COMPARING BALERS: VERTICAL VS HORIZONTAL

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Understanding the fundamental differences between balers

 

Balers play a crucial role in any recycling operation. They help compact significant amounts of recyclable materials into manageable sizes, simplifying storage and facilitating more efficient shipping. Moreover, balers can serve as an additional profit avenue for businesses. While numerous balers are available on the market, they generally categorize into two primary types: vertical (sometimes referred to as downstroke balers) and horizontal balers, each presenting unique advantages and challenges.

Exploring Vertical Balers

Vertical balers operate by compressing waste materials through a downward force. Materials like corrugated cardboard, PET plastic, or foam are loaded into a chamber. When filled, a gate shuts, and the baler's ram, positioned above the chamber, descends to compact the waste. This cycle continues until the chamber achieves full capacity, resulting in a tied-off bale that is expelled from the machine. Vertical balers are common and can handle many materials typically processed by horizontal balers.

Users of vertical balers often appreciate the following benefits compared to their horizontal counterparts:

1. Space Efficiency. Vertical balers occupy significantly less floor space, making them suitable for a broader range of applications than horizontal balers. They can be utilized in all the locations where horizontal balers might operate but are also ideal for contexts where space is restricted, such as hotels, amusement parks, supermarkets, and various retail and commercial establishments. While larger vertical balers (like the 60 and 72 categories) require higher ceiling clearance—averaging around 14 feet—some specialized models function well in areas with just an 8-foot ceiling.
  

2. Affordability. Generally, vertical balers present a lower price point, costing as much as one-fifth or even one-tenth that of horizontal balers.
 

3. Versatility. Numerous vertical balers are capable of processing nearly all types of recyclable materials, from basic office paper to non-ferrous metals. Additionally, certain models are specifically designed for materials like aluminum cans or plastic beverage containers.

Nonetheless, vertical balers do come with some drawbacks. The small-scale models may produce bales that don’t meet mill standards, complicating the resale process. Their height can also be an issue as they tend to be taller than horizontal balers, and they may not perform as effectively with less elastic materials like office paper or newsprint.

Diving into Horizontal Balers

On the other hand, horizontal balers utilize a different processing method. Recyclable materials are fed into a hopper, and once full, a side-mounted ram compresses the materials horizontally until the bale is formed. The completed bale is then wired and ejected from the side of the machine.

Horizontal balers hold several advantages over vertical balers:

1. Enhanced Capacity. Typically, horizontal balers can process larger volumes of bales per day compared to vertical units, and they often produce larger bales.

2. Uniformity. Horizontal balers yield bales that maintain consistent density and weight, streamlining storage for end users.

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3. Convenience. Horizontal balers can integrate seamlessly with both in-ground and above-ground conveyor systems, shredders, and air systems, providing enhanced convenience for users and typically demanding less manpower for operation.

4. Broad Applicability. Many horizontal balers can handle a diverse array of materials, including painted aluminum siding or radiators, and they function better with non-elastic materials like office paper or newsprint.

However, vertical balers have their shortcomings as well:

1. Size Limitations. Horizontal balers require significantly more floor space than vertical models, with some even extending 40 feet long when considering their platform and stairways.

2. Higher Cost. Generally, horizontal balers are pricier than vertical units, and this expense can increase further if they come equipped with conveyor, air, or shredding systems.

WHICH BALER IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Choosing the right baler involves considering several key questions:

How many bales do I plan to produce daily?
The daily bale output is a vital factor. Vertical balers are most suitable for operations generating less than eight to ten bales daily, while horizontal balers are preferable for those producing higher volumes.

What is my budget?
Cost will always be a consideration with any investment. Keep in mind that horizontal balers generally command a higher price than their vertical counterparts.

How much space do I have for a baler?
Evaluate the height of your facility's ceiling and the necessary floor space for both operating and staging the baler, along with considering service access.

Contributor / Editor - Matt Kennedy - Refer questions to

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