5 questions about two-ram balers

1. When should recyclers consider installing a two-ram baler?

There are generally two main factors when considering a two-ram baler: volume and material. If your volume exceeds the efficiency of using a manual-tie baler, a two-ram can provide the necessary speed and automation. If you are baling multiple materials and switch commodities frequently or have large, bulky material that requires a larger feed opening, two-rams allow for baling a wider range of materials in a single baler without sacrificing bale quality or weight.

2. What advantages do two-ram balers offer recyclers?

A key advantage of a two-ram is reduction or elimination of preconditioning materials prior to baling. Two-rams also offer customizable features, such as automatic wire or plastic strapping, strap count and spacing, settings for individual materials, an overcharge/separation door and IBC’s exclusive removable end-wall for ease of maintenance.

3. What are the benefits of twin motors?

The first and foremost benefit is redundancy. With a twin-motor system, each motor/pump combination is a completely independent circuit that can be run individually. If maintenance on one circuit is required, the baler can still operate on the other circuit, allowing for continuous operation with minimal downtime. Twin-motor configurations also typically produce higher GPM (gallons per minute), which allow for a faster cycle time, even when comparing a twin 50-hp system to a single 100-hp one.

4. How can two-ram balers reduce labor and operating costs?

The efficiency of a two-ram is the key to reducing cost. Larger feed openings on two-rams allow more material to get into the machine faster, with little or no preconditioning to break up bulky material, saving manpower and time. Heavier bales can save labor by reducing the number of bales to be handled and by reducing wire usage. Operating costs can be reduced by having one large two-ram instead of several smaller balers for different materials.

5. What should recyclers look for when it comes to hydraulics?

Make sure the supplier builds its own hydraulic circuits in-house and uses minimal proprietary hydraulic components. Proprietary components can make upkeep and maintenance difficult and costly. Floor-mounted HPUs (hydraulic power units) are easier to maintain and clean. Most hydraulic systems run between 3,000 psi and 4,000 psi. The higher system pressure balers allow smaller cylinders to create the same force as larger cylinders, achieving heavier bale weights without sacrificing speed, but they have higher initial purchase price. Some customers, like scrap yards, where speed is not a requirement, prefer a larger cylinder running at lower system pressures.