Vermeer 504 Bale Restrictors - Hay DR or KEH?

[DanielW]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for some info on the bale restrictors that were optional with older Vermeer balers. I know Hay DR and KEH have posted a few times about them, so
I'm hoping one or both of them might see this and be able to help.

I recently bought a 504G, knowing that these can work with lower HP tractors if the drive sprockets are swapped around and the bale restrictors are in place. I
work at a machine/fabrication shop, so making the new 11 tooth sprockets was easy. I suspect the bale restrictors will also be fairly straight forward to
fab/form, but I have no idea what they are, what their proper function is, or where they go - only that they help reduce required HP and make nicer-looking
bales. I plan to run with a Case 630 (48 PTO HP - rebuilt engine 4 years ago), which I understand should be plenty for one of these balers with the smaller
drive sprocket and bale restrictors as long as I don't mind going slower to match the slowed-down baler.

Any input on this would be greatly appreciated (pictures or diagrams would be fantastic). I ordered a parts manual, but just found out it won't arrive for
another 3 weeks at least, and even when I get it I'm not sure it will have the info I'm looking for.

Thanks kindly,

Dan

 

[DanielW]

Going to reply to myself here, in case anyone else is looking for these or curious about them:

The bale restrictors are two convex saucers, about 10 - 12 in diameter that sit just above the lower roller, bolting through two square holes in the main side-plates. They deflect/break-free, the hay from the side-walls of the baler as it rolls so it doesn't rub as hard, and thus takes less power to turn.

These are no longer available from Vermeer, but it should be fairly easy to make my own from convex hydraulic sump clean-out covers (available from many suppliers, see link for one reference). I'll not use the seal, of course, and grind an bevel around the outer edge. I'll weld a carriage bolt through the centre to act as the attachment stud, and grind welds down to make a smooth, convex surface.
Hydraulic Sump Clean Out Cover

 

[vapet]

Was going to take picture the next time baling, anyway, don't think you need to change sprockets, have used a Farmall 504 many times(45 hp) and does fine. The restrictors have a bar welded on back that is used to bolt to side panel. Unless you are baling full width windrow,feed only on the sides and the center will take care of itself within reason. Does not, I repeat, Does not like green spots. Conditioning the crop really helps.

 

[DanielW]

Thanks kindly - that's good to know. I was wondering if some sort of gussets or reinforcements should be on the back to strengthen where it bolts on - think I'll add one if the original had it.