Vermeer 604J- 540 or 1000 PTO?

Just got in my free manuals from vermeer on this baler. What a great service. I'm a little confused about the gearbox. My MF 175 is probably marginal for this machine, as it calls for 70 drawbar hp. It says I can turn the gearbox orientation on marginal tractors. I've seen this discussion before but can't find it. Would I want to run it as a 1000 rpm? It would slow the baler but but make the tractor work less? Or is a 175 just not enough. I'm already going to have to add another set of remotes as-is. Thanks for any input.

John

If I remember right, doesn't your baler have the 1000 rpm shaft right now? I would switch it to the 540, or keep it on 540 if that's what it's set up for now, and try it that way. A slow running baler makes for a long day. I'd rather slow my ground speed and keep the baler spinning at the right speed.

A 175 probably is marginal like the manual says, but I would think it should work ok. The few times we've used a round baler was on our 285. It's got probably 15 HP on your 175, but it's a great baling tractor with plenty of power, no matter if it's rounds or small squares.

Donovan from Wisconsin

Thank ya'll for the help. I haven't actually gotten to use the baler yet, kinda doing some preventative maintenance on it right now. When I do cut, I'll see how it works in it's current set-up and go from there. Now I either have to get a salvaged dual spool remotes set up. Or, does anyone think I could use the modular valve on the baler that sent hydraulics to the bale ejector (not there anymore) to run the hydraulic tie cylinder). I assume it works like a solenoid, I could run a switch to the tractor and use the one set of remotes I do have. I don't think my wife is going to let me spend too much more money. Wait till she sees the money roll in from this 20 acre hay operation!

Thanks,

John

You have a 540 tractor and a 540 baler. Then, you want to switch both over to 1,000 so it will run better?

You're givin' me a headache, John. Back 'er up, hook it up and go bale hay. :>)

Allan