A unique, heavy-built, high-performance round baler that significantly improves speed, capacity, density and bale appearance - particularly when harvesting cornstalk bales - is now available from Vermeer Corporation, Pella, IA.

The new Vermeer 605 Super M Cornstalk Special is built for custom operators and high-volume producers. It's designed to increase tonnage per day by reducing the amount of fuel, time, steps and guesswork involved in producing round cornstalk bales.

The patented Cornstalk Special features a positive, powered feed system that helps direct coarse and high-volume stalk material to improve flow and consistency as material enters the bale chamber.

"This baler changes everything, especially when it comes to cornstalk baling," says Vermeer Forage Solutions Products Director Joe Michaels. "After numerous tests using the new 'powered windguard' concept, we discovered it significantly increases the capacity of cornstalk baling. It’s a great option for the 605 Super M, because this baler is a heavy-built, high-production unit designed to handle this type of coarse material," added Michaels.

The exclusive concept is the brainchild of farmer/innovator/custom operator Eric Woodford of Redwood Falls, MN. The hydraulically driven system mounts in front of the belts above the pickup assembly and works in conjunction with the pickup to ensure positive starts and clean, uniform intake of the stalks. Evenly-spaced, star-shaped plates, clamped to the hex shaft of the bar, help feed high volume cornstalk material into the bale chamber. The system is also reversible if stalk material starts to plug.

"We do a lot of cornstalk baling in Minnesota," said Woodford, "and I knew there had to be a simple, yet better way to prepare this stalk material for the baler. So, I started experimenting with different rollers, cutters and power requirements. Over the past three years, we ran this setup in all kinds of conditions. It really works well."

To further increase bale-starting speeds, a new dual-stage belt tightening system automatically adjusts to create a tighter, "more receptive" bale-starting chamber; it then expands as the bale starts to increase in size.

Optional load cells in the axles and hitch estimate bale weight information. Moisture sensors are also available to report crop moisture content. Three high-resolution sensors (located on the belts) provide "comprehensive bale shape and size feedback" to the operator (versus two-sensor systems found on most other baler models). All systems are linked to the unit's easy-to-operate Bale EXpert monitor.

Additional 605 Super M features:
A Drop 'n Go Bale Ejection system eliminates the need to disengage and re-engage the PTO when dropping a bale. A unique netwrap system feeds the net directly onto the main belts. Brake tension and friction feed (a) maximize the number of bales per roll (b) maintain tension on the wrap for a clean cut and positive grip for wrapping the next bale and (c) automatically adjust tension to the size of netwrap roll. Plus, an operator can actually speed up the wrapping cycle by triggering the start of the wrap function, even when the bale is completing its final rotation within the chamber. The system handles both standard and over-width net. A twine-tie option is not offered.

An exclusive Direct Crop Feed system eliminates the "stop-and-start" action of secondary rotor/stuffer drives. Double self-cleaning augers help reduce buildup by re-directing hay from the intake corners. Three-ply belts, with Alligator rivet lacing, increase wearability. Upper drive, lower drive and starter rollers are all built "through the wall" for increased bearing protection and stability. Large drive shafts and sprockets, premium-grade drive chains and bearings reduce wear and increase chain life. Reinforced steel side shields feature flex-fit latches and transport safety locks for extra protection in transport. Rust-resistant yellow zinc hardware plating, ground level servicing, 14L 16.1 flotation tires and semi-pneumatic pickup gauge wheels (w/hydraulic pickup lift) are all standard. (Larger 21.5L 16.1 flotation tires are also available as an option.)

Other features include cut-out clutch drive protection; safety/highway light assemblies; hydraulic hose guides; fire extinguisher and the Bale EXpert monitor with convenient suction cup mounting.

The Vermeer Cornstalk Special (1000 RPM only) produces high-density packages 30" to 72" in diameter, 61" wide, with a maximum bale weight of 2400 lbs (dry). Hydraulic requirements include two pairs of auxiliary remote outlets (2000 psi, 10 gpm flow) and 12 VDC power source (30AMP).

Vermeer manufactures a full line of haying equipment including large round balers, mowers, mower/conditioners, rakes, tedders, bale processors, silage wrappers, bale movers and hay handling equipment; plus a wide assortment of industrial equipment for tree, construction, environmental and underground utility service work. For more information on Vermeer Agricultural equipment, log into the Vermeer Ag website at www.vermeerag.com

VERMEER®, the Vermeer logo and FINAL CUT are registered trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries.