Questions to Ask Before Buying a Cardboard Baler

There are hundreds of different baling machines for sale, but you need to do some thorough research to ensure the model you choose is a good fit for your business. Asking the right questions will help you to filter through the options to ensure the cardboard baler you choose will help you to cut operational costs and boost sustainability.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

There are many reasons why taking a careful, considered approach to buying a baling machine is important:

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Investing in recycling equipment for your business can be expensive, and the amount you pay is not limited to the purchase price. You also need to consider the additional expenses of servicing and maintaining the equipment, as well as the time you’ll need to train your coworkers to use it. This is why the level of after-sales care you receive after buying the machine should be an important consideration.

Matching the Machine to Your Needs

Tailored solutions tend to deliver the best results in business, and this also holds true in waste compaction equipment. If you choose a cardboard compactor that is designed for the volume and size of box waste your business throws away, it’ll be more efficient to use. It’s also worth finding out if the seller will let you part-exchange it in the future if you need a larger machine as your business grows.

Getting the Best ROI

Calculating the return on your investment is essential before you buy a baler to ensure it will deliver a positive financial return for your business. In the long run, compacting cardboard waste will help your workplace to save money by reducing waste disposal fees and reducing the number of bins needed but you’ll need to factor in your overheads before deciding. Selling the compacted material in large quantities can generate a new source of income for your business helping to shorten the payback period but this won’t apply to all businesses so you’ll need to get some advice from someone with knowledge of the waste industry.

9 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Cardboard Baler

These are the questions that will help you determine whether buying baling equipment makes good business sense. They cover the key points of ownership, so you can use them like a checklist to make sure no crucial details are overlooked.

How Much Cardboard Waste Do We Generate?

You’ll need to know how much waste you generate to choose the right size and type of machine for your site. This is mostly easily calculated by counting the number of bins you have. A vertical baler is a good match for most SME’s, but with so many on the market, buying from an independent supplier can help you get an unbiased opinion on which size would be best. Also consider other materials that can be baled in your chosen machine such as polythene to help boost efficiency further.

How Much Space Do We Have For a Baler?

The footprint of your machine must match the amount of floor space you have available. Remember to leave room for maintenance access and ensure there is enough space around it for the door to be opened safely. Some balers can be installed inside or outside a warehouse giving you more options about where to place it.

How Will the Baler be Powered?

Cardboard balers can be powered by either single-phase electric, three-phase electric or compressed air therefore choosing whether you buy a hydraulic or pneumatic machine is likely to be swayed by the utilities you already have installed at your premises. However, with the lack of mill size pneumatic balers on the market, it’s likely that if you produce lots of waste you’ll need a three-phase hydraulic machine.

Who Will Be Using the Baler and What Training Will Be Required?

Misuse of any machinery can result in a serious accident, so you will need to train staff to use it safely. Refresher training is also required as is training for new starters or seasonal staff. Ensuring that training is supplied by a knowledgeable professional is essential as is the availability and comprehensiveness of the manual.

What Size Bales Do We Need to Produce?

Bale size impacts on the value of the individual bales produced due to the haulage costs associated with transporting them to a recycling facility. Consult local recyclers to find out what sizes they accept and ensure you’ve got the appropriate lifting equipment on site to move the finished bales to the space you have designated for them to be stored prior to collection. Alternatively enlist the help of a baler specialist.

How Often Will a Cardboard Baler Be Used?

Older or used models are cheaper than buying a new machine and are a great option if you’re not likely to be using it consistently throughout the day. Buying from a trusted seller that offers a free warranty can help to offset the risks associated with buying older equipment. Whatever age of machine you choose, scheduling a regular machine service by an experienced technician can help identify any potential problems early.

How Will the Baler Be Maintained?

Maintenance is crucial for both efficiency and the safety of your team. It can be provided by the seller or a contractor, but you need to ensure that they have the necessary expertise. If it’s essential to your operations, breakdown cover should be considered to ensure minimal disruption to your operations in the event of a problem. You’ll also need to add the machine to your business insurance.

What Is the Budget? Cost of Ownership vs Rental

Budgets for purchasing new equipment must extend beyond the advertised price. Installation, training, energy use, consumables and maintenance all add to the cost. Calculating these over the expected lifecycle of your baler will help you determine whether you can afford to buy the machine you need. If the initial investment is too high, consider renting instead.

Is the Baler Compliant?

Buying equipment with clear safety marks and safety certification contributes to a safer workplace for your staff and could help you avoid fines, workplace injuries and insurance issues. Also consider the credentials of the people who will be delivering and installing the equipment to you. Risk assessments and method statements should also be considered therefore buying from a reputable seller often has many advantages over buying from an unknown seller from an auction.

Contact QCR, the UK’s Independent Cardboard Baler Specialists

QCR Recycling Equipment are a long-standing supplier of cardboard balers supplying them UK businesses since 1999. We have models for hire or purchase, and our SafeContractor-accredited team are on hand to help you choose the best option, install it and train your team. Contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation visit by our waste experts.