| Machine type | Vertical or horizontal hydraulic baler | Vertical machines suit lower-volume operations; horizontal systems are generally better for continuous recycling lines. | Match the chamber design and loading method with the available floor space and conveyor layout. |
| Processed material | PET bottles, PET flakes, plastic film, cardboard, and other recyclable packaging materials | A machine designed for loose bottles may require different loading and compression settings than one handling flakes. | Request a material test using the buyer’s actual bottle size, moisture level, and contamination rate. |
| Typical bale weight | Approximately 50–500 kg per bale, depending on chamber size, material density, and compression settings | Bale weight affects storage density, forklift handling, transport cost, and downstream recycling efficiency. | Confirm bale-weight tolerance rather than relying only on the maximum advertised value. |
| Compression force | Common commercial ranges are approximately 20–120 tonnes; larger systems may exceed this range | Higher force can produce denser bales, but the correct force depends on bottle condition and chamber dimensions. | Check the rated hydraulic force, operating pressure, and actual bale density during a trial. |
| Bale density | Often approximately 150–350 kg/m³ for baled PET bottles, depending on preparation and machine settings | Higher density reduces the number of loads required for transport and improves warehouse utilization. | Ask for density results calculated from measured bale weight and bale volume. |
| Throughput | Typically specified in tonnes per hour or bales per hour; practical output varies with feeding and tying time | Nominal capacity may not reflect real production when bottles are wet, mixed, or unevenly fed. | Compare continuous operating capacity with the required daily input volume and working hours. |
| Hydraulic system | Hydraulic pump, cylinder, oil tank, pressure controls, and filtration system | Hydraulic stability influences compression consistency, cycle time, noise, and maintenance requirements. | Review hydraulic component specifications, leak-prevention measures, oil-filtration design, and spare-parts availability. |
| Electrical supply | Three-phase industrial power is common; voltage and frequency must be configured for the installation country | Incorrect voltage, frequency, or phase configuration can cause motor overheating and control-system faults. | Confirm motor rating, voltage, frequency, phase, plug type, and electrical documentation before shipment. |
| Automation level | Manual, semi-automatic, or automatic tying and bale-ejection configurations | Automation reduces labor demand and can improve bale consistency in high-volume facilities. | Confirm which steps are automatic: feeding, compression, tying, wire cutting, and bale discharge. |
| Safety features | Emergency-stop circuit, guarded moving parts, door interlocks, overload protection, and pressure relief | Baling chambers contain high mechanical and hydraulic forces, making operator protection essential. | Inspect the risk assessment, safety-circuit design, emergency-stop locations, and guarding before acceptance. |
| Control interface | Push-button control or PLC-based touchscreen control with adjustable cycle parameters | Adjustable settings help accommodate changes in bottle composition, moisture, and bale-density requirements. | Verify language options, fault alarms, parameter access, data backup, and operator training materials. |
| Bale tying method | Plastic strapping, steel wire, or other tying systems selected according to downstream requirements | The tying material must keep the bale stable during handling, stacking, and transport. | Check tie-point quantity, consumable cost, tying speed, and compatibility with the recycling customer’s requirements. |
| Customization capability | Possible adaptations include chamber size, conveyor integration, voltage, tying method, and control language | Customization helps integrate the baler with sorting, washing, shredding, and storage systems. | Require a written technical drawing, approved layout, interface list, and responsibility matrix for each modification. |
| Quality documentation | Operating manual, electrical drawings, hydraulic diagrams, spare-parts list, inspection records, and test report | Complete documentation shortens installation time and supports safe maintenance. | Include documentation delivery and final acceptance testing in the purchase contract. |
| After-sales support | Remote troubleshooting, commissioning guidance, spare parts, warranty terms, and technical training | Reliable support helps reduce downtime when hydraulic, electrical, or control components require attention. | Confirm response time, warranty scope, spare-parts lead time, and availability of service personnel. |