Used Equipment Specifications

Complete guide to used packaging and recycling equipment including balers, compactors, pallet machinery, and material handling equipment with market values and specifications.

BalersCompactorsPallet EquipmentMaterial Handling

Used equipment represents a significant opportunity for cost savings in packaging and recycling operations. This guide covers the most common types of equipment traded in the secondary market, including balers, compactors, pallet machinery, and material handling equipment. Understanding specifications, market values, and condition factors is essential for making informed purchasing decisions.

Equipment Categories & Specifications

Balers & Compactors

Equipment for compressing cardboard, plastic, and other recyclable materials

Vertical Cardboard Baler

Specifications
bale Size:48×40×30-48 inches
bale Weight:800-1,500 lbs
compression:30-60 tons
power Requirement:220V/440V, 15-25 HP
cycle Time:45-90 seconds
Applications
  • •Cardboard recycling facilities
  • •Retail stores and warehouses
  • •Manufacturing facilities
  • •Distribution centers
Market Value
New Price:$15,000-45,000
Used Range:$5,000-25,000
Value Factors: Age, condition, brand, capacity
Common Brands
HarrisHarmonyMil-tekBramidan
Notes

Most common type for small to medium operations

Horizontal Auto-Tie Baler

Specifications
bale Size:48×40×48-60 inches
bale Weight:1,200-2,200 lbs
compression:60-120 tons
power Requirement:440V, 25-75 HP
cycle Time:60-120 seconds
Applications
  • •Large recycling operations
  • •Paper mills
  • •High-volume facilities
  • •Commercial recycling centers
Market Value
New Price:$75,000-250,000
Used Range:$25,000-150,000
Value Factors: Automation level, throughput capacity, maintenance history
Common Brands
HarrisAmerican BalerHarmonyInternational Baler
Notes

Higher capacity, automated operation

Plastic Baler

Specifications
bale Size:48×40×36-48 inches
bale Weight:600-1,200 lbs
compression:25-50 tons
power Requirement:220V/440V, 10-20 HP
cycle Time:60-90 seconds
Applications
  • •Plastic recycling facilities
  • •Bottle processing plants
  • •Film and bag recycling
  • •Mixed plastic operations
Market Value
New Price:$20,000-60,000
Used Range:$7,500-35,000
Value Factors: Plastic types handled, contamination resistance
Common Brands
HarrisHarmonyMil-tekBramidan
Notes

Specialized for various plastic types

Drum Crusher/Compactor

Specifications
drum Capacity:55-gallon drums
compression Ratio:4:1 to 8:1
power Requirement:220V/440V, 5-15 HP
cycle Time:30-60 seconds
output Height:8-12 inches (compressed)
Applications
  • •Drum reconditioning facilities
  • •Chemical processing plants
  • •Waste management companies
  • •Industrial manufacturing
Market Value
New Price:$10,000-35,000
Used Range:$3,500-20,000
Value Factors: Drum types, safety features, automation
Common Brands
MorseVestilWescoBeacon Industries
Notes

Reduces drum storage and transportation costs

Pallet Equipment

Machinery for pallet manufacturing, repair, and processing

Pallet Dismantler

Specifications
capacity:150-300 pallets/hour
pallet Size:Up to 48×48 inches
power Requirement:220V/440V, 10-25 HP
air Requirement:80-120 CFM at 90 PSI
dimensions:8×4×6 feet (typical)
Applications
  • •Pallet recycling operations
  • •Lumber recovery facilities
  • •Waste wood processing
  • •Pallet repair companies
Market Value
New Price:$25,000-75,000
Used Range:$8,000-45,000
Value Factors: Automation level, capacity, nail removal system
Common Brands
Wood-MizerPallet ChiefBronco Pallet SystemsAlliance Machine
Notes

Recovers lumber for reuse or biomass

Pallet Nailing Machine

Specifications
capacity:200-500 pallets/hour
nail Types:Ring shank, spiral, coil nails
power Requirement:220V/440V, 5-15 HP
air Requirement:120-180 CFM at 90 PSI
pallet Size:Variable up to 48×48 inches
Applications
  • •Pallet manufacturing
  • •Pallet repair operations
  • •Custom pallet production
  • •High-volume assembly
Market Value
New Price:$15,000-50,000
Used Range:$5,000-30,000
Value Factors: Speed, nail type capability, precision
Common Brands
Pallet ChiefViking EngineeringBronco Pallet SystemsRayco
Notes

Essential for efficient pallet production

Pallet Stringer Notcher

Specifications
capacity:300-600 cuts/hour
stringer Size:2×4 up to 4×4 inches
power Requirement:220V/440V, 7-15 HP
cut Accuracy:±1/16 inch
saw Blade:12-16 inch carbide
Applications
  • •Pallet manufacturing
  • •Lumber processing
  • •Custom stringer production
  • •Repair operations
Market Value
New Price:$8,000-25,000
Used Range:$3,000-15,000
Value Factors: Accuracy, speed, blade condition
Common Brands
Wood-MizerPallet ChiefViking EngineeringAlliance Machine
Notes

Creates precise notches for pallet assembly

Material Handling

Forklifts, conveyors, and handling equipment for packaging operations

Electric Forklift (3,000-5,000 lbs)

Specifications
capacity:3,000-5,000 lbs
lift Height:83-189 inches
battery Type:24V, 36V, or 48V lead-acid/lithium
runtime:6-8 hours (lead-acid), 8-12 hours (lithium)
charging Time:8 hours (lead-acid), 1-2 hours (lithium)
Applications
  • •Indoor warehouse operations
  • •Loading/unloading trucks
  • •Pallet handling
  • •Container operations
Market Value
New Price:$25,000-45,000
Used Range:$8,000-25,000
Value Factors: Hours, battery condition, mast height, brand
Common Brands
ToyotaCrownHysterYaleRaymond
Notes

Ideal for indoor operations, zero emissions

Propane Forklift (3,000-8,000 lbs)

Specifications
capacity:3,000-8,000 lbs
lift Height:83-240 inches
fuel Type:Propane (33 lb tanks)
runtime:8-10 hours per tank
engine:4-cylinder industrial engine
Applications
  • •Indoor/outdoor operations
  • •Loading docks
  • •Lumber yards
  • •Manufacturing facilities
Market Value
New Price:$30,000-55,000
Used Range:$10,000-35,000
Value Factors: Engine hours, mast condition, capacity, maintenance
Common Brands
ToyotaHysterYaleCaterpillarKomatsu
Notes

Versatile for indoor/outdoor use

Conveyor System (Belt/Roller)

Specifications
length:10-100+ feet sections
width:12-36 inches
load Capacity:50-200 lbs per foot
speed:10-200 feet per minute
power Requirement:110V-440V, 1-10 HP
Applications
  • •Package sorting
  • •Assembly lines
  • •Loading/unloading
  • •Distribution centers
Market Value
New Price:$100-500 per foot
Used Range:$50-250 per foot
Value Factors: Length, condition, motor type, controls
Common Brands
HytrolDornerAshlandInterroll
Notes

Modular systems, price varies by complexity

Cleaning & Processing

Equipment for cleaning containers and processing recyclable materials

Drum Washer (Automatic)

Specifications
capacity:60-200 drums/hour
drum Size:15-85 gallon capacity
wash Cycle:3-8 minutes
water Usage:5-15 gallons per drum
power Requirement:440V, 15-40 HP
Applications
  • •Drum reconditioning
  • •Chemical container cleaning
  • •Food-grade drum processing
  • •Hazmat container cleaning
Market Value
New Price:$75,000-300,000
Used Range:$25,000-150,000
Value Factors: Capacity, automation level, safety features
Common Brands
NewsmithMauserIndustrial Washing MachinesGreco
Notes

Essential for drum reconditioning operations

IBC Tote Washer

Specifications
capacity:8-24 totes/hour
tote Size:275-330 gallon IBC
wash Cycle:8-15 minutes
water Usage:25-50 gallons per tote
power Requirement:440V, 20-50 HP
Applications
  • •IBC reconditioning
  • •Chemical tote cleaning
  • •Food-grade processing
  • •Pharmaceutical containers
Market Value
New Price:$150,000-500,000
Used Range:$50,000-250,000
Value Factors: Automation, capacity, safety systems
Common Brands
NewsmithMauserSchottIndustrial Washing Machines
Notes

Specialized for large container cleaning

Market Value Factors

Equipment Age

High Impact

Age significantly affects value and reliability

Details

  • •0-5 years: 60-80% of new price
  • •5-10 years: 40-60% of new price
  • •10-15 years: 20-40% of new price
  • •15+ years: 10-25% of new price

Operating Hours

High Impact

Usage hours indicate wear and remaining life

Details

  • •Low hours (<2,000): Premium pricing
  • •Medium hours (2,000-5,000): Standard pricing
  • •High hours (5,000-8,000): Discounted pricing
  • •Very high hours (8,000+): Significant discount

Maintenance History

Medium-High Impact

Well-maintained equipment commands higher prices

Details

  • •Complete maintenance records add 10-20% value
  • •Recent major service increases buyer confidence
  • •Evidence of neglect reduces value significantly
  • •Preventive maintenance programs preferred

Brand Reputation

Medium Impact

Established brands hold value better

Details

  • •Premium brands (Toyota, Harris): Higher resale
  • •Commercial brands: Standard market value
  • •Lesser-known brands: 10-30% discount
  • •Parts availability affects long-term value

Buying Considerations

Inspection Checklist

  • ✓Operating hours and maintenance records
  • ✓Physical condition and wear patterns
  • ✓Electrical and hydraulic systems
  • ✓Safety features and compliance
  • ✓Parts availability and service support
  • ✓Transportation and installation costs

Financial Considerations

  • ✓Purchase price vs. new equipment cost
  • ✓Installation and setup expenses
  • ✓Expected maintenance and repair costs
  • ✓Financing options and terms
  • ✓Insurance and liability coverage
  • ✓Depreciation and tax implications

Operational Factors

  • ✓Capacity match to current needs
  • ✓Future expansion requirements
  • ✓Operator training needs
  • ✓Space and utility requirements
  • ✓Integration with existing systems
  • ✓Productivity and efficiency gains

Key Facts for Equipment Trading

Depreciation Rates

Equipment typically depreciates 15-25% per year for the first 5 years, then 5-10% annually. Well-maintained equipment from premium brands holds value better.

Operating Hours Impact

Low-hour equipment (under 2,000 hours) can command 80-90% of new prices. High-hour equipment (over 8,000 hours) typically sells for 20-40% of new prices.

Transportation Costs

Large equipment shipping can cost $2,000-10,000+ depending on size, weight, and distance. Factor these costs into total acquisition price.

⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

All used equipment is sold AS-IS with NO WARRANTIES, guarantees, or representations of any kind. Functionality, safety compliance, and performance may vary significantly. Operating hours, maintenance history, and condition assessments are estimates only and do not constitute any warranty. Buyers are solely responsible for inspection, testing, transportation, installation, and compliance verification. Equipment may require significant repair, refurbishment, or updates to meet current safety and regulatory standards. Professional evaluation is strongly recommended for all used equipment purchases.