F o r a g e s o l u t i o n s

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "F o r a g e s o l u t i o n s"

Victor Knight
6 years ago
Views:

1 Forage solutions

It started more than 40 years ago on a Sunday morning walk.

That conversation progressed to chalk sketches framing a new haying concept on a factory floor to an early design using fence posts to help form the core of a large round bale to a multi-state tour

By 1971 merely one year after that Sunday morning walk Vermeer had revolutionized the hay harvesting industry.

2 It started more than 40 years ago on a Sunday morning walk. An old friend spoke of leaving the cow-calf business because of the endless drudgery and constant need for help harvesting small square bales. That conversation progressed to chalk sketches framing a new haying concept on a factory floor to an early design using fence posts to help form the core of a large round bale to a multi-state tour with a crude prototype performing before thousands also looking for a better way to bale hay. By 1971 merely one year after that Sunday morning walk Vermeer had revolutionized the hay harvesting industry. Today, Vermeer is a global leading-edge innovator, focused on forage and biomass harvesting and processing systems. We re always in search of the next revolution, the idea that evolves into a better way Gary Vermeer creates a mechanical hoist to ease the process of unloading his grain wagon during harvest. As word spreads, Gary (along with cousin and local banker Ralph Vermeer) start Vermeer Manufacturing Co. on November 22, As the company grows, so does its product lines. Portable PTO-powered hammermills, designed to eliminate flat belts and pulleys (which often slip when grinding grain in cold or wet weather), are introduced by Vermeer and spark new growth. Later, Vermeer introduces additional PTOdriven products that further define the Vermeer product line, especially in the early 1950s. Vermeer introduces the Pow- R-Sprinkler, a self-propelled irrigation system, which gently distributes water in large circles over crops. Shortly thereafter, the company goes international and launches a self-propelled Pow-R- Ditcher (trencher). While testing a new stump cutter prototype, a Vermeer employee accidentally hits the wrong lever causing the cutting wheel to move horizontally across the stump. This mistake leads to the production of a top-of-the-line stump cutter design that is still being used today. The Vermeer Board of Directors creates its first charitable foundation, and continues to donate generously today through the Vermeer Charitable Foundation (VCF). One of Gary Vermeer s personal friends tells him he intends to sell his cow-calf business due to the hassles of baling hay and finding dependable hired hands to help put it up. The very next morning, with help from Vermeer product engineers, Vermeer chalks the initial design of the original Vermeer baler on the factory floor; 45 days later, the first prototype rolls out the door and the One-Man Hay System is born. To increase hay production and hydraulically size windrows to the new big round baler, Vermeer adds the unique, narrow-folding TwinRake to a rapidly expanding hay product line.

1989 1997 1999 2005 2008 2008 2009 In 1989, Lely provides their exclusive modular cutterbars for a new line of Vermeer mowers and mower conditioners.

A new lean initiative takes hold as Vermeer starts to apply innovative thinking to all areas of the operation by relentlessly pursuing waste and streamlining manufacturing.

In an effort to meet the needs of part-time farmers and ranchers who want the freedom and convenience of rolling their own bales according to their own schedules, Vermeer introduces the new Rebel

3 In 1989, Lely provides their exclusive modular cutterbars for a new line of Vermeer mowers and mower conditioners. Later in 2003, the two companies form a strategic alliance that allows Vermeer to market and service all LELY hay and forage equipment in the USA under the Vermeer brand. A new lean initiative takes hold as Vermeer starts to apply innovative thinking to all areas of the operation by relentlessly pursuing waste and streamlining manufacturing. This significantly improves cost management, safety, quality, lead time, customer service and many other aspects of the business. In an effort to meet the needs of part-time farmers and ranchers who want the freedom and convenience of rolling their own bales according to their own schedules, Vermeer introduces the new Rebel baler, one of the most popular balers ever built at Vermeer. Vermeer introduces the patented Quick-Clip Blade Retention System, which allows hay producers to replace or reverse disc-style cutting blades in seconds. Vermeer introduces the 605 Super M Cornstalk Special for custom operators and high-volume producers. It s designed to increase tonnage per day and provide cost efficiencies in feeding/bedding operations as well as offer an ultimate harvesting solution in an expanding biomass industry. Vermeer Corporation, along with the Dutch-based Lely Group, acquires German agricultural baler and bale-wrapper manufacturer Welger Maschinenfabrik GmbH to expand global presence in grassland machinery and baling equipment. Vermeer launches a new big swath TM1200 Trailed Mower, which cuts up to 15.5' (4.7 m). This new system saves time and eliminates the need for 3-point mowers that tie up extra tractors, extra operators and consume considerably more fuel. A year later they introduce the TM1400, which cuts 18' (5.5 m).

Innovation begins with a need and it s fueled by a relentless effort to succeed.

The journey for Vermeer continues in search of better ways to help livestock producers achieve better results and cost efficiencies in haying/feeding/bedding

Super M Series Balers are the heavyweights in their class, designed for high-volume producers who want great-looking, largediameter bales along with superior

4 Innovation begins with a need and it s fueled by a relentless effort to succeed. It s often been said that the real reward of success is the journey, not the prize. The journey for Vermeer continues in search of better ways to help livestock producers achieve better results and cost efficiencies in haying/feeding/bedding operations and meeting the challenges of harvesting crop residues for the fastemerging biomass industry. Super M Series Balers are the heavyweights in their class, designed for high-volume producers who want great-looking, largediameter bales along with superior operating speed, performance, reliability and uncompromising quality, right down to the details. The 605 Super M baler runs extremely well. It runs fast and it wraps well compared to other balers we ve run. There has been little, low-cost maintenance to do on this machine. It s also really quick I can average quite a few bales per hour, which saves time. Charles, Texas 605 Super M Baler

I really like the Vermeer Cornstalk Special because it s built heavier and more reliable than the competition.

If I ever need help getting parts or have questions they are always easy to reach.

windguard design that ensures better starts, faster operating speeds, clean uniform intake reducing the cornstalk buildup that plugs the pickups of so many

5 I really like the Vermeer Cornstalk Special because it s built heavier and more reliable than the competition. The machine is very durable and has a great design. The service has been great with my dealer. If I ever need help getting parts or have questions they are always easy to reach. Kyle, Iowa 605 Super M Cornstalk Special The 605 Super M Cornstalk Special is the ultimate biomass harvesting solution with an exclusive, patented powered windguard design that ensures better starts, faster operating speeds, clean uniform intake reducing the cornstalk buildup that plugs the pickups of so many other balers. There s nothing like it in stalks! Bale silage like a pro! The Vermeer 404Pro Baler has set a whole new standard worldwide for silage baling performance and it is fast becoming a favorite among dairy producers in search of better handling solutions, more reliability and superior performance in high-moisture forages.

Vermeer Rancher and Rebel Balers are two highly successful products of this process, created by listening to the needs of Vermeer customers.

6 Communication is the key to understanding customer needs. And the only way to do it is to listen. At Vermeer we define this process as Market-Based Strategy and we refine it through the Voice of the Customer. Vermeer Rancher and Rebel Balers are two highly successful products of this process, created by listening to the needs of Vermeer customers. Vermeer Rancher Balers are priced right even when compared to late-model used balers. But more importantly, they match up perfectly with lower horsepower tractors commonly used in cow-calf operations. And they produce 66" diameter bales that are easily handled by mid-sized tractors, loaders or skid steers. Just right for your ranch! The Rebel Baler is designed for hard-working, independent operators who have a sharp eye for great values. These folks like to roll their own bales, on their own time, on their own schedule, using lower horsepower tractors. These smaller 60" (152 cm) diameter balers offer the perfect balance of simplicity, convenience and long-term reliability for the rural lifestyle customer.

I ve never owned a baler so I spoke to some people who do bale people I could count on and they recommended Vermeer.

Charles, Georgia - 504M Baler It s simple not complex and well made.

I ve had all kinds of equipment over the years and Vermeer, by far, holds up the best.

7 I ve never owned a baler so I spoke to some people who do bale people I could count on and they recommended Vermeer. I got to looking and learned that Vermeer was the first to come out with the baler. I m proud to own one. Charles, Georgia - 504M Baler It s simple not complex and well made. After 5 years everything still looks like it s brand new; still has a good paint job with solid welding. I ve had all kinds of equipment over the years and Vermeer, by far, holds up the best. Thomas, Alabama Rebel 5410 Baler The Vermeer 504N was designed for high-production hay producers who want the speed, operating efficiency, functionality and reliability of the M Series and great-looking, high-density bales in smaller 5' x 4' (1.5 m x 1.2 m) packages.

Increasing the capacity improving the performance simplifying the process.

At the same time, they must frequently battle fickle and ever-changing weather patterns. Smaller windows of opportunity mean increased pressure to produce.

operator convenience. Hay producers are seeing an improvement in performance with Vermeer VR Series high-capacity and carted wheel rakes.

8 Increasing the capacity improving the performance simplifying the process. As demand for high-production harvesting grows, today s larger hay producers and custom operators have increased the acres they harvest. At the same time, they must frequently battle fickle and ever-changing weather patterns. Smaller windows of opportunity mean increased pressure to produce. To alleviate that pressure, Vermeer hay rakes have been reshaped and redesigned to improve productivity based on four key improvement objectives high-production performance, speed, durability and operator convenience. Hay producers are seeing an improvement in performance with Vermeer VR Series high-capacity and carted wheel rakes. Four primary reasons: larger models; high-clearance frames to handle high-volume crops; improved suspensions (hydraulic or tool-free adjustments); and optional center splitters (shown below) that allow you to sweep every inch of the swath to accelerate dry down and create better, more consistent moisture levels in the windrow. The Rebel Rake is a simple, reliable, value-priced workhorse engineered to handle your part-time raking needs without draining your pocketbook.

We like the R2800 because we needed a rake that would rake a lot of different crops and in different conditions.

When we were looking at our options for a bigger-sized, hydraulic driven rake, we felt the R2800 was the bestbuilt, heaviest piece of equipment out there.

No other rake would have done what this one did in heavy forage last year.

9 We like the R2800 because we needed a rake that would rake a lot of different crops and in different conditions. I especially like that everything is controlled hydraulically from the cab. Everything can be done much more quickly. When we were looking at our options for a bigger-sized, hydraulic driven rake, we felt the R2800 was the bestbuilt, heaviest piece of equipment out there. Chad, Oklahoma R2800 Rake It s awesome. We had record forage crops and we were still able to doubleswath the hay. Any other rake would have rolled over top. No other rake would have done what this one did in heavy forage last year. Tom, Saskatchewan R2300 Rake Classic Vermeer R Series twin basket rakes are defined by the quiet rhythmic rotation of their twin baskets, as caster-type wheels cushion the ride and long rubber-mounted tines gently sweep the fields clean while barely disturbing the soil not to mention the millions of acres they ve traveled and the high resale values they maintain.

advanced forage harvesting operations from different regions of the world.

They have redefined the way wet-downed hay should be handled gently hooked and uniformly spread for maximum dry down results.

10 The hook tine advantage. Working with global alliance partners in the forage industry enables us to introduce proven and superior technologies used by advanced forage harvesting operations from different regions of the world. The patented hook tine tedders (originally developed in Europe by Lely) are a perfect example. They have redefined the way wet-downed hay should be handled gently hooked and uniformly spread for maximum dry down results. More and more producers are now discovering the reliability and tremendous benefits of its exclusive bottoms-up tedding action. As an extra benefit, these are also the only tedders in the field today offering a 3-year warranty on tine replacement. Bottoms-up tedding action? The shorter leg of the double tine picks up drier crop material off the surface; the longer one picks up the lower and wetter material. This allows you to gently flip wetter material bottoms-up (instead of blending it together) for superior consistency and dry down. The tooth design is very helpful. I like how it gets right down on the ground to pick up the hay. Other tedders have all been the same for the past 20 years, and Vermeer saw the need to change and updated the tedder. I appreciate that. Worley, Maryland TE170 Tedder

makes it easier to get a hold of the hay.

Kevin, Ohio TE330 Tedder The giant TE490 Tedder covers up to 49' (14.

It s simply the largest, most efficient way to ted your crops for

Hook tine design allows you to decrease RPMs, minimize loss and

11 The teeth are an excellent concept. They pick up the hay much better because they are bent forward which makes it easier to get a hold of the hay. It fits what I need agile and mobile. Kevin, Ohio TE330 Tedder The giant TE490 Tedder covers up to 49' (14.9 m) in one pass. It s simply the largest, most efficient way to ted your crops for maximum forage quality. Hook tine design allows you to decrease RPMs, minimize loss and disperse the crop more evenly without contaminating the crop or prematurely damaging the tines. The hook tine is also used on the Rebel TR90 Tedder/Rake Combo, which turns it into a compact, versatile workhorse without compromising quality or performance, whether tedding or raking.

Leading the way in mower innovation. Hitch n go trailed mowers with cutting widths up to 18' (5.5 m). Big swath models featuring split independent cutter bars.

Today, Vermeer continues to be one of the leading innovators of new cutting solutions.

12 Leading the way in mower innovation. Hitch n go trailed mowers with cutting widths up to 18' (5.5 m). Big swath models featuring split independent cutter bars. Nitrogen-charged hydraulic suspension systems. Patented Quick-Clip blade retention for quick, painless blade replacement. Simple, no-tool adjustments. 3-year cutter bar warranty protection. Today, Vermeer continues to be one of the leading innovators of new cutting solutions. The strength, speed and flexibility of the TM850 Trailed Mower has set new performance standards in the 10' class. And, you can run it with just a 60 hp (44.7 kw) tractor and hook it up with just the drop of a hitch pin! One pass with the heavy-duty Vermeer TM1400 Trailed Mower and you re cutting up to 18' (5.5 m) wide with just a 95 hp (70.8 kw) tractor saving time and eliminating all those 3-point mowers that tie up extra tractors, extra operators and consume considerably more fuel.

One of the big reasons I went with Vermeer is the service they provide after the sale,

They also have parts other dealers don t stock and I can get them shipped right away.

For years we went away from mowers to swathers because of rocks and such.

13 One of the big reasons I went with Vermeer is the service they provide after the sale, including weekends. They also have parts other dealers don t stock and I can get them shipped right away. Dan, North Dakota Super M Baler We love it. For years we went away from mowers to swathers because of rocks and such. Now our son is thinking of getting rid of swathers altogether because this mower does such a nice job. It s heavier built than other machines and the service support on them has been excellent. Madeleine, Wyoming TM1200 Trailed Mower

Remember yesterday s old 3-pt-mounted sickle bar mowers and mower conditioners? Many are still in use today.

Welcome to the next generation of disc mowers from Vermeer.

14 Remember yesterday s old 3-pt-mounted sickle bar mowers and mower conditioners? Many are still in use today. But when it comes to efficient and high-production hay harvesting, the rules have dramatically changed. Today s quality-built next generation disc mowers with heavy-built cutting discs, super-sized skid shoes and sleek, low profile cutter bars are more reliable (and reduce maintenance issues), especially when you encounter a big dose of heavy, high-moisture crops or tough ground. Welcome to the next generation of disc mowers from Vermeer DiscPro Mower Conditioners featuring exclusive DynaGuard Protection are built to cut, crimp and handle acre after acre of high-volume hay (including some of the more punishing stalk material encountered with cane and peanut stubble). With your choice of spring-steel conditioning paddles and steel conditioner rollers you can handle everything from gentle crimping to the more aggressive crushing techniques used in cane crops.

I like the way they are set up very simple and how the new blades

) And it s a lot easier to pull than a tine mower.

My dealer and the product. Just the service from both of them.

15 I like the way they are set up very simple and how the new blades go on. (They re easier to install versus the last mower I owned.) And it s a lot easier to pull than a tine mower. Dale, Missouri MC840 DiscPro What do I like about Vermeer? My dealer and the product. Just the service from both of them. If I have a service issue, my dealer takes care of me. Dallas, Alabama - Rancher 665 Baler

I use it to feed and spread out hay for bedding. I was looking for a way to mix my hay in better with my feeder wagon.

I used to have someone come in to grind feed for me around 20 to 30 bales at a time and I didn t have room for storage.

Mike, Minnesota BP8000 Bale Processor With the Final Cut Feed Chopper attachment, you can take more control of your feeding operation by

16 I use it to feed and spread out hay for bedding. I was looking for a way to mix my hay in better with my feeder wagon. This new Final Cut model makes it much easier and better to mix. I used to have someone come in to grind feed for me around 20 to 30 bales at a time and I didn t have room for storage. Now I grind whatever I need whenever I need it; I really like that flexibility. Mike, Minnesota BP8000 Bale Processor With the Final Cut Feed Chopper attachment, you can take more control of your feeding operation by producing TMR-ready chopped forages and utilize ethanol co-products by mixing them in with short, uniform particlesize material. This minimizes waste, maximizes feed intake and improves digestion. No need to wait on the schedules or meet the minimums required for large-scale grinding. Process what you want, when you want it!

Making the bale is only the beginning. Want to enhance quality and save time after the bale is made? That s where Vermeer bale processors really make sense.

the herd. And they save time! In less than two minutes, you can process a 2,000 lb (907 kg) bale. And, with an extra bale on the forks, you can feed and bed 4,000 lbs (1814 kg) of hay in one trip.

Processed bales also reduce manure-handling issues, increase land productivity and create a cleaner, open-range feeding environment to ensure all your cattle get equal access at feeding time.

17 Making the bale is only the beginning. Want to enhance quality and save time after the bale is made? That s where Vermeer bale processors really make sense. First, they save hay up to 25 percent versus conventional ring feeding systems by blowing away dust, mold and mildew increasing the palatability of the forage and reducing the risk of contaminants to the herd. And they save time! In less than two minutes, you can process a 2,000 lb (907 kg) bale. And, with an extra bale on the forks, you can feed and bed 4,000 lbs (1814 kg) of hay in one trip. During critical calving season, that reduces mortality rates and protects the herd from frostbite. Processed bales also reduce manure-handling issues, increase land productivity and create a cleaner, open-range feeding environment to ensure all your cattle get equal access at feeding time. I ve been very pleased with it. I use it for bedding and some feeding for our dairy operation. When we switched over our rations to include a straw base, we were looking for more consistency in the material. So far it has given us that. It has also enhanced the bedding. It lasts longer. It has more absorbency, because it s cut into smaller pieces. And it creates a very nice texture for the cows. Jason, Iowa BP8000 Bale Processor

18 Pioneering the silage baling process from the very beginning. We started, of course, with balers designed to handle high-moisture crops. Then to complement it, we introduced the silage wrapper to convert finished silage bales into neat, high-nutrition, high-energy packages packages that increase feed efficiencies, weight gains and milk production of beef and dairy herds with highquality forage and increased palatability. Today, the flexibility and added advantages of the new wrapper systems from Vermeer in production, scheduling and reduced dry matter/leaf losses are changing the landscapes and mindsets of producers everywhere. Cab controls on the Vermeer SW5000 and SW5500 silage wrapper allow you to load, wrap, cut and discharge your bale. Depending upon the model, film can be stretched up to 70 percent more with pre-stretching systems that save costly film and ensure a tightfitting wrap! SW2500, SW5000 and SW5500 can handle bale widths up to 5' (1.5 m) wide, weighing up to 2500 lbs (1134 kg)! After the bale is wrapped, the wrapping table tilts backwards and lowers the wrapped bale gently to the ground ready for storage!

19 We ve used Vermeer for 25 years, but the biggest asset is really our dealer. They do a great job. They re handy and know their stuff. It s their service work, honesty and the price, that keeps bringing us back to them. Rodney, Missouri - TE330 Tedder

Vermeer Corporation P.O. Box 368 Pella, IA 50219 800.370.3659 vermeer.

20 Vermeer Corporation P.O. Box 368 Pella, IA vermeer.com Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design, and specifications, add improvements, or discontinue manufacture at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components. Vermeer, Vermeer logo, Rebel, Rancher, DiscPro, DynaGuard and Quick-Clip are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries Vermeer Corporation. All rights reserved. LF /11 GP (5K) / PN#

High Efficiency Hay Production The Importance of Matching Equipment

Mismatched Equipment Creates Bottlenecks From Hay & Forage Grower Magazine High Efficiency Hay Production The Importance of Matching Equipment - In an article written by Amanda Smith, she brings to light