Excel Baler has been building two ram balers for decades and their 2R Series is one of the most well-regarded lineups in the recycling equipment industry. Five models, from the compact 2R63D up to the high-force 2R12D-XL, cover a wide range of operations and volume requirements. HMS is an authorized Excel dealer - this post breaks down every model with full specs so you can compare them side by side before you buy.
Whether you are spec-ing a new baler for your facility or trying to understand where a specific model fits in the lineup, this is the reference you need. All specs are drawn directly from Excel manufacturer documentation.
What Makes Excel Two-Ram Balers Different
Before diving into individual models, it helps to understand what Excel builds across the 2R Series. A few design features are consistent throughout the lineup and worth knowing when evaluating any Excel machine:
- Interlocking construction with bolt-in Hardox wear liners. Excel uses four solid steel sheets - top, bottom, and both sides - in seamless interlocking construction.
- Bale chamber penetration. Every model in the 2R Series achieves penetration into the bale chamber on each stroke. This is the key technical advantage of the two-ram design - it compresses material against all four chamber walls rather than just pushing it forward, producing denser bales with more consistent geometry.
- Excel Autonetics controls (2R9D and above). Excel's proprietary control system uses absolute ram position sensing with electronic display. It runs automatic shear jam correction, integrated conveyor control, and a Castle Key safety interlocking entry system as standard. The control platform is the same across the larger models, which simplifies operator training when upgrading from one model to the next.
- Operator-free design. The 2R Series is built for automated operation. Once running with conveyor infeed, no full-time operator is required to produce bales - the machine handles cycle sequencing, tying, and ejection automatically.
- UL and CUL approved. All models carry UL and CUL approval with CE available, which matters for facilities with strict electrical compliance requirements.
The Five Models: Individual Breakdowns
Here is each model in detail - what it is built for, what it delivers, and where it fits in the lineup.
The 2R63D uses the same interlocking construction and full platen penetration found in larger Excel two-rams, but at a significantly lower price point with a compact footprint. It is the right machine for recyclers, printers, distribution centers, and manufacturers who need two-ram capability without the floor space or electrical requirements of larger models. OCC throughput reaches 4.2 TPH, and the short stroke selector reduces cycle time from 29 to 21 seconds when needed. Wire tier is the Accent 470. Controls are touchscreen with automatic bale system and shear jam correction.
The 2R9D is the most common entry point into the mid-range Excel two-ram lineup. A single 50 HP motor, 9-inch main cylinder bore, and 17-second cycle time make it a capable machine for OCC, mixed paper, aluminum, tin cans, and a range of non-ferrous materials. Bale chamber penetration is 27 inches. OCC throughput runs 3 to 5 TPH; tin cans reach 10 to 13 TPH. The standard 300-gallon hydraulic reservoir and 100 GPM pump are sized appropriately for single-shift and moderate multi-shift operations. One-year Excel limited warranty on parts and labor is included.
The 2R10D steps up the 2R9D in every meaningful dimension. Two 50 HP motors (100 HP total), a 10-inch main cylinder bore, and a 90-inch feed opening make this machine significantly more capable on high-volume OCC, mixed paper, newspaper, and non-ferrous material streams. Platen force increases to 235,619 lbs maximum and the 600-gallon hydraulic reservoir with 200 GPM pump handles sustained multi-shift operation. OCC throughput runs 8 to 12 TPH; newspaper reaches 17 to 28 TPH. The larger feed opening handles oversized or bulky material that the 2R9D's 65-inch opening cannot. The bale chamber penetration is 24 inches. This is the most common model for metal recycling facilities and MRF operations.
The 2R12D is a different class of machine. Two 100 HP motors, a 12-inch main cylinder bore running at 4,500 PSI, and a 508,939-pound overall platen force make this more than double the compaction capability of the 2R10D. The 56-inch wide, 80-inch long feed opening handles oversized and bulky material streams that smaller machines cannot manage efficiently. Cycle time drops to 12 seconds. The 1,500-gallon hydraulic reservoir and 600 GPM pump are sized for sustained high-volume operation. OCC throughput reaches 22 to 28 TPH; MSW reaches 41 to 57 TPH; non-ferrous scrap 22 to 30 TPH. Chamber floor and walls are 1-1/4 inch plate plus 3/8 inch Hardox. This machine is built for serious MRF operations, high-volume scrap yards, and industrial applications processing demanding mixed material streams.
The 2R12D-XL extends the 2R12D with a 110-inch feed opening - 30 inches longer than the standard 2R12D - and an overall machine length of 38 feet 10 inches. Same 200 HP motor package and 508,939-pound platen force, with a cycle time of 14 seconds versus 12 on the standard 2R12D. The extended feed opening is designed for extremely high-volume infeed operations where material volume consistently maxes out the standard machine's capacity. The machine weight increases to 110,000 lbs. This is the largest machine in the Excel two-ram lineup and is specified for the highest-volume MRF and industrial recycling operations on the market.
Side-by-Side Spec Comparison
All five models in a single table for quick reference.
| Spec | 2R63D | 2R9D | 2R10D | 2R12D | 2R12D-XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 20 HP | 50 HP | 2x50 HP (100 HP) | 2x100 HP (200 HP) | 2x100 HP (200 HP) |
| Main cylinder bore | Twin 6" | 9" | 10" | 12" | 12" |
| Eject cylinder bore | 6" | 9" | 9" | 9" | 9" |
| System pressure | 3,000 PSI | 3,000 PSI | 3,000 PSI | 4,500 PSI | 4,500 PSI |
| Overall platen force | 159,467 lbs | 190,851 lbs | 235,619 lbs | 508,939 lbs | 508,939 lbs |
| Feed opening | 54" x 40" | 40" x 65" | 40" x 90" | 56" x 80" | 56" x 110" |
| Cycle time | 29 sec (21 short) | 17 sec | 16 sec | 12 sec | 14 sec |
| Hydraulic reservoir | 105 gal | 300 gal | 600 gal | 1,500 gal | 1,500 gal |
| Machine weight | 32,730 lbs | 47,500 lbs | 58,000 lbs | 90,000 lbs | 110,000 lbs |
| Overall length | ~16' | 28'7" | 33'10" | 33'10" | 38'10" |
| OCC throughput | up to 4.2 TPH | 3-5 TPH | 8-12 TPH | 22-28 TPH | 22-28 TPH |
| Wire tier | Accent 470 | Accent 470 | Accent 470 | Accent 470 | Accent 470 |
| Controls | Touchscreen | Autonetics | Autonetics | Autonetics | Autonetics |
| Wear liners | Hardox 400 | Hardox 400 | Hardox 400 | Hardox 400 | Hardox 400 |
All Excel 2R Series models are available with left-hand or right-hand eject as standard. Conveyor options - above ground or in-ground - are available with all models for a complete turnkey system. HMS handles conveyor integration alongside baler installation.
Which Model Is Right for Your Operation?
The model decision comes down to three things: your daily volume, your material mix, and your electrical service. Here is a practical guide:
Choose the 2R63D if
- Your daily volume is under 15 tons and you need two-ram capability at a lower price and footprint
- You are a printer, distribution center, or recycling facility
- Floor space is constrained and the larger 2R models are impractical
- You are stepping up from a vertical or manual-tie baler and want a full penetration two-ram without the capital commitment of larger models
Choose the 2R9D if
- Your daily volume runs 20-30 tons of OCC, plastics, mixed paper, or mixed materials
- You need a capable single-motor machine with proven throughput and simpler electrical service than dual-motor models
- You are a recycler, scrap yard, or manufacturer with moderate-volume mixed material streams
Choose the 2R10D if
- Your daily volume runs 35+ tons of OCC, plastics, newspaper, or mixed materials
- You need the larger 90-inch feed opening to handle oversized or bulky incoming material
- You are running multi-shift operation and need the 600-gallon reservoir and dual motor reliability
- This is the most common choice for metal recycling facilities and MRF operations
Choose the 2R12D or 2R12D-XL if
- Your daily volume exceeds 100+ tons and you need the highest throughput in the lineup
- Your material stream includes single stream recyclables, heavy non-ferrous metals, or other demanding materials that require 500,000+ lbs of platen force
- You are spec-ing a new MRF baler and need the 56-inch wide feed opening to accommodate conveyor infeed at high throughput
- Choose the XL when your infeed volume consistently maxes out the standard 80-inch opening
What Is Included With Every New Excel Two-Ram From HMS
When you purchase a new Excel two-ram baler through HMS, here is what that includes:
- Full Excel manufacturer warranty - one year parts and labor on 2R9D and above
- Delivery and installation by HMS - our own team handles rigging, installation, and commissioning
- Operator training - we train your team before we leave the site
- Conveyor integration - HMS designs and installs conveyor infeed systems alongside the baler if needed
- After-sale service - the same team that installed the machine services it going forward
- Parts availability - HMS stocks Excel parts and can source anything we do not have on hand
Financing available - approvals in as little as 24 hours
HMS works with equipment lenders to offer flexible financing for qualified buyers on new Excel equipment. New machines qualify for Section 179 tax deduction in the year of purchase. Ask about current financing options when you request a quote.
Call (219) 733-2108 or contact us online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Excel offers five two-ram baler models in the 2R Series: the 2R63D (20HP, compact entry-level), the 2R9D (50HP, mid-range), the 2R10D (100HP, high-throughput), the 2R12D (200HP, high-force wide-body), and the 2R12D-XL (200HP, maximum capacity extended version). Each model steps up in horsepower, cylinder bore, platen force, and throughput capacity.
The Excel 2R9D runs on a single 50HP motor with a 9-inch main cylinder bore and delivers 190,851 lbs of platen force. The 2R10D uses two 50HP motors (100HP total) with a 10-inch main cylinder bore, delivering 235,619 lbs of platen force and a larger 40x90-inch feed opening versus the 2R9D's 40x65-inch opening. The 2R10D handles higher daily volumes and produces denser bales on demanding material streams.
The Excel 2R12D uses two 100HP motors (200HP total) and a 12-inch main cylinder bore at 4,500 PSI, generating 508,939 lbs of platen force - more than double the 2R10D. The 12-second cycle time and 56x80-inch feed opening make it the machine for very high-volume operations processing demanding mixed materials. The 2R12D-XL extends the feed opening to 56x110 inches for even larger material volumes.
Yes. Hoosier Machinery Solutions is an authorized Excel baler dealer. We sell new Excel two-ram balers backed by full manufacturer warranty, and we service Excel equipment in the field. Contact us at (219) 733-2108 or visit hoosiermachinery.com to request a quote on any Excel model.
Bottom Line
Five models, one trusted manufacturer, one authorized dealer
The Excel 2R Series covers a complete two-ram lineup - from the compact 2R63D suited for recycling facilities, distribution centers, and printers all the way to the 2R12D-XL built for the highest-volume MRF operations in the country. Every model shares the same interlocking construction, Hardox 400 wear liners, full platen penetration, and automated operation design that has made Excel one of the most respected names in recycling equipment.
HMS is an authorized Excel dealer. We carry new Excel two-ram balers, handle delivery and installation with our own team, and service the equipment after the sale. If you are ready to spec a machine or want to talk through which model fits your operation, call us or request a quote online.
Request a quote on any Excel two-ram model or talk through which machine fits your operation.