Production years
Approx. 2003-2009 (confirm by serial number)
Vermeer baler ยท Approximately 2003-2009 (confirm exact year by serial number with a Vermeer dealer)
Vermeer 605M Baler
The Vermeer 605M is a variable-chamber round baler from the mid-2000s that makes large round bales up to roughly 5 feet wide by 6 feet in diameter. It was a core model in Vermeer's long-running and popular 605 series, used widely across North America for baling grass hay, alfalfa, straw, and crop residue. The 605M built a strong reputation for dependable, high-capacity baling and dense, well-shaped bales, and it remains a common sight on the used market.
Baler type
Variable-chamber round baler (belt type)
Bale size
Up to about 5 ft wide x 6 ft diameter (variable; smaller diameters selectable)
Power required
Roughly 65 PTO hp minimum commonly cited (more in heavy or damp crops)
Vermeer 605M specifications
| Production years | Approx. 2003-2009 (confirm by serial number) |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Variable-chamber round baler (belt type) |
| Bale size | Up to about 5 ft wide x 6 ft diameter (variable; smaller diameters selectable) |
| Pickup width | About 60 in (5 ft) gathering width; wide-pickup options were offered |
| Power required | Roughly 65 PTO hp minimum commonly cited (more in heavy or damp crops) |
| Weight (approx.) | Roughly 6,000-7,000 lb depending on options (confirm for a given unit) |
| Tying / wrapping | Twine tie standard; net wrap offered as an option |
| Bale weight capacity | Up to about 2,000 lb per bale depending on crop, moisture, and diameter |
What the 605M is used for
The 605M was designed for medium to large hay and forage operations that need to put up big round bales efficiently. Its variable chamber lets the operator start a firm core and build a dense, weather-shedding bale, which suits grass hay, alfalfa, wheat and grass straw, and cornstalks or other crop residue. The 5 ft x 6 ft bale format is a good fit for farms and ranches that handle bales with a tractor loader or bale spear rather than by hand, and the machine is sized for real acreage rather than hobby use.
Today owners value the 605M as a proven, no-frills used baler that still earns its keep. Many are run on livestock and hay-sale operations where simplicity and parts availability matter more than the latest electronics. Buyers often seek it out specifically because the 605 platform is familiar to operators and mechanics, making routine maintenance and in-season repairs straightforward.
Why the Vermeer 605M stands out
The 605M is notable mainly for reliability, capacity, and staying power. As part of Vermeer's flagship 605 line, it benefits from a large installed base, so parts and dealer support are generally easy to find and shop familiarity is high. Operators commonly praise its ability to make dense, uniform bales at good ground speeds and its relatively simple belt-and-chamber design, which keeps troubleshooting manageable. That combination of proven design, wide availability, and steady demand has helped the model hold value reasonably well on the used market compared with less common brands.
Buying a used Vermeer 605M
When looking at a used 605M, inspect the wear items first. Check the pickup teeth for missing or bent tines and the pickup bearings for play or noise. Examine the baler belts closely for cracking, fraying, splice condition, and uneven stretch, and watch the belt-tracking and take-up components, since worn belts and rollers are the most common capacity and bale-shape complaint on belt-type round balers. Spin the many rollers and idlers to feel for rough or dry bearings, and look for chain and gearbox wear and proper driveline and PTO condition, including the slip clutch. Test the tying system through a full cycle: on twine machines confirm the twine arms, tension, and wrap timing work cleanly, and on net-wrap machines confirm the net feeds, cuts, and wraps reliably, as net-wrap actuators and knives are a frequent service point. Ask for the operator manual and service history, and confirm bale-count and any monitor function. Have specifics such as exact model year, pickup width, and net-wrap equipment verified against the serial number with a Vermeer dealer before you buy.
Vermeer 605M frequently asked questions
What size bales does the Vermeer 605M make?
It makes large round bales up to about 5 feet wide by 6 feet in diameter. Because it is a variable-chamber baler, you can also select smaller diameters for lighter, easier-to-handle bales. Confirm the exact chamber range for a specific unit in the operator manual.
How much tractor horsepower do I need to run a 605M?
A minimum of roughly 65 PTO horsepower is commonly cited, but you will want more headroom for heavy, thick, or damp windrows and hilly ground. Match the tractor to your typical crop conditions, and verify the recommended minimum in the operator manual or with a Vermeer dealer.
Is the Vermeer 605M a good used baler, and what problems should I watch for?
It has a solid reputation as a dependable, high-capacity round baler with good parts availability, which is why many are still working. The most common wear points are the baler belts and rollers, pickup teeth and bearings, driveline and slip clutch, and the tying or net-wrap mechanism, so inspect those closely and run a full bale cycle before buying.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used balers vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.