Refurbished vs new balers: which is right for you?

Deciding whether to buy a new or refurbished baler is a big decision for any business. It's not just about the cost difference. Businesses also need to compare the features, condition, safety and length of warranty offered. In this guide we'll compare both types of baler to help you decide which option will suit you best.

What is a refurbished baler?

A refurbished baler isn't always just a used baler that's been cleaned up.  At QCR, our refurbished balers have been professionally serviced, maintained and tested to make sure they operate exactly as they should.

As a leading supplier of balers for hire in the UK, we have thousands of customers. As part of our rental service, we allow customers to upgrade their baler size mid-contract so we always have a large stock of machines.  

On our Refurbished Balers For Sale page, you'll see a selection of small and medium machines that are in stock for fast delivery. Whilst some machines may have minor cosmetic marks, they're all fully functional, safe and rigorously tested to QCR's high standards. Refurbished baling machines from QCR also come with 6 month warranty as standard for added peace of mind. That's a huge advantage compared to buying a machine privately when you don't get aftersales support.

Benefits of buying a refurbished baler

There are a few reasons why a business might want to choose a refurbished baler:

• Lower Price Point: The biggest incentive of choosing a refurb is the price, as they're typically 20-40% cheaper than an equivalent new model.
• "Perfectly Imperfect" Condition:  In terms of condition, a refurbished model is the midway point between a brand new and a used baler. This makes a refurb the best of both worlds when deciding whether to buy used or new. 
• Proven Results:  By choosing equipment that has been used before, you can get an accurate assessment of its performance by reading reviews and case studies from those that are already using one.
• Sustainability: By giving equipment a second chance, you prevent it from going to landfill whilst also supporting the circular economy.

Key differences between refurbished and new balers

Still undecided? Here's a handy table to show you how each type of baler stacks up against each other:

	New Baler	Refurbished Baler
Condition	Brand new and unused	May have some light cosmetic marks or dents
Price	Full price	Typically 20-40% cheaper than new
Technology	Brand new models with the latest high-spec features	Simpler technology though still highly capable of baling waste efficiently
Performance	No prior usage	User testimonials are widely available
Spare Parts	Limited number of sources. Vulnerable to supply chain delays if they need to be delivered from outside the UK	Spare parts are widely available
Best For	Buyers with large budgets	Budget-conscious buyers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which one's right for you?

If your business needs a machine equipped with the latest smart telemetry or remote monitoring, a new baler is likely to be the best solution. However, if your business doesn't need the latest high-spec features, a refurbished baler will satisfy for your needs. After all, it'll be compacting waste so it won't stay spotless for long!  If you're still unsure which route to go, a free baler trial or a short-term hire will give you the opportunity to thoroughly inspect a machine before you commit.

 

What's the difference between refurbished and used balers?

Used balers are sold "as seen". In contrast, refurbished balers sold by QCR have been inspected by our technicians, repaired (if needed), serviced and cleaned.

Are refurbished balers good for workplaces?

They're a great option for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that need a low-cost baling machine to bale cardboard and plastic waste. The comparatively lower price point shortens the ROI (return on investment). However, as with any purchase, undertake through due diligence to check the machine it's safe and mechanically sound.

What to look for when buying a refurbished baler?

1. Verify condition and reliability: An up to date servicing record is essential when choosing a refurbished baler because it documents the machines previous operational checks and past repairs. Check the service history carefully to ensure it has been inspected by a competent person.
2. Warranty details: Find out if the machine is supplied with a warranty and what's included (for example does it include parts & labour to give you extra reassurance in the event of a problem).
3. Degree of refurbishment: It's important to understand whether the baler has undergone a full reconditioning process or just a quick cosmetic respray so ask the seller questions about their refurbishment standards.
4. Spare parts and accessories: Ask the seller if they stock spare parts (eg replacement seals) and consumables (banding or wires). Good availability of replacement components and other baling essentials is essential for those using a baler to reduce downtime.
5. Instruction manual: Never buy a machine that is missing the instruction manual specific to the make and model of the baler. This highly important document contains lots of important information you need about such as servicing needs and the daily, weekly and monthly pre-use checks that need to be actioned. If it doesn't have a full instruction manual - walk away!
6. Delivery and installation arrangements: Balers are heavy pieces of machinery. Check that the seller is willing to go beyond a simple kerbside only delivery.
7. Previous customer testimonials: Check online ratings and feedback from previous customers. Detailed reviews from previous customers show evidence of previous installations and proactive aftercare support. Better still, ring their office and ask whether they have a team of trained technicians.

Top tip: Brochures can be misleading. In our opinion a test drive of the machine (in the form of a free baler trial) is the best way to check the condition of the baler. At a free baler trial you can operate the compaction sequence, test important safety features such as the emergency stop button and door mechanisms to ensure that the machine matches the glossy marketing.

Conclusion

Our view is that buying machinery from a baling specialist beats an online marketplace find. The phrase "buyer beware" (caveat emptor) strongly applies to purchasing balers, especially used and refurbished models. Specialist baler suppliers such as QCR sell refurbished balers with a comprehensive warranty giving buyers the same peace of mind they get when buying new equipment.

 

By Neil Holland from QCR Recycling Equipment. Our credentials: Neil and the team at QCR have supplied new and refurbished waste balers to businesses all across the UK since 1999 . Baler quotations are supplied on no-obligation basis when you contact QCR.