baler

A baler is a machine that compresses and binds materials into compact bales for easier handling, storage, and transport. In agriculture it is used to bale forage crops such as hay, straw, and alfalfa, and sometimes silage; in industry it is used to bale recyclables and waste materials including paper, cardboard, plastics, textiles, and metal.

Agricultural balers come in two main forms: round and square. A round baler forms cylindrical bales by continually wrapping the material inside a chamber with belts or rollers and a hydraulic plunger, then tying the bale with twine, net wrap, or wire and ejecting it from the rear. A square baler fills a chamber and uses a series of strokes to compress and tie rectangular bales that are ejected for handling. Round balers are common for large-scale hay production, often producing large, weather-resistant bales, while square balers are favored when bale size or stacking efficiency is important. Net wrap is commonly used with round bales to hold shape during storage.

Industrial balers are designed for waste management and recycling. They can be vertical or horizontal and use a hydraulic ram to compress material inside a chamber, producing dense bales bound with wire or ties. Common inputs include paper, cardboard, plastics, and textiles, and some units are equipped to process metal or shredded tires. These balers improve storage efficiency and facilitate transport to processing facilities.

Safety and maintenance are important for all balers. Operators should follow training and lockout procedures, keep guards in place, and perform regular inspection of belts, hydraulics, and bindings to prevent injuries and ensure reliable operation.