Abstract: A bale binding machine for waste material has a bale encircling guide track for a band to bind the bale wherein the bottom portion of the guide track under the bale is provided with a pair of deflectors to intercept contaminating liquids and solids falling from the bale and prevent contamination of the guide track.

Abstract: In the illustrated embodiments, with a bale of material compressed between upper and lower press platens an end binder moves toward one end of the bale and a back track moves toward the opposite end to apply a loop of strap around the top, bottom and ends of the bale. Two side binders move from station to station along opposite sides of the bale to apply loops of strap around the top, bottom and sides of the bale at two strap positions at each station. Each side binder has a strapping section movable toward and away from the adjacent side of the bale. Strap guide tracks on the press platens are provided with covers which confine the straps during their feed movements and prevent premature release from the tracks.

Abstract: An elongated lift frame, lifted and moved by a crane, has a plurality of transverse spreader bars which may be shifted to different positions along the frame. The spreader bars have extensions in their ends equipped with supports for load hooks. A latch pin at each end of each spreader bar secures its extension in extended or retracted position and secures the spreader bar in a selected position on the lift frame.