How Much Does a Two-Ram Baler Cost? A Complete Price Breakdown

By Hoosier Machinery Solutions – Wanatah, IN – April 20, 2026 – 8 min read

Two-ram balers are one of the most significant capital equipment purchases a recycling operation, MRF, or high-volume distribution center will make. These numbers reflect what HMS actually sees in the market in 2026.

Price Ranges at a Glance

New two-ram baler: $240,000 to $400,000+

Entry-level narrow-body models start around $240,000. Large wide-body or high-capacity configurations reach $400,000 or more. Custom MRF builds can exceed $600,000. New machines come with full manufacturer warranty, 10 to 20 week lead time, Section 179 tax deduction eligibility, and competitive financing rates.

Refurbished two-ram baler: $125,000 to $400,000

Refurbished machines from a dealer with in-house reconditioning span a wide range based on size, brand, age, and scope of work. Thoroughly reconditioned machines with updated controls, new hydraulics, and fresh relines sit at the higher end. Limited dealer warranty, 2 to 8 week delivery, and financing available on 3 to 5 year terms.

Used as-is two-ram baler: $55,000 to $200,000

As-is machines are sold without reconditioning. Unknown repair costs can close the price gap quickly. A machine needing a full reline, hydraulic overhaul, and controls upgrade can cost $80,000 to $150,000+ in service work on top of the purchase price. No warranty. Pre-purchase inspection is essential.

What Drives the Price Up or Down

Horsepower and motor configuration

Horsepower is the most direct price driver. Entry-level two-rams run 75 to 100 HP. Mid-range run 150 to 200 HP. High-capacity units run 200 HP and above, sometimes with dual or triple motor configurations. Match HP to actual volume needs.

Cylinder size – the most important spec on the machine

If there is one number that tells you more about a two-ram baler than any other, it is the main cylinder bore diameter. A two-ram baler has two cylinders: the main compression cylinder and the eject cylinder. The main cylinder determines how much compaction force the machine can apply. A larger bore produces more tons of force at the same hydraulic pressure – which means denser bales, better material penetration, and the ability to handle difficult materials.

Main cylinder bore sizes typically run from 9 inches on smaller narrow-body machines up to 16 inches or more on large high-force models. A 9 to 10 inch main cylinder is entry-level territory, adequate for clean OCC and light plastics at moderate volumes with ram force around 150,000 to 235,000 lbs. An 11 to 12 inch main cylinder – the most common in the used market – delivers 225,000 to 310,000 lbs of force and handles mixed material streams including heavier plastics and bulkier OCC. A 13 to 16 inch main cylinder is for high-force demanding applications with ram force exceeding 400,000 lbs – commanding a significant price premium.

When comparing two machines at similar prices, always check the main cylinder bore. A machine with a 10 inch cylinder and one with a 12 inch cylinder may carry similar price tags but are not the same machine. The 12 inch will produce denser bales, handle a wider range of materials, and hold its value better.

The eject cylinder pushes the finished bale out of the chamber. Common eject cylinder sizes run from 8 to 13 inches. A scored or leaking eject cylinder rod is a repair cost to factor into any used machine purchase. Always ask for both cylinder sizes – main bore and eject bore – before evaluating price.

Bale chamber size and configuration

Narrow-body machines have smaller feed openings and produce smaller bales. Wide-body machines handle oversized materials more easily and produce heavier bales that command better pricing from recyclers. Wide-body machines cost more upfront but often deliver better bale revenue per ton.

Wire tier system

The wire tier is one of the most maintenance-intensive components and most important for bale quality. Entry-level tiers use older mechanical designs. Modern electronic and servo-driven tier systems are faster and more reliable – and add cost. Always ask about the tier system when evaluating used machines.

Control system and automation level

Modern two-ram balers run PLC-based systems with touchscreen interfaces and diagnostic displays. Older analog machines are simpler but harder to troubleshoot. HMS replaces analog controls with a new PLC and touchscreen on every reconditioned two-ram as standard.

Manufacturer and parts availability

Harris, Excel, Balemaster, IPS, and Marathon are the most common two-ram manufacturers in the used market. Parts availability and service network vary by brand. A well-known brand with readily available parts has real value beyond the machine itself – downtime caused by parts delays costs more than the savings on an obscure brand.

Total Cost of Ownership Beyond the Purchase Price

Installation and commissioning: $5,000 to $20,000+. Conveyor infeed system: $15,000 to $60,000+. Electrical service upgrade: $5,000 to $30,000+. Baling wire: $8,000 to $20,000+ per year. Routine maintenance: $5,000 to $15,000 per year. Floor reline: $30,000 to $80,000 every 5 to 10 years. Cylinder repacking: $8,000 to $25,000 periodically. A fully installed two-ram system typically costs $50,000 to $100,000 more than the baler purchase price alone.

New vs. Refurbished: Financial Comparison for a 150 HP Two-Ram

New: $280,000 to $350,000 purchase price, 1 year full manufacturer warranty, very low near-term repair risk, 10 to 20 week lead time, 5 to 7 year financing. Best for high-volume operations, long-term financing, warranty priority.

HMS Refurbished: $150,000 to $250,000 purchase price, limited dealer warranty, low near-term repair risk addressed in reconditioning, 2 to 8 week lead time, updated PLC and touchscreen controls, 3 to 5 year financing. Best for budget-conscious buyers who need reliability.

As-Is Used: $60,000 to $150,000 purchase price, no warranty, high near-term repair risk, 1 to 4 week lead time, may have analog or outdated controls, difficult to finance. Best for buyers with strong in-house service capability.

What HMS Includes in a Reconditioned Two-Ram

Full mechanical teardown and inspection with documentation. Hydraulic system service including cylinder repacking or replacement, new hoses, filters, and fluid. Wire tier rebuild or replacement with full cycle testing. Controls upgrade to new PLC and touchscreen with laser travel sensors. Floor and liner inspection and reline where needed. Structural repair where required. Full break-in period under load before painting and shipping.

ROI Framework for a Two-Ram Baler

Revenue side: tons per day x operating days per month x OCC market price per ton. At 20 tons per day, 22 operating days, and $100 per ton, that is $44,000 per month in gross commodity revenue. Cost reduction: current hauling costs reduced 60 to 80 percent with dense baled OCC versus loose or compacted material. Labor savings: dramatically reduced hours per shift on cardboard handling with conveyor infeed. Most operations running 15 or more tons per day see full payback on a refurbished two-ram within 18 to 36 months. Operations running 30+ tons per day often see payback inside 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new two-ram baler cost?

New two-ram balers typically start around $240,000 for smaller narrow-body models and can reach $400,000 or more for large wide-body or high-capacity configurations. Custom builds for high-volume MRF applications can exceed $600,000.

How much does a refurbished two-ram baler cost?

Refurbished two-ram balers from a reputable dealer with in-house reconditioning typically range from $125,000 to $400,000 depending on size, brand, and scope of reconditioning. As-is machines can be found for less but carry unknown repair costs that can quickly erase the savings.

What is the total cost of owning a two-ram baler?

Beyond the purchase price, costs include installation ($5,000 to $20,000+), conveyor infeed ($15,000 to $60,000+), electrical upgrades if needed, baling wire ($8,000 to $20,000+ per year), routine maintenance ($5,000 to $15,000 per year), and periodic floor relines ($30,000 to $80,000). Budget for the full system, not just the machine.

Is a refurbished two-ram baler worth buying?

Yes – when purchased from a dealer who reconditioned the machine in-house. Ask what was replaced, what the warranty covers, and who did the work. A properly reconditioned two-ram from a dealer with in-house service can deliver years of reliable operation at 40 to 60 percent of new cost.

Bottom Line: Know the Full Number Before You Negotiate

A two-ram baler is not a commodity purchase. The machine price is just the start – installation, conveyor, electrical, wire, and maintenance add 30 to 50 percent on top of the baler price alone. HMS carries new, refurbished, and as-is two-ram balers from Harris, Excel, Balemaster, and other major manufacturers. We recondition machines in-house at our Wanatah, IN facility and service them after the sale. Call us at (219) 733-2108.

Hoosier Machinery Solutions (HMS) is a turnkey recycling equipment dealer based in Wanatah, IN and Memphis, TN. We sell, install, and service two-ram balers, horizontal balers, shredders, conveyors, and full recycling systems for operations across North America.