Refurbished vs new balers: which is right for you?

Choosing between a refurbished baler and a new machine is a big decision for any business. It's not just about the initial cost. Businesses also need to consider the features, safety and reliability of the equipment. In this guide we'll explain our definition of 'refurbished',  compare it with buying new and help you decide which option will suit your business best.

What is a refurbished baler?

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

Some refurbished balers are ex-rental machines, while others might be because of people upgrading to a machine with a larger capacity.  Some machines may show minor cosmetic marks, but they're all fully functional, safe and rigously tested to QCR's high standards.

On our refurbished baler page, you'll see a range of small, medium and mill size baling machines for sale. Refurbished baling machines from QCR also come with 6 month warranty as standard. That's a big difference compared with buying something used privately, where you don't get the added 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.
• Great "sweet spot":  In terms of condition, a refurbished model sits between a brand new and a used machine. This makes it a perfect balanced choice for businesses weighing up the advantages of choosing new or old equipment.
• Proven Results:  By choosing a model that has been used before, you can get an accurate assessment of its performance by reading user testimonials and case studies from sites already using it.
• Sustainability: By giving old equipment a second chance, you prevent it from going to landfill whilst supporting the circular economy.
• Used Baler Warranties: Specialist baler suppliers such as QCR sell used equipment with a comprehensive warranty giving buyers the same peace of mind they get with new equipment.
• Service History: Balers are hardworking machines which is why sourcing a machine with a documented service history gives you confidence that it has been maintained correctly in the past.

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, unused, straight from manufacturer	Professionally restored, checked and tested
Price	Full price	Typically 20-40% cheaper than new
Technology	Always the newest models with the latest high-spec features	Usually older models, though still highly capable of baling waste efficiently
Performance	No prior usage	Tested to work like new, may have some cosmetic marks
Availability	Maybe subject to a leadtime if sourced from outside the UK	Machines and spare parts are widely available.
Best For	Businesses with a large budget	Budget-conscious buyers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which one's right for you?

If your business handles vast amounts of waste, a brand new baler is probably the best choice. This is because the newest models are equipped with technology such as the ability to instantly communicate bale data to your in-house systems for measurability and performance tracking.

If your business doesn't need the latest high-spec features, a refurbished baler will be sufficient for your needs. After all, it'll be compacting cardboard or plastic waste so it won't stay spotless for long. The money you'll save can be put towards other businesses expenses.

If you're still unsure which route to go, a free baler trial will give you the opportunity to thoroughly inspect a machine before you commit.

FAQs

Are refurbished balers reliable?

Yes, especially when they are sourced from a trusted supplier. Every QCR baler is checked, tested and supplied with a warranty including replacement parts and call-outs so you can ensure it'll stay in full working order.

Are refurbished balers good for workplaces?

Definitely. They're great for workplaces that need an efficient, low-cost way to handle waste more efficiently than using bins. Some refurbished machines may have light cosmetic damage but this is rarely an issue due to them being installed behind the scenes.

Do refurbished balers come with a warranty?

They do if you purchase from a specialist retailer who has confidence in their equipment.

What's the difference between refurbished and used balers?

A used baler is sold "as seen". If you are buying privately, that often means no checks, no repairs and usually no warranty. In contrast, refurbished balers have been inspected by industry professionals, repaired (if needed), serviced, cleaned and therefore ready to be installed.

Is it better to buy new or refurbished in 2026?

That's the big question and it really depends on your perspective. From a financial point of view, you can shorten your ROI (return on investment) by sourcing a refurbished machine because it has a lower upfront cost than a brand new model.

By Neil Holland from QCR Recycling Equipment