Why Your Site Needs Horizontal Baler Redundancy (And Tips to Do it Right)

When you have large volumes of recycling materials to deal with, the reliability of your baling equipment is crucial to maintaining smooth operations. However, unexpected breakdowns can lead to significant disruptions in the recycling process. 

Horizontal baler redundancy is a crucial strategy for countering these issues. Here is a quick guide on ensuring your site is prepared to avoid delays and shutdowns from a broken horizontal baler.

What is Horizontal Baler Redundancy?

Horizontal baler redundancy is having additional backup systems that take over when your primary horizontal baler is down for maintenance or repairs. It is a risk management strategy designed to minimize downtime and maintain the flow of operations.

Horizontal Baler Redundancy is an Important Part of Operations

When budgets and space are limited, cutting costs by only having what you need on-site can be tempting. However, these redundancies are critical for your site’s success. Here are a few key reasons to invest in an extra horizontal baler for your site.

  • Reduces Downtime: When a horizontal baler breaks down, all materials intended for baling can quickly accumulate and cause a backlog. This can disrupt the entire recycling process, from sorting to transporting materials. Horizontal baler redundancy ensures that operations can continue with minimal interruption if a baler is out of service.
  • Improves Operational Efficiency: A redundant horizontal baler does not have to sit idle. It can assist the primary balers during unusually heavy work periods to prevent backup or bottlenecks.
  • Reduces Maintenance Pressure: When something breaks down, getting it back up quickly is a heavy priority. This can lead to paying for rush deliveries, weekend or holiday repair rates, or hurried repairs. A horizontal baler redundancy allows maintenance teams to perform necessary repairs or scheduled maintenance on horizontal balers without the pressure of causing significant operational disruptions. This can lead to better maintenance practices and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
  • Enhances Worker Safety: Overloading a single horizontal baler can put stress on the machine, which increases the risk of mechanical failure and potential safety hazards. Redundancy allows for safer operations and repairs.

Effective Ways to Implement Horizontal Baler Redundancy

Horizontal baler redundancy is more than just having an extra baler on site. Here are some strategies to get the most out of your redundancy strategy.

  • Match the Functions: Make sure the redundant horizontal baler can handle the same workload in the same amount of time as your primary baler. That way, it can take on the entire workload as needed without losing site productivity.
  • Be Meticulous in Space Design: When choosing a horizontal baler, consider everything, including conveyor belts and how forklifts and personnel maneuver around it. This will help keep things safe and efficient for your team.
  • Cross-Train Staff: If the redundant horizontal balers differ from the primary ones, ensure your staff is trained to operate them all safely and efficiently.
  • Consider Renting First: Renting a baler allows you to test it out and experiment with space design before you go all in on brand-new equipment. It can also help demonstrate the benefits to stakeholders and decision-makers.

SWS Can Help You Select the Right Horizontal Balers for Your Facility

At SWS Equipment, we believe in evolving to meet the dynamic needs of our waste, recycling, sewer, and sweeper equipment industry. We ensure our customers receive the finest and most efficient tools to manage their resources. Contact us today to discuss the best solutions for your facility.