Things to consider when purchasing a new baler…
When it comes to buying a new baler for your business, regardless of whether this is your first or your fifth waste management machinery purchase there are things you need to consider to ensure your investment is well-thought-out and carefully planned. Balers and waste management machinery is one of the biggest operational investments a business can make so ensuring the choice is the right one is our priority.
The two main points to consider when purchasing a new baler are material and cost:
MATERIAL
First off, what type of material do you want to bale? This will determine the type and size of baler your business requires. For example, if you are baling cardboard or paper your business will benefit most from a fully automatic channel baler which can product consistent bales for the off-takers to sell on the open market.
Or if you are looking to bale a variety of material such as hard plastics or RDF then you should look to install a fully automatic twin ram baler which can be programmed to bale a diverse range of material, compressing the material against a steel wall for enhanced compaction and bale weight yield.
The size of material you’re looking to bale also should be considered… the dimensions of the feed opening and the way the machine will be fed, either via operators or an automatic feed conveyor is a vital consideration for a smooth operation. This is key to ensuring the machine gets a consistent and steady flow of materials, avoiding blockages in the feed chamber and reducing downtime.
Another thing to consider when purchasing waste management equipment is the amount of material you are currently recycling vs your realistic future material forecast. A well built and maintained baler should last in excess of 20 years, so ensuring your new equipment can cope with your projected material consumption well into the future is a must! Calculating your projected throughput accurately can help your business decide on which type of waste management equipment best fits your requirements.
COSTS
Costing up new baling equipment can often be overwhelming. It is important to not just focus on the upfront price. You should also be considering the running costs such as power, operation, servicing and maintenance.
After receiving your quotes for your new equipment you should then enquire into the service and maintenance costs. Maintaining your baler will ensure its long lifespan. Whitham Mills quote not only for the new equipment but also for extended warranties and annual service and maintenance packages allowing for accurate budgeting and operational peace of mind.
Give thought to your operators and staff, how many employees will you realistically needs to ensure the smooth running of your new equipment? How many hours are you planning on running your baler? And what power will your new baler require? Ensure you budget for extra building and electrical work if your new equipment requires it.
It is important not to over-spec your new machine, plan ahead for increased throughput but don’t pay for excessive running costs when you don’t need to. Being realistic and prudent will ensure you get the best equipment for your business needs.
Considering these key points above will help your business make the right decision as to what type and specification of a new baler is best suited to help you make profit from your waste. If you would like to discuss your recycling needs in detail with a waste management engineer visit www.whithammills.com or call 01706 811 880.
