Not sure I am ready to go all in on a newer round baler yet, so considering something to test drive for a few years to see how it goes.
Found what appears to be a Vermeer 554xl for sale. Does not look to bad, if anything the pickup tines need to be replaced. Chains and sprockets look good, probably the belts should be proactively changed if I bought it. Do not know the bale count, but there is still plenty of yellow paint everywhere. It is electric twine tie and hydraulic pickup.
I have read a ton about these balers on this forum and others and I am ready to ask a few questions.
1. I gather depending the age of the baler, it might have the newer M series pickup. How do you visually tell if it is newer or older? This pickup has no gathering wheels and has DCF Wide Pickup labeled on it.
2. The baler has hydraulic density and a gauge - I assume this is a good thing?
3. It has a bale ramp and what appears to be a kicker arm. I gather this is a plus?
4. The model says 554 with Accu-Tie. What does that mean?
5. How significant and different is the M series pickup from the original 554xl pickup and what is its advantage?
6. Can this baler be set to make a 4x4 round bale?
I read folks have a love/hate relationship with this baler, but also read with good belts, pickup tines and proper adjustment they can be a hay eating machine.
Any sage advice on the Vermeer 554xl round baler is much appreciated.
Thanks!
Bill
Found what appears to be a Vermeer 554xl for sale. Does not look to bad, if anything the pickup tines need to be replaced. Chains and sprockets look good, probably the belts should be proactively changed if I bought it. Do not know the bale count, but there is still plenty of yellow paint everywhere. It is electric twine tie and hydraulic pickup.
I have read a ton about these balers on this forum and others and I am ready to ask a few questions.
1. I gather depending the age of the baler, it might have the newer M series pickup. How do you visually tell if it is newer or older? This pickup has no gathering wheels and has DCF Wide Pickup labeled on it.
2. The baler has hydraulic density and a gauge - I assume this is a good thing?
3. It has a bale ramp and what appears to be a kicker arm. I gather this is a plus?
4. The model says 554 with Accu-Tie. What does that mean?
5. How significant and different is the M series pickup from the original 554xl pickup and what is its advantage?
6. Can this baler be set to make a 4x4 round bale?
I read folks have a love/hate relationship with this baler, but also read with good belts, pickup tines and proper adjustment they can be a hay eating machine.
Any sage advice on the Vermeer 554xl round baler is much appreciated.
Thanks!
Bill