A two-ram baler, also called a twin-ram baler, is a heavy-duty horizontal baler with two hydraulic rams: one compresses the material and a second pushes the finished bale out. Because each bale is fully ejected, you can switch from one material to another, such as cardboard to plastic to aluminum, without mixing them. Two-ram balers suit recycling centers, manufacturers and distribution centers that bale several kinds of recyclables in high volumes.
How does a two-ram baler work?
Material is fed into the baler's chamber, usually by conveyor or through a hopper. The main ram pushes the material against a closed door or wall and compresses it into a dense block. When the bale is the right size, it is tied, often automatically. Then the second ram, called the ejection ram, pushes the finished bale out of the side of the machine.
The chamber is then empty and ready for the next load. That clean start is what makes a two-ram baler different.
How is it different from a single-ram horizontal baler?
Most single-ram horizontal balers push material through the chamber in one continuous line. Each new bale presses against the one before it, which helps it reach full density. This works very well for one material, such as cardboard, run in high volume.
The drawback comes when you change materials. Some of the last material can mix into the next bale. A two-ram baler empties the chamber completely after every bale, so switching materials is cleaner and faster.
| Single-ram horizontal baler | Two-ram baler | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | One main material, high volume | Several materials on one machine |
| How bales leave | Pushed out in a continuous line | Ejected one at a time by a second ram |
| Switching materials | Possible, but some mixing between bales | Clean switch after each bale |
| Typical users | Distribution centers and large retail operations baling mostly cardboard | Recycling centers, plants and distribution centers with mixed recyclables |
What materials can a two-ram baler handle?
Two-ram balers are built to handle a wide range of recyclables, one material at a time. Common examples include:
- Cardboard and paper
- Plastic film and stretch wrap
- Rigid plastics, such as bottles and containers
- Aluminum cans and some light metals
- Textiles and other sorted materials
Each material bales differently, so the machine is set up for what you plan to run. Ask before buying or renting if you plan to bale something unusual.
Who needs a two-ram baler?
A two-ram baler is a good fit when you produce high volumes of more than one recyclable and want to keep them separate. That often includes:
- Recycling centers and material recovery facilities that sort and bale many materials.
- Manufacturing plants that produce scrap plastic, paper or metal along with packaging. See our manufacturing and distribution page.
- Distribution centers that handle large amounts of both cardboard and plastic film.
- Large retail or grocery operations that bale several materials at a central location.
If you bale mostly cardboard, a vertical baler or a single-ram horizontal baler is usually simpler and takes less space.
Why do clean, separate bales matter?
Recyclers commonly pay more for clean, single-material bales than for mixed ones, though prices move with the market. A bale of cardboard with plastic mixed in may be worth less, or may be refused. Keeping materials separate helps you get the most from each bale and keeps your recycler happy.
What should you plan for?
Two-ram balers are large, heavy machines. Before you add one, plan for:
- Enough floor space for the baler, the feed system and bale storage.
- A heavy-duty electrical supply. An electrician should confirm what your building has.
- A forklift to move finished bales.
- A recycler who can collect each material you plan to bale.
How can you get a two-ram baler?
USA Compactors rents and sells two-ram balers in all 50 states. Rental includes delivery, installation, maintenance and repairs, with a 24-hour service response commitment. Tell us what materials you bale and how much, and we will help you decide whether a two-ram baler or a simpler setup is the better fit.
Call 855-603-6663 or request a free quote.
Common questions
Is a twin-ram baler the same as a two-ram baler?
Yes. Both names describe a baler with one ram that compresses and a second ram that ejects the bale.
Can a two-ram baler handle cardboard only?
Yes, but if cardboard is all you bale, a single-ram horizontal baler is often the simpler choice.
Does USA Compactors collect the bales?
No. We supply and service the equipment, and your recycler collects the bales. If you need a recycler, we can point you to one in your area.