Buyers ask for "the price of a used paper machine" and expect one number. There isn't one. Two machines both described as 200 TPD fluting can differ by several million dollars, and the cheaper one is often the more expensive project by the time it runs. This article explains what moves the price so you can compare offers properly.

The seven variables

  • Trim width — a wider machine moves more tonnage and costs more, almost linearly within a grade.
  • Grade — testliner and kraft liner machines carry more drying capacity and command more than a fluting machine of the same width.
  • Year and maker — a known European or Japanese maker with documentation holds value; an unknown frame with no nameplate does not.
  • Condition — running and installed is worth the most. Dismantled with evidence is next. Dismantled and incomplete should be priced as a source of parts, not a machine.
  • Drives and controls — an old DC drive with no spares is a hidden cost. A recent AC drive and PLC package adds real value.
  • Dryer section — cylinder count, material (cast iron vs steel) and code status drive both price and risk.
  • Scope — machine only, or machine plus stock preparation, spares, dismantling, packing and supervision?

Rough ranges, and why we hesitate to publish them

Small second-hand machines in the 30–100 TPD range are often quoted in the hundreds of thousands of US dollars. Mid-range 100–300 TPD containerboard machines run into the millions. But a range quoted without the nameplate and condition evidence is guesswork, and guesswork is how buyers end up with a cheap machine that never reaches nameplate capacity.

How to ask for a price you can compare

Send the same five things to every supplier: grade, target TPD, available trim width, raw material (OCC, virgin, mixed), and your destination port. Then ask each quotation to state separately: machine price, refurbishment scope, spares, dismantling and packing, inland transport to port, and supervision. If a supplier cannot separate them, you cannot compare.

What usually surprises buyers

Three costs are systematically underestimated: replacing or upgrading the stock preparation front end, shipping and port handling for out-of-gauge dryer cylinders, and erection and commissioning time. We flag all three before you commit rather than after.

Next step: send your grade, capacity and port, and we will shortlist verifiable options with the evidence attached to each.