A baler utilizing gas springs for controlling the movement of a loading door. Also disclosed is a baler for paper recycling having a control system responsive to switches and digital timers, and an electromagnetic interlock coupling a loading door and a chamber door, said control system including a programmable relay having outputs to motor starter, control valves, and electromagnetic interlock. A mode selection switch enables automatic, manual down, and manual up modes, the latter of which is used to eject a bale. The electromagnetic interlock performs multiple functions reducing the number of components needed in the system, improving reliability and reducing maintenance.