Updated Jan. 14, 2026

The Vermeer lineup makes it easy to choose the best round baler for your needs.

From simple to fully featured, Vermeer round balers help you work faster and protect bale quality — so you can select the best baler with confidence.

Vermeer round balers deliver durability, in‑cab control and smart automation — so you can choose the best baler for your acres, crops and goals.

Most forage producers share the same goal: produce consistent, high‑quality bales. But there’s no perfect one‑size‑fits‑all machine; some want simplicity and low upkeep, while others prioritize in‑cab automation, speed and maximum output. So what’s the best round baler for you?

The Vermeer lineup makes it easy to find the best baler for your operation. From the versatile 604R and 604S families to Pro G4 silage balers and self‑propelled machines, you’ll see clear paths for different acreage, crops and productivity goals. Next, we’ll help you match bale size, capacity and crop type — so you can choose with confidence.

Across today’s Vermeer balers, you’ll find a common foundation designed to simplify baling and boost uptime: camless wide pickups, hydraulic density control and a proven netwrap system. Many models add the Atlas™ or Atlas Pro™ control system for in‑cab density adjustments, bale‑shape monitoring and real‑time field stats. Read on to see how these options align with your acres and crops — and which is the best baler for your operation.

Proven, no‑nonsense round hay baler: 604S Rancher

The 604S Rancher is a straightforward hay baler for producers who want in‑cab density control on the latest S‑series platform. Atlas Pro puts density settings and basic field stats in the cab, while the S‑series foundation — camless wide pickup with hydraulic pickup lift and a mechanical netwrap system — is designed to keep you productive through changing windrows.

An optional net lift reduces manual handling when loading net, and durable components (including a hydraulic bale ramp) support day‑to‑day reliability.

If you’re after simple controls, practical hardware and consistent results across the season, this round baler is an easy fit without extra complexity.

Versatile, control‑forward round baler: 604S Signature

The 604S Signature adds more information in the cab and tools to keep bales uniform. Atlas Pro provides density adjustments and standard moisture sensors deliver real‑time and field‑average readings to help you decide when to keep baling or wait out a cloud. A dual spiral spreader bar helps keep net edge‑to‑edge for clean shoulders and denser bales, supporting appearance and stackability across changing windows.

Convenient to operate and straightforward to maintain, the 604S Signature is a well‑balanced round baler for day‑to‑day hay that benefits from moisture visibility and repeatable results.

Best round baler for a high-producing haymaker: 604S Premium

The 604S Premium is designed to help you put up more bales in a day with an emphasis on density and capacity, while keeping the controls familiar with Atlas Pro in‑cab adjustments and standard moisture sensors. A dual spiral spreader bar promotes edge‑to‑edge net for clean shoulders and uniform bale appearance.

Underneath, the S‑series foundation — a camless wide pickup with hydraulic pickup lift and a mechanical netwrap system — helps you keep moving as conditions change. If your priority is throughput and consistent, dense bales — with simple adjustments from the seat — this hay baler is an ideal choice.

Durable 6×5 hay baler with practical options: 605S Rancher

For operators who want 6×5 bales and a practical feature set, the 605S Rancher pairs a 77‑inch camless wide pickup and Atlas Pro in‑cab control with options that fit the work — net lift, Auto Lube, maintenance lights and an optional scale kit to track bale weights in the field.

It’s a durable, straightforward hay baler designed for heavy windrows and long days, with the S‑series operating experience and clear cab displays to manage output. Choose 605S Rancher if you want larger bales and useful options — including scales — without overcomplicating the machine.

“The 605S Rancher is built for producers who want more from their baler without overcomplicating the process,” said Thomas Van Woerkom, a product manager at Vermeer. “It’s a practical, high-performing solution that brings together the best of Vermeer engineering with the features producers rely on to get the job done right.”

Best self‑propelled baler: ZR5‑1200 or ZR5-4S

The Vermeer self‑propelled lineup is built to cut steps, add control and keep you comfortable.

The ZR‑4S brings a 4‑ft chamber with visibility and data baked in: large windows plus pickup/tailgate cameras help you follow the windrow and monitor ejection, while the in‑cab monitor displays bearing temperature, average moisture, bale weight and bales per hour and lets you adjust bale shape, net tension and density from the seat.

“We’ve been listening to our customers since the day the ZR5-1200 hit the field,” Van Woerkom said. “The ZR-4S is the next leap forward in hay innovation—bringing unmatched comfort, smart automation and serious productivity to the 4-ft baler market. We couldn’t be more excited to deliver a machine that truly helps producers work smarter, not harder.”

Similarly, the ZR5‑1200 pairs one‑step baling automation with zero‑turn maneuverability to help minimize missed windrows, plus quarter‑turn bale placement and speeds up to 12 mph in the field (conditions permitting) and up to 34 mph in transport. TempSense™ bearing temperature monitoring supports uptime through long days.

Choose the ZR‑4S when you want 4‑ft bales; choose the ZR5‑1200 when you want 5‑ft bales.

Both deliver self‑propelled speed, visibility and in‑cab control.

Cornstalk‑ready 6×5 round baler: 605N Cornstalk Special

For stalk‑heavy fields and rough ground, the 605N Cornstalk Special is built to handle abrasive residue and heavy windrows.

A dual‑stage bale chamber helps start bales quickly by reducing the chamber size at the start of the cycle, promoting tight, smooth starts in challenging material. To support longevity, an optional Auto Lube system can automatically grease critical bearings at set intervals, helping reduce manual maintenance and keep you productive through long days. Bale size ranges 36 in – 72 in in diameter with a 61‑in width, giving you full‑size 6×5 bales for efficient transport and feeding workflows.

If cornstalks are part of your season, this is the best round baler for your operation.

Silage balers for high‑moisture forage: 504 Pro G4 or 604 Pro G4 balers

Pro G4 balers are purpose‑built for forage and baleage, bringing a two‑bank, 17‑knife chopping system that lets you select 8, 9 or 17 knives to tune cut length, bale density and fermentation.

Atlas Pro adds a 7‑inch touchscreen for real‑time stats and in‑cab adjustments, while rear netwrap placement simplifies loading and supports edge‑to‑edge wrapping with adjustable net tension. Choose the 504 Pro G4 for 36 in – 60 in bale diameters or 604 Pro G4 for diameters up to 72 in — both at a 48‑in bale width — to fit your storage, transport and feeding setup.

For high‑moisture forage and baleage, Pro G4 is the best silage baler option.

To determine which is the best baler for you, think about what you need from your baler in the field. Then consider your budget. Talk to your local Vermeer dealer. They’ll help you find the best round baler for your operation.

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