Vermeer Unveils Five New Balers for 2026 Including ZR-2200 Self-Propelled Model

Vermeer Corporation has announced the launch of five new balers for 2026, including the ZR-2200 self-propelled baler, aimed at improving productivity, operator comfort and bale quality. The rollout also includes the 604 S-series balers, the 605S Rancher baler and three new models of carted wheel rakes.

“This isn’t just about new machines — It’s about helping our customers get more out of every hour in the field,” said Shane Rourke, managing director of forage for Vermeer. “We’ve taken feedback from dealers and hay producers to build equipment that’s intuitive, durable and designed to deliver results.”

604 S-Series Balers

The 604 S-series includes the Rancher, Signature and Premium models, all designed for 6-foot by 4-foot (1.8-meter by 1.2-meter) bales. The Rancher offers a reliable, straightforward option for value-focused producers, while the Signature features enhanced driveline capacity for high-volume operations. The Premium model adds smart automation and comfort-focused features to maximize efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.

All models share Vermeer’s proven components, including a camless wide pickup with hydraulic lift, mechanical netwrap system and the Atlas Pro control system with in-cab density adjustments.

“We designed the 604 S-series to give producers options that truly fit their operation,” said Thomas Van Woerkom, product manager. “Whether you’re baling a few hundred or a few thousand bales a year, there’s a model in this lineup that’s built to deliver the performance, reliability and bale quality you need.”

605S Rancher Baler

The 605S Rancher is Vermeer’s newest 6-foot by 5-foot (1.8-meter by 1.5-meter) baler, built for durability and heavy windrows. It features a 77-inch camless wide pickup with double rubber-mounted teeth, poly stripper bands, adjustable gauge wheels and a three-year pickup warranty. The baler includes the Atlas Pro control system and a mechanical netwrap with dual spiral rollers for a consistent bale appearance. Optional features such as net lift, auto lube, maintenance lights and scales are available.

“The 605S Rancher is built for producers who want more from their baler without overcomplicating the process,” said Van Woerkom. “It’s a practical, high-performing solution that brings together the best of Vermeer engineering with the features producers rely on to get the job done right.”

ZR-2200 Self-Propelled Baler

Vermeer is introducing the ZR-2200, a self-propelled 4-foot (1.2-meter) baler with the Z604S bale chamber, marking an expansion of its self-propelled lineup. The ZR-2200 features zero-turn maneuverability, integrated automation and a premium cab designed for long days in the field. Functions include auto tie and eject, real-time bale data, and TempSense bearing temperature monitoring.

“We’ve been listening to our customers since the day the ZR5-1200 hit the field,” Van Woerkom said. “The ZR-4S is the next leap forward in hay innovation — bringing unmatched comfort, smart automation and serious productivity to the 4-foot baler market. We couldn’t be more excited to deliver a machine that truly helps producers work smarter, not harder.”

Carted Wheel Rakes

Three new carted wheel rakes — the VRC820, VRC1022 and VRC1224 — feature robust construction, updated hydraulics, and simple adjustments. With widths ranging from 20 feet (6 meters) to 24 feet (7.3 meters), they are designed for durability and ease of use.

“The VRC wheel rake lineup is all about giving producers the durability and simplicity they need to keep moving,” said Shawn Wang, product manager. “These models are built to perform and built to last.”

Vermeer expects full availability of the new balers and wheel rakes in Spring 2026. For more information, producers should contact their local Vermeer dealer.