The main difference between the two baler types is the direction of their press stroke.

Vertical balers compress waste materials with a vertical downward force. Waste materials are thrown into a chamber and a press plate moves from the top of the chamber towards the bottom. When a cardboard bale or plastic bale has been made, it is tipped out of the vertical chamber onto a pallet.

Horizontal balers process waste differently than vertical balers. Recyclable waste is thrown into a hopper, and a platen from the side compresses the material with a horizontal force until a bale is complete. The bale is then tied off with wires and pushed out of the machine on two guide rails.

With regard to waste types and volumes handled in vertical balers vs. horizontal balers, they can process many of the same waste materials. Horizontal balers can compact larger bales and a higher volume per day than vertical balers. Furthermore, horizontal balers can be used with in-ground or above-ground conveyor belts, shredders, and air systems. Such applications provide convenience for the consumer and often require less manpower to operate.

But vertical balers take up far less space than horizontal balers, which allows them to be easily used in wider variety of applications than horizontal balers.

When choosing the proper baler, there are several questions to answer. Contact our specialists – they are ready to help you find the type of baler that will best suit the needs of your individual business.

The size of the bales depends on the channel baler. Have look at the product specifications here. Bale weights vary depending on channel baler model and material. Expect bale weights between 440 and 660 lbs in the smallest model and 770 and 990 lbs in the largest model.

In general, plastic gives the heaviest bales and cardboard and paper the lightest bales.