01242 620903A Guide To Mill Size Baler Rental
7th May 2024
This guide explains the advantages, process and common pitfalls of hiring a mill size baler in the UK. Reading this guide can help businesses decide if the advantages of renting a mill sized baler outweigh those of buying one instead.
What is a mill size baler rental?
Mill size baler rental (or hire) is the service of leasing waste compaction machinery for 1-5 years without the financial commitments associated with ownership.
Who should I hire from?
To get the right baler at a competitive rate, you should only hire from an established and reputable provider with consistently positive good customer reviews. Choosing a providerthat is a part of a third-party health and safety accredition scheme such as SafeContractor™ provides additional reassurance that you are dealing with a professional company that are legally compliant and properly insured.
What is included?
It’s always important to check what is included in the rental contract when comparing providers. As a benchmark, all QCR Mill Size Baler agreements include:
- Free Baler Delivery (unloading required)
- Free Baler Installation by a SafeContractor™ approved technician which means we have proven competence in safety, health environment and quality
- Free Baler Routine Servicing undertaken by our competent engineers
- Free Baler Breakdown Cover (including callouts, parts and labour)
- Free in-person staff training with training records and risk assessments supplied
- Guaranteed fixed pricing throughout rental term
When renting baling equipment from QCR, you can be safe in the knowledge that every mill size baler is cleaned, checked and tested before every single hire.
What isn’t included?
Baling wire isn’t supplied as part of the hire contract. It’s important you select the right type of wires for your baler to make good quality bales and ensure operator safety.
Why should I consider hiring mill size baling equipment?
- No lump sum required: There’s no hiding from the fact that this size of machine is not cheap to buy. You can purchase a refurbished machine but it’ll still be a sizable investment for any business. Machine rental is the preferred solution for businesses that do not have a large lumpsum immediately available.
- Aids financial budgeting: Renting high value baling equipment removes the risk of incurring costly repair bills if it develops a fault after the warranty has expired.
- Guaranteed availability of spare parts and technical assistance: A reputable hire company will ensure they have good stocks of spare parts and the necessary in-house expertise to keep the machine in good working order.
- Prevents technological obsolescence: The flexibility offered within a hire contract to switch to a newer model at the end of the agreement removes the risks associated with baling with aging equipment.
How do I hire a mill size baler?
1. Arrange a site survey
Booking a free site survey with a professional baler specialist such as QCR can help you check that a mill size machine is the most appropriate machine size for your waste and your premises. This important step can prevent you from paying more than you need to.
2. Decide on where it will be installed
The best spot to site a baler is as close to the source of the waste as possible to reduce material-handling thereby making the process more efficient. A professional installer such as QCR will always check the ceiling height of your preferred location and any access restrictions. They'll also advise you on the minimum safety zone required to operate it safely.
3. Agree prices and terms
Ensure you have thoroughly read and understood the hire contract before you sign.
TOP TIP: Always check if the equipment will be covered by your own Business Insurance before arranging delivery.
What electrical supply is needed with this type of baler?
Mill size balers require a 3 phase 415V neutral and earth with a minimum 32 amp motor rated electrical supply. A "D" type breaker is recommended. QCR's Mill Size Balers are supplied with a hardwired cable fitted with a 5 pin plug on the end. You will need a 5 pin 3 phase socket with 2 metres of where you plan to site the baler. Ensure you have the power supply in place before it is delivered because it is needed for the baler to be commissioned.
How can I improve the ROI of a mill size baler?
Improving mill size baler ROI involves maximising equipment usage and securing good rebates from your bales. Key strategies to get the most from your machine include:
Sell your bales: Good quality mill sized bales can be sold for recycling to a licenced waste carrier to offset the rental cost. Achieve the best prices for your bales when they are collected in full lorry loads.
Use it to bale multiple waste streams: Mill Size balers aren't just for baling cardboard. Most machines can compact other types of commercial waste including plastics and textiles. Always bale different materials separately and seek advice from your hire company to check machine capability.
Operator Training and Safety: Proper mill size baler training delivered by a competent trainer enables you get the most from the equipment you've hired. Training reduces the likelihood of poor bales output, machine damage and physical injury.
How Much Does Mill Size Baler Hire Cost?
The cost of baler hire depends on the machine hired and the length of the agreement. Established specialist baler hire companies with a large inventory such as QCR can offer the lowest hire costs due to economies of scale.
What are the pitfalls?
Hiring a mill size baler offers flexibility, but there a few common pitfalls if you've not checked the contract carefully. Watch out for these common challenges when renting:
- Damage Liability: Unlike an owned baler, rental companies will invoice you for damage caused by misuse at the end of the contract.
- Collection Charges: Hirers are typically responsible for the cost of returning the equipment at the end of the period.
Baler reliability and why it's important when you hire
Reliable balers provide peace of mind, enabling you to bale waste without the operational stress of constant disruptions. The critical reasons why reliability is a top priority when you hire a baler include:
Safety Assurance: Certified baling equipment undergoes rigorous testing to ensure critical systems (such as the compaction rams or bale kickers) function predictably and safely. Don't take a chance on untested equipment that may be plagued by mechanical issues.
Time and Productivity: Frequent visits by a technician causes significant downtime and a build-up of waste . Balers that have been thoroughly serviced at regular intervals are likely need less mechanical intervention.
Long-Term Durability: Popular models are proven to deliver consistent results over extended periods, meaning you'll get more years of active service from the machine installed at your site.
Why choose QCR Mill Size Baler Rental?
QCR Recycling Equipment (QCR) are a leading supplier of Mill Size Baler Rental in the UK. The team at QCR are approved by SafeContractor™ due to their commitment to supplying safe and robust waste baling equipment across the UK. QCR offer a wide selection of both new and refurbished mill size baling machines for hire.
Article updated 22.06.2026. Article written by Neil Holland
