{"product_id":"48-vbxhd-cardboard-baler","title":"Carbon 48-VBXHD Low-Profile Cardboard Baler","description":"\u003ch1\u003eCarbon 48-VBXHD Cardboard Baler — 50 Tons of Force, 88-Inch Chassis\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-overview\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Carbon 48-VBXHD is the maximum pressing force available in a low-profile vertical cardboard baler. 110,000 lbs of cross-cylinder hydraulic force, mill-size 1,100 lb bales, and an 88-inch overall height — the most production-grade baler that fits under 8 feet of ceiling clearance. \u003cstrong\u003e$18,480.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have the cardboard volume to need 50 tons of force but your facility's ceiling height rules out a standard 60-VB (122 inches tall), the 48-VBXHD is the only baler in its class that solves both constraints. Same 47-inch bale your recycler picks up from the 60-VB, in a chassis that ships under standard truck height and installs anywhere with at least 96 inches of vertical clearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFull Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePress Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110,000 lbs (50 Tons) cross-cylinder hydraulic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMotor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.4 \/ 7.4 HP (4 \/ 5.5 kW) dual-speed, 208\/230V or 480V three-phase 60Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeed Opening\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e41\" × 22\" (1050 × 550 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChamber Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e63\" (1600 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBale Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e47\" × 32\" × 20–43\" (variable height)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBale Weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e660 – 1,100 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMachine Weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6,175 lbs (2,800 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall Dimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e71\" × 55\" × \u003cstrong\u003e88\"\u003c\/strong\u003e — fits under standard commercial ceilings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFootprint\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e27.1 sq ft (2.52 m²)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e208\/230V or 480V three-phase (standard industrial power)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCycle Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~55 seconds per compression cycle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoise Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≤70 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCardboard (OCC), paper, plastic film, textiles, aluminum cans, PET bottles\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSafety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePLC with auto-density, two-hand ejection control, anti-rebound gate (EU + US compliant), emergency stop, feed-door interlock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComponents\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContinental hoses (USA), NOK seals (Japan), Seven Ocean valves (Taiwan), OSL cylinders (China), Schneider electronics (France)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTiered: 5-yr structural · 2-yr hydraulics \u0026amp; electrical · 1-yr labor · lifetime phone support.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLead Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManufactured in ~5 weeks; delivery in 8-10 weeks total\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-built-for-shifts\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e50 Tons in 88 Inches — The Engineering Tradeoff\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standard 50-ton vertical baler stands roughly 122 inches tall. The hydraulic cylinder that delivers 110,000 lbs of force needs significant vertical travel plus its own body length — physics doesn't compress a single ram into a shorter package. To deliver 50 tons in 88 inches, the 48-VBXHD uses two crossed hydraulic cylinders mounted at angles, with a dual-speed motor (4 kW \/ 5.5 kW) that runs slower for the initial compression and faster for full force at the bottom of the stroke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a significantly more complex hydraulic design than a single-cylinder full-height baler. The two cylinders must deliver coordinated force without sacrificing platen alignment. The dual-speed motor has to transition smoothly under load. The platen guides have to compensate for angled force vectors. Engineering this correctly is what separates the 48-VBXHD from competing low-profile balers that compromise on bale weight or force to fit under the ceiling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"HD\" in 48-VBXHD reflects the heavy-duty rating: continuous-duty cycle, reinforced frame, and the same 5-year structural warranty as the rest of the lineup. The cross-cylinder design isn't a compromise — it's a separate engineering path to the same output specification as the 60-VB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-who-its-for\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Runs a Carbon 48-VBXHD Cardboard Baler?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-volume facilities with low ceilings.\u003c\/strong\u003e Distribution centers, fulfillment operations, and manufacturing plants processing 200+ boxes per day that need mill-size 1,100 lb bales — but with overhead constraints (older industrial buildings, mezzanines, freight elevators) that rule out a full-height 60-VB. The 48-VBXHD delivers the same 50-ton output in a chassis that fits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-floor warehouses with freight elevators.\u003c\/strong\u003e Most commercial freight elevators have interior height limits in the 84-96 inch range. The 48-VBXHD fits; full-height balers don't. If you need a 50-ton baler on floor 2 or 3, this is the path that doesn't require disassembly or crane install.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperations replacing aging compact balers.\u003c\/strong\u003e Older Bramidan B-series, BACE Low Ceiling, or PTR compact units in the 40-50 ton range that have reached end-of-life. The 48-VBXHD slots in with similar floor footprint and delivers more force per square foot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetailers with high cardboard turn but limited dock space.\u003c\/strong\u003e Big-box stores and membership warehouses processing daily inbound at scale. The mill-size 1,100 lb bale brings recyclers in on schedule with no-cost pickups, often paying for the cardboard at current OCC commodity rates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-how-it-works\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow the Carbon 48-VBXHD Cardboard Compactor Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen the front loading door — 41 inches wide, 22 inches tall — and load flattened cardboard or other recyclable material into the chamber. Close the safety interlock door and activate the cycle. The dual-speed motor ramps the two crossed hydraulic cylinders to deliver up to 110,000 lbs of coordinated pressing force, compressing the load in a single ~55-second cycle. The PLC system manages each cycle and maintains uniform density across the bale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the bale reaches full height (variable 20-43 inches depending on density and material), thread baling wire through the four built-in tie channels, secure the bale, and activate the two-hand ejection control. The automatic ejector slides the finished bale out the front door for forklift pickup. At 660-1,100 lbs per bale, plan on forklift handling — pallet jacks are not rated for top-end bale weight. Most high-volume operations cycle 4-6 bales per day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-competitors\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow the Carbon 48-VBXHD Compares to Competing 50-Ton Low-Profile Balers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFeature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCarbon 48-VBXHD\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBramidan B50 (Lo-Pro)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePTR 3300CC (Low Ceiling)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStandard 60-VB\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$18,480\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~$24,500 (as of 2026)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~$22,800 (as of 2026)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$16,960\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePress Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50 tons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~50 tons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~50 tons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50 tons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBale Weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e660-1,100 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~600-1,050 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~660-1,100 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e700-1,100 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e88\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~96\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~94\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e122\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLead Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-10 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-16 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14-18 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-10 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe standard 60-VB at $16,960 is the better value when ceiling height isn't a constraint — same 50-ton force, $1,520 less. The 48-VBXHD exists specifically for facilities where the 60-VB's 122-inch height doesn't fit. Against competing low-profile balers (Bramidan B-series, PTR Low Ceiling line), the 48-VBXHD runs $4,000-$6,000 less, with faster lead times and identical industrial-grade components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-shipping\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShipping, Delivery, and Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShips upright via LTL freight — the 88-inch height fits under standard truck clearance without disassembly. Forklift required for unloading and positioning (6,175 lbs machine weight; 5,000-lb-rated forklift minimum). Position on level concrete, fill the hydraulic system with AW-46 oil, anchor with four 3\/4\" anchor bolts into the slab, and have an electrician wire the three-phase connection. Expect 2-4 hours from delivery to first bale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully assembled baler, English manual, wiring and hydraulic diagrams, starter supply of baling wire. \u003cstrong\u003eYou supply:\u003c\/strong\u003e AW-46 hydraulic oil, additional baling wire, electrician, anchor bolts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-compare\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompare Cardboard Baler Models\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo ceiling constraint?\u003c\/strong\u003e The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/50-ton-vertical-cardboard-baler\"\u003eCarbon 60-VB\u003c\/a\u003e ($16,960) is the standard full-height 50-ton baler with the wider 59-inch feed — better value when overhead clearance isn't a problem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMid-volume operation in the same compact form factor?\u003c\/strong\u003e The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/48-vbx-cardboard-baler\"\u003eCarbon 48-VBX\u003c\/a\u003e ($17,520) delivers 30 tons of force in the same 88-inch chassis — for facilities that don't need full 50-ton output.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cardboard-baler-sizing-guide\"\u003eSizing guide\u003c\/a\u003e — find the right fit for your volume and space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much ceiling clearance do I actually need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Carbon 48-VBXHD is 88 inches (7 feet 4 inches) tall. Add 6 inches of working clearance above for safe ram travel and maintenance access, and you need 94 inches (7 feet 10 inches) of clear vertical space. Most commercial loading docks, mezzanines, and back-of-house spaces with 96-inch (8-foot) ceilings will accommodate it. The standard 60-VB at 122 inches needs roughly 128 inches (10 feet 8 inches) of clearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is the 48-VBXHD more expensive than the 60-VB at the same tonnage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou're paying for the cross-cylinder engineering. Delivering 50 tons of force in an 88-inch chassis requires two coordinated hydraulic cylinders and a dual-speed motor — significantly more complex than the single-cylinder design in the 60-VB. The chassis, hydraulic timing, dual-speed motor, and platen guides all cost more to manufacture. If your facility can fit the 60-VB (122-inch height), buy the 60-VB — it's the better value. The 48-VBXHD is for facilities where the 60-VB physically doesn't fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the difference between the 48-VBX and 48-VBXHD?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSame chassis, same 88-inch height, same 41-inch feed opening, same cross-cylinder design. The 48-VBXHD has a heavier-duty hydraulic system (50 tons vs. 30 tons), a dual-speed motor (4\/5.5 kW vs. single-speed 4 kW), reinforced frame components, and produces bigger bales (up to 1,100 lbs vs. 880 lbs). Machine weight is 6,175 lbs vs. 4,850 lbs because of the heavier internal components. Choose VBXHD when your daily cardboard volume justifies 50-ton force; choose VBX for mid-volume operations under 150 boxes\/day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the bale the same as the 60-VB?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Both machines produce 47\" × 32\" bales. The 48-VBXHD goes a bit taller (43-inch max bale height vs. 40-inch on the 60-VB), and bale weight runs 660-1,100 lbs on both. Your recycler treats them as the same standard size and prices them identically per ton.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the dual-speed motor require special wiring?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Standard 208\/230V or 480V three-phase 60Hz, same wiring as any other 3-phase baler in the lineup. The dual-speed control is internal to the motor — your electrician runs standard 3-phase to the disconnect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan this be installed on a mezzanine?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, with two caveats. First, the mezzanine has to be rated for 6,175 lbs of point load plus the live load of cardboard staging — that's a higher rating than the 48-VBX requires. Second, the freight elevator has to accommodate the 88-inch height and 71-inch width. Most commercial freight elevators handle both. For multi-floor 50-ton operations, the 48-VBXHD is the only practical option.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat size forklift do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5,000 lb capacity minimum for handling the 6,175 lb machine on its shipping pallet (with proper distribution across the forks). For ongoing bale handling, the same 5,000 lb forklift handles full-weight bales without issue. The unit arrives on a pallet with standard fork pockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat materials can this baler handle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardboard, paper, plastic film, textiles, aluminum cans, and PET bottles. For best recycling value, bale each material type separately. The 50-ton press force is rated for the full range of mixed commercial recyclables at high volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does the cross-cylinder design last?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSame 15-20 year service life as the rest of the Carbon Compactors lineup with standard preventive maintenance. Same NOK Japanese seals, Schneider French electronics, and Continental hoses as our full-height models. The dual-speed motor adds a maintenance touchpoint vs. single-speed designs but is standard industrial componentry with predictable wear patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-resources\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cardboard-baler-buying-guide\"\u003eCardboard Baler Buying Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/baler-roi-calculator\"\u003eROI Calculator\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/guides\/cardboard-baler-vs-compactor\"\u003eBaler vs. Compactor\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/guides\/cardboard-baler-cost\"\u003eHow Much Does a Cardboard Baler Cost?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/commercial-cardboard-balers\"\u003eBrowse all commercial balers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cardboard-balers\"\u003eCardboard balers — full lineup\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Carbon Compactors","offers":[{"title":"Yellow","offer_id":53143095935276,"sku":"CC-48VBXHD-YEL","price":18480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dark Green","offer_id":53143095771436,"sku":"CC-48VBXHD-DGN","price":18480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Teal","offer_id":53143095836972,"sku":"CC-48VBXHD-TEL","price":18480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Light Green","offer_id":53143095804204,"sku":"CC-48VBXHD-LGN","price":18480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Light Blue","offer_id":53143095869740,"sku":"CC-48VBXHD-LBU","price":18480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dark Blue","offer_id":53143095902508,"sku":"CC-48VBXHD-DBU","price":18480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Light Grey","offer_id":53143095705900,"sku":"CC-48VBXHD-LGR","price":18480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dark Grey","offer_id":53143095738668,"sku":"CC-48VBXHD-DGR","price":18480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White","offer_id":53143095673132,"sku":"CC-48VBXHD-WHT","price":18480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0965\/3266\/0524\/files\/CC-48VBXHD-YEL.png?v=1777567979","url":"https:\/\/carboncompactors.com\/products\/48-vbxhd-cardboard-baler","provider":"Carbon Compactors","version":"1.0","type":"link"}