How much does a bulk bag unloader cost?
The price of a bulk bag unloader, often called a bulk bag discharger, can vary based on the features of the bulk bag unloader. The cost of a basic bulk bag unloader starts at $14,550 USD and can go as high as $80,000+ for an automated bulk bag unloader with control system. Here are the main considerations of a bulk bag unloader application that will affect the price:
- Bulk Bag Weight – Bulk bag unloaders are designed for 1 ton and 2 ton bulk bags (FIBC's). Most bulk bag unloading applications will be covered by these designs but 3 ton units are also available.
- Bulk Bag Size – Bulk bags need to fit within a 60" x 60" frame when fill and supported by the bulk bag lifting straps. Any larger than this requires a custom design that is more expensive. The height of the bulk bags also affects the price of the discharger. Taller bags require more steel structure as well as longer lifting chain for hoists.
- Forklift or Electric Hoist Loading – A forklift frame is the lower cost option and includes a metal frame lifted by a forklift that attaches the bulk bag and then is set in the unloader. The addition of a hoist frame and hoist for lifting of the bulk bag is more expensive but frees up the forklift during loading and unloading of the bulk bags.
- Product Flowability – For products that bridge and are not free-flowing out of the bulk bag, flow aides like flexor paddles can be used to assist in emptying the bulk bag. These can be manually operated or automatic.
- Outlet valve – A bulk bag unloader can be equipped with a valve to stop flow to downstream processes. These valves can be low-cost manual gates or mid-range roller gates or higher end rotary valves depending on the needs of the application.
- Controls – Bulk bag unloaders can be configured as very simple manual devices or with controls to allow for bag weight indication and loss-in-weight or gain-in-weight unloading.
Cost of Common Configurations of Bulk Bag Unloaders
1 Ton Forklift Load UltiMAX™ bulk bag unloader with untie box, flexor paddles and V-form shut off valve - $ 22,540.00 USD
1 Ton Hoist Load UltiMAX™ bulk bag unloader with untie box, flexor paddles, V-form shut off valve and 1 ton electric hoist - $ 30,750.00 USD
Visit our UltiMAX™ bulk bag unloader prodcut page for additional details or Contact Erie Technical Systems Inc. today to discuss your UltiMAX™ bulk bag unloader application.
