Buying & Replacing3 min read

Refurbished vs new balers: how to choose

Cost, lead time, warranty and what a proper refurbishment should include — so you can decide which is right for your site.

Key points

  • A refurbished baler usually costs less and can often be delivered sooner than a new one
  • The quality of a refurbished machine depends entirely on the refurbishment — ask exactly what was done
  • New machines bring the latest controls and efficiency, and come with a 12-month warranty
  • Check that either option suits your material, volumes and bale specification

Both refurbished and new balers can be the right choice. The decision usually comes down to budget, how soon you need the machine, how hard it will work, and how long you plan to keep it.

The case for a refurbished baler

A good refurbished baler offers proven equipment at a lower price than new. Because the machine already exists, it can often be ready sooner than a new build, which matters if your current baler has failed or you've taken on new volumes at short notice. For sites with moderate volumes, or where the baler doesn't run all day, a refurbished machine can deliver everything you need for a fraction of the cost.

What a proper refurbishment should include

"Refurbished" can mean anything from a fresh coat of paint to a full rebuild, so it pays to ask exactly what was done. A thorough refurbishment should cover:

  • Hydraulics — cylinders resealed or replaced, hoses renewed, pump and valves checked, fresh oil and filters
  • Structure — chamber, platen and guides inspected, with worn wear plates and liners replaced and any weld repairs done properly
  • Electrics and controls — wiring, contactors, sensors and control panel tested, with obsolete parts updated where needed
  • Safety systems — guards, door interlocks and emergency stops checked and working
  • Testing — the machine run under load and its bales checked, not just switched on

Ask for the work list, and ask who did it.

The case for a new baler

A new baler gives you the latest controls, energy-efficient drives and safety features, a 12-month warranty, and the option to specify exactly what you need — bale size, feed opening, automation and tying system. For high-volume sites where the baler runs continuously, or where you want to keep the machine for many years, new can be the better long-term investment.

Warranty and support

Warranty matters as much as the purchase price. Our new machines come with a 12-month warranty; our refurbished machines carry a 3-month warranty as standard, with extended 12-month cover available. Whichever route you choose, find out who will service the machine, how quickly they can respond to a breakdown, and whether parts are readily available.

Questions to ask before you buy

  • Will it handle my material and my weekly volume, with room to grow?
  • Does it make bales my merchant or reprocessor will accept?
  • Will it fit my site, with the power supply it needs and room to remove bales?
  • What exactly does the warranty cover, and for how long?
  • Who will maintain it, and what will planned maintenance cost?

Frequently asked questions

Is a refurbished baler reliable?

It can be just as dependable as a new one if the refurbishment was thorough — hydraulics, seals, electrics, wear parts and safety systems all overhauled and the machine tested under load. Always ask for a list of the work done.

Do refurbished balers come with a warranty?

Ours carry a 3-month warranty as standard, with extended 12-month cover available. Warranties from other suppliers vary, so check what's covered.

Can I see what machines are available?

Yes — see our machinery for sale, including machines still being refurbished in our workshop.

This guide is general information to help you understand your equipment. Always follow your machine manufacturer's instructions and your site's safe systems of work, and isolate machinery before any inspection or maintenance.

Weighing up a replacement?

See what we have in stock or coming through the workshop — or trade your old machine in.

Machinery for Sale Trade-In Programme

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Can't find your answer?

Ask one of our engineers. Tell us about your machine and the problem, and we'll call you back.

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