertical cardboard baler in or near the warehouse. A packaging company can position the machine next to the packaging department for cardboard and film.

Advantages of a vertical baler

A vertical baler can be attractive because of:

relatively compact size
limited required floor space
simple operation
suitable for smaller and medium-sized material streams
suitable as a cardboard baler
possibility of pressing different recyclable materials separately
relatively simple installation
compact and manageable bales
Horizontal baler

A horizontal baler is an industrial baler in which the pressing plate moves horizontally through the pressing chamber.

These machines are generally used when larger quantities of cardboard, paper, film, plastic or other recyclable materials need to be processed.

Unlike many vertical balers, a horizontal baler is often filled through a large hopper at the top.

The material can, for example, be supplied using:

a conveyor belt
a chute
a container tipper
a lifting and tipping installation
a loader or other internal transport equipment, depending on the installation
an automatic conveying system
direct feed from a production line

Horizontal balers can therefore form part of a complete automatic waste-processing or recycling line.

Automatic horizontal baler

Larger companies can opt for an automatic horizontal baler.

This machine compresses the material continuously or in successive cycles and can automatically tie the resulting bales.

This is particularly attractive when large quantities of material are processed every day.

Automatic horizontal balers are used, among others, at:

large distribution centres
recycling companies
paper and cardboard processors
production companies
packaging companies
logistics centres
waste processing companies
large warehouses
sorting installations
Vertical or horizontal baler?

The main difference between a vertical and horizontal baler is the direction in which the material is compressed, but in practice the machines also differ considerably in capacity, dimensions and automation possibilities.

A vertical baler is generally suitable for smaller to medium-sized material streams. The machine is often filled manually and requires relatively little floor space. This makes a vertical baler popular as a cardboard baler in shops, supermarkets, warehouses and smaller production and packaging companies.

A horizontal baler is usually chosen for larger and more continuous material streams. The machine can more easily be connected to conveyor belts, tippers, chutes and other automatic feed systems.

For very large quantities of cardboard, a horizontal baler can therefore be a more efficient cardboard baler than a vertical version.

Baler or compactor container?

A baler and a compactor container are both used to reduce the volume of waste and residual material, but the final method of processing is different.

With a baler, the material is compressed into separate bales. These bales are tied and subsequently removed from the machine.

With a compactor container, the waste is compressed directly into an attached or integrated container. No separate tied bales are therefore produced.

A baler is particularly suitable for materials that are collected and recycled separately, such as:

cardboard
paper
film
plastic

A compactor container is more commonly used for:

residual waste
mixed commercial waste
production waste
mixed packaging waste
waste streams that are removed directly in a container

A company can use both systems alongside one another. A packaging company can, for example, use a cardboard baler or horizontal baler for recyclable cardboard, a vertical baler for film and a compactor container for the remaining commercial waste.

Applications by industry
Retail

Large quantities of cardboard, paper, film and packaging material are generated every day in the retail sector.

Examples include:

supermarkets
department stores
DIY stores
garden centres
furniture stores
electronics stores
wholesalers
other large shops

A vertical baler or cardboard baler can be positioned directly next to the warehouse. Empty boxes can therefore be compressed almost immediately after products are unpacked.

For very large shops, distribution centres and central warehouses, a horizontal baler may be more attractive because of its higher processing capacity.

Production and distribution

Production companies and distribution centres process large quantities of raw materials, components, products and packaging.

This generates waste streams such as:

cardboard
paper
film
plastic
packaging material
cutting waste
production waste

A vertical baler can be used for smaller material streams. For large volumes, a horizontal baler can be filled directly from the production or packaging department using a conveyor belt.

Hotels and restaurants

Hotels, restaurants, catering companies and other hospitality businesses receive many products in cardboard and plastic packaging.

Cardboard boxes in particular can take up a lot of storage space. A compact vertical cardboard baler can therefore be attractive for reducing the volume of cardboard.

A compactor container can additionally be used for mixed hospitality and residual waste.

Public sector

Balers can also be used in the public sector, for example at:

municipalities
municipal depots
hospitals
healthcare institutions
schools
universities
airports
stations
government buildings
sheltered workshops
waste collection locations

A cardboard baler can, for example, be centrally positioned for processing packaging cardboard, while other recyclable waste streams are collected separately.

Small and medium-sized businesses

A baler does not have to be suitable exclusively for large industrial companies.

Small and medium-sized businesses can also use a vertical baler or cardboard baler.

Examples include:

webshops
warehouses
technical companies
wholesalers
furniture companies
trading companies
workshops
local production companies

For companies with relatively limited quantities of cardboard, a compact vertical cardboard baler is often a logical solution.

Waste management and recycling

Larger balers are often used in waste management and recycling.

Waste and recycling companies receive large quantities of recyclable material that needs to be sorted, compressed, stored and transported.

Horizontal balers can be used here for materials including:

cardboard
waste paper
film
plastics
PET
textiles
other recyclable materials

By compressing the material into compact bales, the available storage and transport space can be used more efficiently.

Balers at packaging companies

Balers are particularly useful for packaging companies. Large quantities of residual material can be generated during the production, filling, repacking and processing of packaging.

Examples include:

cardboard waste
cardboard boxes
corrugated cardboard
paper
cutting waste
plastic film
stretch film
shrink film
bags
plastic packaging
rejected packaging
packaging residues

A smaller packaging company can use a vertical baler as a cardboard baler. For large volumes of cardboard, a horizontal cardboard baler can be used.

A separate baler can also be used for film. This keeps the material streams separated and allows cardboard and plastic to be sent for recycling separately.

Balers can, among other things, be used at:

fruit and vegetable packers
fruit and vegetable packing stations
food packaging companies
flower and plant packers
industrial packaging companies
logistics packaging centres
fulfilment companies
e-commerce companies
Balers at growing companies

Industrial balers can also be used within horticulture and agricultural processing.

Once again, it is important to distinguish them from agricultural balers: the baler in this application is not used to compress crops in the field into straw, hay or crop bales.

At a growing company, the baler is used for waste and packaging material generated during the sorting, processing, packaging and dispatch of products.

Examples include:

cardboard boxes
packaging cardboard
paper
plastic packaging film
stretch film
shrink film
plastic bags
other suitable recyclable packaging materials

A vertical cardboard baler can, for example, be installed in the packing station of a horticultural company. At a large fruit or vegetable packaging company where very large quantities of boxes are processed every day, a horizontal baler may be more suitable.

Balers can therefore be used at companies active in:

potatoes
onions
carrots
celeriac
cabbage
lettuce
peppers
tomatoes
cucumbers
asparagus
mushrooms
apples
pears
strawberries
soft fruit
flowers
roses
tulips
flower bulbs
lilies
pot plants
herbs

For Duijndam Machines, this application is particularly relevant to companies where growing, sorting, processing and packaging come together. A baler can form part of the complete internal waste and recycling flow.

Advantages of a baler

Using a baler can offer various advantages:

significant reduction in material volume
compact storage of cardboard and other materials
more efficient waste processing
well-organised waste streams
recyclable materials can be kept separate
less space required for loose cardboard boxes
easier internal transport
more efficient external transport
possibility of compressing cardboard into compact bales
possibility of processing film separately
vertical models require relatively little floor space
horizontal models are suitable for large material streams
possibility of automatic material feeding
possibility of automatic bale tying on certain horizontal balers
What should you consider when buying a used baler?

When buying a used baler, it is important to compare several technical characteristics.

Type of baler

First determine whether a vertical baler or horizontal baler is more suitable for the application.

For smaller quantities of cardboard, a vertical cardboard baler may be sufficient. For large and continuous material streams, a horizontal baler may be more suitable.

Pressing force

The pressing force partly determines how strongly the material can be compressed. The required pressing force depends on the material and the desired bale density.

Bale dimensions

Check the length, width and height of the bales produced. This is important for storage, handling and transport, among other things.

Bale weight

The final bale weight depends on the machine, its settings and the material. A cardboard bale, for example, has different properties from a bale of plastic film.

Filling opening

The size of the filling opening determines the dimensions of material that can easily be fed into the machine.

For a cardboard baler, a large filling opening is practical when complete cardboard boxes need to be inserted.

Capacity

For larger waste streams, the capacity of the machine is important. Consider, among other things, cycle time, pressing force, filling opening and possible material throughput.

Manual or automatic tying

On many vertical balers, the bale is tied manually.

Larger horizontal balers can be equipped with automatic bale tying, which is attractive for continuous production.

Material feed

Check how the machine is filled.

Options include:

manual feeding
conveyor belt
chute
container tipper
lifting and tipping installation
automatic feed from production
feed from a sorting line
Electrical connection

Check the voltage, power requirement and required electrical connection.

Hydraulic system

On a used hydraulic baler, the following components should be checked, among others:

hydraulic cylinders
hydraulic pump
hoses
pipes
valves
couplings
possible leaks
Safety features

Always check the available safety features, such as doors, guards, emergency stops, safety switches and protection around the feed opening.

Brands and manufacturers

Well-known brands and manufacturers of balers, cardboard balers, waste presses, compactors and related recycling machines include:

Bramidan
Bramidan produces various solutions for waste compaction and recycling, including vertical balers and other pressing systems. These machines are used for materials including cardboard and plastic.

HSM
HSM produces various types of balers, including vertical and horizontal presses for compacting recyclable materials such as cardboard, paper and film.

Harris
Harris manufactures industrial balers and recycling machines for larger material streams.

Orwak
Orwak is known for various waste compaction systems and balers for cardboard and other recyclable waste streams.

Stokkermill
Stokkermill manufactures machines and installations for recycling and material processing.

BACE Corp
BACE manufactures waste compaction equipment, including balers and compactors.

MAX-PAK
MAX-PAK manufactures commercial and industrial balers and waste compaction machines.

PTR
PTR Baler & Compactor Company manufactures various balers and compactors for commercial and industrial waste processing.

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Frequently asked questions
What is a baler?

A baler is a machine used to compress cardboard, paper, film, plastic and other suitable recyclable materials under pressure into compact bales. The bales are tied and can then be stored and removed.

Is a baler the same as a cardboard baler?

A cardboard baler is a baler used for compressing cardboard. Many vertical and horizontal balers can be used as cardboard balers. Depending on the model, the same machines may also be suitable for paper, film or plastic.

Is this a baler for hay or straw?

No. The balers on this page are industrial waste and recycling balers. They are used for materials such as cardboard, paper and plastic film. These are not agricultural balers, hay balers, straw balers, round balers or square balers used behind a tractor in agriculture and arable farming.

What is a vertical baler?

A vertical baler is a press in which the pressing plate moves from top to bottom. These machines are widely used as cardboard balers and are particularly suitable for smaller to medium-sized quantities of material.

What is a horizontal baler?

A horizontal baler is an industrial press in which the material is compressed horizontally. These machines are generally suitable for larger and more continuous material streams.

What is a cardboard baler?

A cardboard baler is a machine used to compress cardboard boxes, corrugated cardboard and other packaging cardboard. The loose cardboard is compressed into a compact bale, considerably reducing the amount of storage space required.

When should I choose a vertical cardboard baler?

A vertical cardboard baler is particularly suitable when small to medium-sized quantities of cardboard are generated regularly and limited floor space is available. This is common in shops, warehouses, horticultural businesses and smaller packaging companies.

When should I choose a horizontal cardboard baler?

A horizontal cardboard baler is particularly suitable for companies where large quantities of cardboard are generated, such as distribution centres, recycling companies, production companies and large packaging companies.

Can a baler compress plastic film?

Yes, many balers can compress plastic film as well as cardboard. The exact suitability depends on the model, pressing force and material.

Can a horizontal baler be filled automatically?

Yes. Depending on the design, a horizontal baler can be connected to a conveyor belt, chute, container tipper or automatic production line.

What is the difference between a baler and a compactor container?

A baler produces separate tied bales. A compactor container compresses the material directly into a container. A baler is widely used for separately collected recyclable materials such as cardboard and film, while a compactor container is often used for residual waste and mixed waste streams.

Is a baler suitable for a packaging company?

Yes. Packaging companies often generate large quantities of cardboard, paper, film and plastic packaging material. A vertical or horizontal baler can be used to compact these material streams separately.

Is a cardboard baler suitable for a horticultural company?

Yes. Horticultural companies with their own sorting or packaging department in particular can process large quantities of cardboard boxes and other packaging materials. A vertical cardboard baler can be suitable for smaller volumes, while large packing stations may choose a horizontal baler.

Is a baler used at a growing company to compress crops?

No. In the application described here, the baler is used for waste and packaging materials such as cardboard and film. The machine is not used to compress harvested crops, hay or straw into agricultural bales in the field.

Which brands of balers are available?

Well-known brands and manufacturers of balers, cardboard balers, waste presses and related recycling machines include Bramidan, HSM, Harris, Orwak, Stokkermill, BACE Corp, MAX-PAK and PTR.