Dual mode strapper

A dual mode strapper for strapping an article is illustrated with a strap-forming mechanism capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strap-forming mechanism defines an opening in which the article is received. The dual mode strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around the opening. When the strap-forming mechanism is operating in the first mode, the pre-formed strap holding area receives the pre-formed strap from the strap-forming mechanism and maintains the pre-formed strap in spaced-apart relation from the article before dispensing the pre-formed strap from the holding area onto the article to be strapped.