Vermeer 504G vs. Claas 62

[Charles Richardson]

Ok guys, I've narrowed my search down to these two balers. Both are about the same money ($3K). Both are in pretty good shape. I've got to make a decision this week, supposed to rain midweek, I've got to be ready when it dries up. The Vermeer offers the tried and true name and reputation. The Claas is a drum style baler and appears to be a very simple machine to understand and repair. So far, all that I've found on the internet suggest that each are good machines. I'd sure appreciate hearing from some of you out there who have experience with either of these machines. Thanks in advance.

 

[Charles Richardson]

Hay Dr. are you out there?

 

[big jt]

Ran a C series Vermeer for college spending $$$. Had seen bales out of one of those soft core balers in the area. If you want the bales to stay round and in good shape I would say Vermeer hands down.

This is only my opinion for what it is worth.

 

[NEIADan]

We faced that question about 30 years ago. really thought one of those roller machines had some merit over the belts. Just before signing the papers, learned of someone elses misfortune of picking up a rock during the final compression rolls of the bale. He dented every roller in that machine. Since we have done custom baling for many different operators and don't have control of what's out there we stayed with Vermeer. A belt can be fixed in the field if needed and they are also easier on the hay leaves. Good luck

 

[Hay Dr]

The big question is the individual condition of each baler. Likely the Claas is a fixed chamber baler. The Vermeer is a variable chamber baler. Likely the Class is a newer baler. The Vermeer is likely 25 years old. Both balers will work so for $3,000 you likely do not have a bad choice given the information you have given us. Parts are available for the Vermeer. I believe parts will also be available for the Claas baler but they may not be as available as the Vermeer.

 

[RodinNS]

I'm thinking that the Rollant 62 is actually the earliest series of Claas balers.
We've run a 44S for 20 years.
It will be a soft core... but the quality of the bale that comes out is as dependant as the quality of the operator in front of it. They can make a plenty good bale.
I've also never seen anything that will come close to it for capacity either...

Rollers do break over time if you run a lot of stone through it. At the same time, it does keep going through the rocks where the others will want some parts right away. Your choice on that one....
Do watch the rollers for condition. Check the cylinders also. They need to hold tight to maintain bale density. Chains are the other big thing. If it's got chink chain, plan on changing them by about noon if you start baling at 11:30... Heavy series Reynold or comparable only. I've rebuilt the pickup a couple times now along with some pickup bearings; also done some welding on the pickup frame and bale ramps. Beyond that it's been a very troublefree machine aside from the abuse it's suffered.

I've never had any trouble getting parts for the baler, but sometimes there is a wait for things like rollers... but that's not something that jumps up and bites you overnight. If you have a bad roller you can have one on hand even if you don't want to change it right away. I think there's 3 or 4 different rollers in it and probably 3 different size bearings. Bearings are metric and can be obtained locally if you have a good bearing shop....
Other than that, I'd say if you're baling silage, Claas is the only baler to have. Hay... depends on your situation.

Rod