A Vermeer baler for your operation

May 2020

Start here to find the right machine for you

The hay and forage industry has operations across the nation that range in crop varieties, methods and production output. These differences across operations validate the need for agriculture equipment manufacturers to produce a lineup of balers with specialized components and technology. A single machine can’t otherwise meet the gamut of producer needs and end-user demands.

“Vermeer has been in the round hay baler business for nearly 50 years and continues to be seen as a leader in the hay and forage industry,” said Vermeer Product Manager Josh Vrieze. “In 2017, Vermeer introduced the 504R Signature baler and completed the series with the Classic and Premium lines in 2018. As we watched how producers took to the 504 R-series balers, we quickly saw the same need for producers who make 6-foot x 4-foot (1.8-m x 1.2-m) bales. In 2019, we released the 604R Classic, Signature and Premium balers. We are proud to release the R-series platforms as we strive to find a better way for producers to make hay,” said Vrieze.

The 504 and 604 R-series baler platforms have a lot of commonalities — rotors, camless pickups, heavy-duty components and control systems — and both enable operators to make 5-foot x 4-foot (1.5-m x 1.2-m) or 6-foot x 4-foot (1.8-m x 1.2-m) round hay bales, respectively. Operators’ specific demands are met with three models: Classic, Signature and Premium. Each model has different levels of standard and optional features or kits for producers to customize the baler to fit their business needs.

Different lines for different producers

The first step, and an easy one, is determining which size is right for your operation. Do you want 5-foot x 4-foot (1.5-m x 1.2-m) bales or 6-foot x 4-foot (1.8-m x 1.2-m) bales? Based on your answer, the 504R or 604R, respectively, is the baler platform for your operation.

Next, further classify your business operations, resources you have on hand and how you make hay. For example, if you are focused on affordability, have low tractor power needs and bale fewer than 1,000 dry hay bales each year, the Classic lines are likely the best option. “The Classic lines are a good fit for part-time producers given their minimal setup, user-friendly controls and twine and/or netwrap options,” said Vrieze.

"Given the number of options, it’s important to closely consider your budget, operation or end users’ needs, and the features of each baler to find the right one for your operation."

If you produce more than 1,000 bales a year and work mainly in dry hay, the Signature lines may be a better fit. The part- or full-time operator who produces 1,000 or more bales every year will value the durability of the Signature lines — its heavy-duty components, camless pickup and netwrap system all work together to help make consistent, square-shouldered bales. For operator convenience, real-time moisture sensors come standard on both the 504R and 604R Signature (and Premium) balers and are shown in the cab via their control systems.

Finally, if you’re a full-time hay producer who values high capacity and technology and who needs peak speed and reliable performance to produce thousands of dry and/or wet hay bales each year, you’re most likely a candidate for the Premium lines.

The 504R Premium baler can produce 5-foot x 4-foot (1.5-m x 1.2-m) bales 20% faster than the Signature model with increased pickup speeds and faster tie cycles. And for those 6-foot x 4-foot (1.8-m x 1.2-m) round hay bale producers, the 604R Premium baler has been labeled as the cream of the crop with its heavy-duty steel doors, auto-eject bale feature and net lift system.

“Many producers think the number of bales produced each year is the main variable in determining which baler to purchase. However, they also need to take into account their business practices and preferences, such as bale weight/density, storage, transportation and terrain,” he said. “A Vermeer dealer can help buyers make good purchase decisions to sustain productive haymaking operations with the right 504 or 604 R-series baler.”

The Vermeer 504 and 604 R-series platforms offer producers a wide range of balers to make hay. Ultimately, the process of determining the right baler starts with identifying elements of your business and ends with a decision that fits financially and will provide the necessary performance in the field.

“Given the number of options, it’s important to closely consider your budget, operation or end users’ needs, and the features of each baler to find the right one for your operation,” Vrieze said.

Find out which baler is right for you and learn more at vermeer.com/balers.