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BALER DIFFERENCES - VERTICAL AND
HORIZONTAL
Basic differences of each baler category
Balers are an essential
component to any recycling program.
They enable recycling operations to pack large amounts of recyclable material
into a far more compact shape, allowing easier storage and, later on, easier
shipment. They can also provide
businesses with an extra source of income.
Although there are a wide variety of balers on the market and they
sometimes vary in their applications, almost all of them fall into one of two
main groups: vertical (or downstoke
balers) and horizontal balers. Each
style comes with its own set of benefits and disadvantages.
Vertical Balers
Vertical balers are those
that process or compress waste materials with a vertical downward force.
Waste materials such as corrugated cardboard, PET plastics, or foam, are
thrown into a chamber. Once the
chamber is filled, a gate is closed and the baler’s ram, which is housed above
the chamber, moves towards the floor, crushing the recyclable waste.
This process is repeated until the chamber is full, at which time a bale
is created by tying it up with baling wire and ejecting it from the machine.
Vertical balers are widely available, and they can process many of the
same materials that are often processed by horizontal balers.
Many users of vertical
balers will notice that they have several advantages over horizontal balers.
1.
Smaller Footprint.
Vertical balers take up far less space than horizontal balers.
This allows them to be easily used in wider variety of applications than
horizontal balers. Vertical
balers can be used in the same places horizontal balers can be used, but they
may also be used where horizontal balers are impractical, including hospitality
or amusement venues, commercial operations such as drug stores, supermarkets,
retail, distribution centers, and many other industry segments.
Most of the larger vertical balers such as the 60” and 72” categories
require a lot of extra ceiling height that can average 14 feet or more however
there are some specialty balers that can operate with just an 8’ foot ceiling.
2.
Cost.
Vertical balers typically cost much less than horizontal balers.
This can easily be a cost that is one fifth or even one tenth the price
of a horizontal baler.
3.
Variety of Materials Processed.
There are vertical balers available to process almost every type of recyclable
waste – everything from simple office paper to non-ferrous metals.
Some vertical balers are also specialized, and they process things such
as aluminum or plastic beverage containers or storage drums.
Despite their obvious
advantages, there are several disadvantages to vertical balers.
The smaller models may produce bales that are not “mill standard,” making
it more difficult to find end users willing to purchase them.
Their height can also be a problem for some applications – vertical
balers can be much taller than their horizontal counterparts.
Additionally, the vertical balers may not work as well for recyclables
that have less elasticity when baled – materials such as office paper or
newsprint.
Horizontal
Balers
Horizontal balers process
waste differently than vertical balers.
Recyclable waste is thrown into a hopper, and when the hopper is full, a
ram from the side compresses the material with a horizontal force until the bale
is complete. The bale is then tied
off with wires and ejected from the side of the baler.
Like vertical balers,
horizontal balers have several advantages over vertical balers.
1.
Higher Volume.
Typically horizontal balers can process a higher volume of bales per day than
vertical balers. They may
also
produce bales that are larger than those produced by vertical balers.
2.
Consistency.
Horizontal bales produce bales that are consistent in density and weight, making
them easier to store in end
users’ warehouses.
3.
Convenience.
Horizontal balers can be used with in-ground or above-ground conveyor belts,
shredders, and air systems.
Such
applications provide greater convenience for the consumer and often require less
manpower to operate.
4.
Wider Applications.
Most horizontal balers can process a wide variety of materials. They may process
things such as
painted aluminum siding or radiators, and they produce
better bales for non-elastic materials such as newsprint or office
paper.
Like vertical balers,
horizontal balers have their own set of disadvantages.
1.
Size.
Horizontal balers use far more floor space than vertical balers.
Some models are even 40’ feet in length, including
their platform and stairs.
2.
Price.
Horizontal balers generally cost much more than vertical balers, and this cost
can be even greater if they are
purchased with conveyance, air, or
shredding systems.
WHICH BALER IS RIGHT FOR ME?
When choosing the proper
baler, there are several questions to answer:
·
How many bales will I be producing on a daily basis?
The number of bales produced per day is in important factor.
Generally, vertical balers are best for operations producing no more than
eight to ten bales per day.
Horizontal balers should be considered for operations creating a higher volume
of bales.
·
How much can I spend?
Price point is always a consideration with any purchase.
Remember: horizontal balers
can cost much more than vertical balers.
·
How much space do I have for a baler?
Consider the height of your operation’s ceilings and the amount of
floor space available, not only for ‘staging’ and operating the baler but also
in the event that the baler requires service.
Contributor / Editor - Matt Kennedy - Refer questions to info@wastecare.com
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