Vertical Cardboard Baler: Save money, time and space

Updated on May 30th, 2024 | Authors: Pim Brouwer & Brent Nijssen

A vertical cardboard baling machine compresses cardboard waste, mixed paper, or plastic film and shrink wrap into compact and dense bales. These baling machines reduce waste volume by up to 95%, saving valuable floor space and lowering overall waste collection costs. Additionally, a downstroke cardboard crusher helps in reducing CO2 emissions, offers the potential to generate income through the sale of recyclable bales, and it promotes a circular economy by minimizing waste.

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HSM V-Press 610

The HSM V-Press 610 reduces the volume of cardboard, mixed paper or plastic film. With minimal installation height and footprint, this vertical cardboard bailer offers convenience and space efficiency.

• Door type: Double door
• Press force: 12 t
• Driving power: 5.1 HP
• Voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz
• Throughput: 88 cft/h
• Bale weight: 220 lb
• Baler size (w*d*h): 47.17″ x 32.4″ x 78.19″
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HSM V-Press 820

The HSM V-Press 820 reduces the volume of cardboard, mixed paper or plastic film and punch waste/residue. The compactor machine has a powerful motor, space-saving design, and features special claws to optimize the compression of the press material, increasing the filling volume and consequently the bale capacity.

• Door type: Loading flap
• Press force: 18 t
• Driving power: 6.44 HP
• Voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz
• Throughput: 486 cft/h
• Bale weight: 551 lb
• Baler size (w*d*h): 66.93″ x 42.32″ x 98.39″
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HSM V-Press 825 plus

The HSM V-Press 825 plus reduces the volume of cardboard, mixed paper or plastic film. This box baler stands out for its remarkably low transport height. With its minimal installation height and footprint, it offers space-efficient solutions. It features a robust mechanical bale ejection system for comfortable bale removal.

• Door type: Loading flap
• Press force: 25 t
• Driving power: 6.44 HP
• Voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz
• Throughput: 246 cft/h
• Bale weight: 617 lb
• Baler size (w*d*h): 66.93″ x 41.18″ x 93.31″
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HSM V-Press 825 plus pro

The HSM V-Press 825 plus pro reduces the volume of cardboard, mixed paper or plastic film. With its minimal installation height and footprint, this cardboard press machine offers space-efficient solutions. The “plus pro” features a sliding door with handwheel locking for added convenience.

• Door type: Sliding door
• Press force: 25 t
• Driving power: 6.44 HP
• Voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz
• Throughput: 246 cft/h
• Bale weight: 617 lb
• Baler size (w*d*h): 67.28″ x 49.13″ x 93.31″
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HSM V-Press 860 eco

The HSM V-Press 860 eco is an industrial warehouse baler that efficiently reduces the volume of cardboard, mixed paper, or plastic film. Its high-speed technology saves both time and costs, while specialized claws optimize material compression, decreasing the number of fillings needed.

• Door type: Double door
• Press force: 60 t
• Driving power: 6.44 HP
• Voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz
• Throughput: 424 cft/h
• Bale weight: 1058 lb
• Baler size (w*d*h): 70.75″ x 53.66″ x 117.52″
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HSM V-Press 860 plus

The HSM V-Press 860 plus reduces the volume of cardboard, mixed paper or plastic film. This “plus” model of the cardboard baling machine features a sliding door and handwheel locking. Featuring high-speed technology, it reduces both time and costs associated with waste processing.

• Door type: Sliding door
• Press force: 60 t
• Driving power: 6.44 HP
• Voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz
• Throughput: 424 cft/h
• Bale weight: 1058 lb
• Baler size (w*d*h): 68.94″ x 62.17″ x 117.52″
• Download data sheet

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HSM V-Press 860 plus B

The HSM V-Press 860 plus B reduces the volume of cardboard or plastic film. This wider cardboard compactor model is the most economical and ecological solution for your waste disposal. It produces large, high-density bales ready for sale without requiring further compression.

• Door type: Sliding door
• Press force: 60 t
• Driving power: 6.44 HP
• Voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz
• Throughput: 486 cft/h
• Bale weight: 1213 lb
• Baler size (w*d*h): 82.13″ x 61.69″ x 117.72″
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HSM V-Press 1160 eco

The HSM V-Press 1160 eco reduces the volume of cardboard, mixed paper or plastic film. This cardboard compactor model stands as the flagship model in the HSM V-Press series, boasting a maximum bale weight of 1213 lb. Its spacious pressing chamber ensures efficient material filling, while the robust hydraulic system ensure dense bales.

• Door type: Double door
• Press force: 60 t
• Driving power: 6.44 HP
• Voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz
• Throughput: 486 cft/h
• Bale weight: 1213 lb
• Baler size (w*d*h): 70.08″ x 66.26″ x 117.52″
• Download data sheet

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HSM V-Press 1160 plus

The HSM V-Press 1160 plus reduces the volume of cardboard, mixed paper or plastic film. It offers the same exceptional features as its Eco counterpart. The Plus version adds extra convenience with a sliding door featuring handwheel locking, enhancing security and user-friendliness.

• Door type: Sliding door
• Press force: 60 t
• Driving power: 6.44 HP
• Voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz
• Throughput: 486 cft/h
• Bale weight: 1213 lb
• Baler size (w*d*h): 70.08″ x 74.61″ x 117.52″
• Download data sheet

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The Ultimate Vertical Baler Overview Sheet

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Comparison table

HSM Baler	Door type	Press force	Throughput	Bale weight
HSM V-Press 610	Double door	12 t	88 cft/h	220 lb
HSM V-Press 820	Loading flap	18 t	486 cft/h	551 lb
HSM V-Press 825 plus	Loading flap	25 t	246 cft/h	617 lb
HSM V-Press 825 plus pro	Sliding door	25 t	246 cft/h	617 lb
HSM V-Press 860 eco	Double door	60 t	424 cft/h	1058 lb
HSM V-Press 860 plus	Sliding door	60 t	424 cft/h	1058 lb
HSM V-Press 860 plus B	Sliding door	60 t	486 cft/h	1213 lb
HSM V-Press 1160 eco	Double door	60 t	486 cft/h	1213 lb
HSM V-Press 1160 plus	Sliding door	60 t	486 cft/h	1213 lb

Table of contents:

• Why should you buy a HSM baling press?
• How to pick the right vertical baler?
• What is a downstroke cardboard baler?
• Light-duty, medium-duty or heavy-duty?
• Which companies utilize downstroke balers?
• What type of cardboard can be baled?
• Difference between a baler and a compactor
• What does a cardboard bale weigh?
• What does a cardboard bale cost?
• Technical data explanations

Why should you buy a HSM baling press?

1. Space-saving Efficiency: HSM V-Press vertical baling presses can reduce the volume of your waste by up to 95%, maximizing your available space. This unique advantage allows you to utilize your site more effectively, contributing to improved operational efficiency.
2. Financial Returns from Recyclables: By compacting waste into heavier bales, HSM V-Press not only saves space but also enhances the value of recyclable materials. This can lead to financial benefits for your business when collected by Waste Management companies or Recyclers, either as reduced disposal costs or potentially as an additional income stream.
3. Attractive Cost/Performance Ratio: The HSM V-Press series offers an attractive cost/performance ratio, combining top-notch quality standards with high profitability. These baling presses become an economic waste management solution, reducing costs in the often underestimated expense category of waste disposal.
4. Energy Efficiency and Quiet Operation: Utilizing rapid motion technology, the V-Press series significantly reduces power consumption and drive power while increasing throughput rates. With up to 40% reduction in cycle time compared to conventional drives, these machines are not only energy-efficient but also exceptionally quiet, ensuring a more pleasant working environment.
5. User-Friendly Automation: The entire pressing cycle, from door closure to bale extraction, is fully automatic. A user-friendly text display provides detailed information about the process status. This simplicity ensures ease of use and allows for efficient waste management without extensive training requirements.
6. High Operational Flexibility: The HSM V-Press offers the flexibility to press either cardboard or plastic film at the touch of a button, providing versatility in waste management. This adaptability allows businesses to meet varying waste disposal needs with a single, efficient solution.
7. Enhanced Process Reliability: The HSM TorsionControlSystem (TCS) monitors the press ram continuously in every direction, preventing one-sided overcharge. This advanced technology optimizes the pressing procedure, ensuring a high level of process reliability and extending the service life of the equipment.

HSM case studies:

• HSM Baling Presses in use at PAUL HARTMANN AG
• HSM Baling Presses in use at Zumtobel Lighting GmbH

How to pick the right vertical baler?

We offer various sizes of vertical balers, suitable for placement in retail stores, warehouses, factories, fast food chains, gas stations, and recycling companies. To determine which vertical baler suits your needs and budget, consider the following information:

1. Purpose of the Baler:
   • Space-saving
   • Labor-saving
   • Raw material conservation
   • Cost reduction
2. Available Space:
   • Floor space for the baler
   • Vertical space up to the ceiling for both the baler and produced bales
3. Types of Waste:
   • Cardboard
   • Paper
   • Soft plastics
   • Hard plastics
   • Textile
4. Waste Quantity:
   • Amount of waste per stream generated daily / weekly / monthly
5. Dimensions of Waste:
   • Any oversized waste that may not fit through the baler’s opening
   • Length, width, and thickness of the material
6. Production Volume:
   • Desired number of bales per day or week
7. Door Type Preference:
   • Sliding door
   • Loading flap
   • Double door
8. Power Requirements:
   • Availability of power supply (single phase or 3-phase)
9. Bale Size and Weight Preference:
   • Mill-size bale
   • Compact bale
10. Handling Equipment:
    • Forklift or pallet jack for moving the bales
11. Transportation Considerations:
    • Whether bales need to pass through hallways, doors, or an elevator
12. Market for Bales:
    • Existing buyer for cardboard or film bales
13. Budget and Expected ROI:
    • Financial constraints and anticipated return on investment.

What is a downstroke cardboard baler?

An industrial cardboard baling machine serves as a crusher or compressor for your cardboard waste. It utilizes a powerful hydraulic mechanism to compress various forms of cardboard waste, including upright boxes and cardboard plates, into tightly compacted bales.

The size of the bales produced depends on the capacity of the recycling baler machine. However, in general, most cardboard bales have dimensions similar to a standard pallet in terms of depth and width.

Overall, employing a cardboard baling press enables you to efficiently recycle your cardboard waste and sell it to cardboard recycling firms or paper mills, contributing to a more sustainable waste management process.

Minimize cardboard waste with a baler

• Enhance recycling rates
• Reduce waste handling expenses
• Save time and effort in managing cardboard waste
• Compact cardboard waste into tightly compressed bales
• Decrease space requirements for waste handling at your business
• Profit by selling cardboard bales to the paper industry for recycling

Learn more about vertical balers.

Light-duty, medium-duty or heavy-duty?

Light-Duty Balers for Cardboard

Light-duty vertical balers are compact and affordable machines designed to efficiently compress cardboard waste. These baling presses are particularly suitable for low-volume cardboard disposal, making them an excellent choice for restaurants, hotels, gas stations, offices, printing and packaging establishments, as well as smaller retail stores, thanks to their small footprint.

The smallest-size vertical balers serve as the perfect solution when your business is expanding beyond the capacity of your standard recycling bin, dumpster, or cardboard waste container.

Additionally, a light-duty baling machine is ideal for situations where you generate a low volume of daily cardboard waste or when you have a limited budget available for investing in such equipment.

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Waste volume: Small / low volume
• Bale weight: Up to 100 kg / 220 lbs

Medium-Duty Balers for Cardboard

Medium-duty vertical balers efficiently compress cardboard into bales that conform to standard US or EUR pallet sizes, facilitating convenient transportation. These baling presses are particularly well-suited for businesses with medium volumes of cardboard waste, such as big-box stores, retail shops, hotels, restaurants, manufacturing facilities, factories, wholesalers, food producers, and distribution centers.

A medium-duty baling machine features a wider opening compared to a light-duty baler, allowing for the compression of large and bulky cardboard boxes without the need for prior breakdown. These robust machines are available in both single-phase and three-phase power options, providing flexibility to meet different operational requirements.

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Waste volume: Medium volume
• Bale weight: Up to 250 kg / 550 lbs

Heavy-Duty balers for cardboard

Heavy-duty vertical balers are powerful machines designed to efficiently compress bulky, voluminous cardboard waste into easily transportable bales. These high-capacity cardboard baling presses are an ideal solution for various industries, including warehouses, wholesalers, manufacturers, large distribution or fulfillment centers, large hotels, retail stores, supermarkets, and recycling facilities.

A heavy-duty baler can reduce the volume of cardboard waste by up to 10 times, making it a cost-effective and efficient alternative to a regular waste dumpster.

Vertical downstroke balers require less space while significantly reducing the volume of your waste. Utilizing a baler saves time and reduces the cost of waste collection and dumpster rental.

If you require a high-production solution for baling large quantities of cardboard waste, we recommend considering a horizontal baler, which is a larger compactor machine. For compact horizontal baling machines, we also offer suitable recommendations.

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Waste volume: High volume
• Bale weight: Up to 650 kg / 1430 lbs

Which companies utilize downstroke balers?

A vertical cardboard compactor can indeed prove beneficial for various businesses. If your company generates significant amounts of cardboard waste on a daily basis and you are seeking a solution, a cardboard baling machine can effectively reduce the volume of your cardboard waste, including boxes and other types of cardboard packaging. Numerous companies and industries make use of horizontal or vertical recycling balers, including:

• Supermarkets
• Retail outlets
• Restaurants
• Offices
• Convenience stores
• Warehouses
• Agricultural companies
• Schools
• Recycling centers
• Distribution centers
• And many others…

As the list demonstrates, the range of companies benefiting from downstroke balers is quite diverse. If you are seeking a solution for managing your cardboard waste, a cardboard box baler may provide your company with an ideal solution.

What type of cardboard can be baled?

Cardboard balers are capable of compressing various types of cardboard, regardless of their size, shape, or usage. Common types of cardboard that can be compressed in a recycling baler include:

• Cardboard boxes
• Cardboard plates
• Cardboard sheets
• Cardboard tubes
• Fibreboard and paperboard

Even if the cardboard is contaminated or wet, a baler can still handle it. However, it is important to note that the quality of the resulting bales may diminish, which can affect their value when sold to recycling facilities or paper mills.

In addition to cardboard, many balers are also capable of baling other materials such as plastic film and waste paper. Heavy-duty balers may have the capacity to bale aluminum and tin cans, hard plastics (PET), and even clothing. The specific capabilities of a baler will depend on its design and features.

Difference between a baler and a compactor

A vertical cardboard baler is a compact compressing machine for cardboard that is meant for inside use at your facility. A cardboard compactor is a machine that can be used outdoors, but in some situations, it can also be placed indoors.

The difference between a compactor and a baler is that a compactor is a larger machine that compresses the cardboard with a horizontal press, rather than a vertical ram. A cardboard compactor can be installed permanently at your site, but it can also be a mobile solution. Waste haulers often rent cardboard compactors as a solution for reducing the volume of cardboard waste for their clients.

Here is an image of a compact horizontal cardboard compactor for reference:

In addition, there is a type of baler called a retail baler or compact horizontal baler. This baler combines the advantages of both compactness and power. It has a small footprint, is powerful, and automatically produces weighty bales. It sits between a compactor and a horizontal baler, offering a versatile solution for various applications.

For more information on compact horizontal balers, you can visit this link: compact horizontal balers.

What does a cardboard bale weigh?

When we look at a medium-sized cardboard bailing machine, the HSM V-Press 860 plus, it produces a bale with the following specifications:

• Bale length: 47.24 in
• Bale width: 30.71 in
• Bale height: 47.24 in
• Bale weight: 1058.21 lb

However, the weight of a bale varies based on the size of the baling machine and on the weight of the cardboard waste material.

Read our more in-depth article about the weight and size of a cardboard bale.

How much does a cardboard baler cost?

A cardboard compactor/baler is a significant investment, and its cost can vary depending on various factors. The prices for small vertical baling presses typically start at around $5,000, while larger cardboard baling presses can range around $10,000. High-end industrial balers can be priced up to $1.5 million.

Alternatively, you may consider purchasing a used cardboard baler, which can help lower the upfront costs. However, it’s important to keep in mind that used equipment may require maintenance earlier than a new model.

Cost of leasing a baler

Given the substantial investment required for a baler machine, many manufacturers offer leasing or rental options. The terms of the lease or rental are typically negotiated at a fixed monthly cost with the cardboard baler manufacturing companies.

Maintenance of a cardboard baler

When considering the purchase or lease of a new baler, it’s worth noting that some manufacturers provide maintenance contracts. These contracts offer peace of mind by ensuring that maintenance or repairs are taken care of by manufacturer-approved technicians who visit the site.

For more detailed information on the cost of a cardboard box baler, you can read our comprehensive article about it: Cost of a Cardboard Baler.

Technical data explanations

Here’s a brief overview of the technical data associated with the equipment:

• Press force: Surface area of cylinder piston multiplied by maximum hydraulic pressure (theoretical value).
• Motor: Rated load of the drive motor.
• Voltage / Frequency: Power supply for three-phase current.
• Filling opening: Size of the opening through which the press is fed with material.
• Filling height: Height from the bottom to the filling hopper.
• Bale weight: The bale weight depends on the type, moisture, and condition of the pressed material and on the bale length/height.
• Bale size: The length/height of the bale varies depending on the expansion force of the pressed material. The dimensions indicated here correspond to the sizes in the press chamber.
• Press cycle unloaded (theoretical): Time during which the press plate moves downward without material and returns to the base position when idle. The pressing time is independent of the material.
• Press chamber dimensions: The press chamber is the space below the press plate when it is in the base position.
• Machine dimensions: External dimensions of the machine in operating condition.
• Transport height: Height for transport to the installation location (without lifting truck).
• Weight: Net weight of the machine, without packaging, without supplied material or options.
• Binding: Indication of the number of bindings of the bale.

Door types:

• Double door: Upper half swings right for filling, self-latching, and automatic start.
• Loading flap: Upper half folds down, acts as storage, ideal for small materials, and auto-starts.
• Sliding door: Upper half pushed down, auto-opens after compression, usable as storage, easy to operate, and auto-starts.

The Ultimate Vertical Baler Overview Sheet

Download this FREE Infographic with all the important information and specifications.
Perfect to handout in team meetings or to share with colleagues or business partners.

Download Infographic
Get the PDF by email »

Vertical baler guide

More about vertical balers

• Vertical baler for plastic
• Vertical baler features and tools
• Cost of a cardboard baler
• What is the size of a cardboard baler?
• Benefits of a vertical baler
• Disadvantages of a vertical baler

More about cardboard recycling

• Best cardboard shredders to reuse cardboard
• 10x tips for recyclable packaging
• How much is a cardboard bale worth
• How to bale cardboard with a baler
• Horizontal balers ( closed-end and open-end)
• Compact horizontal baling press
• Difference vertical versus horizontal baler

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