Case IH’s new RB6 series variable chamber round baler offers durability and less maintenance with triple seal bearings throughout the machine. This ensures contaminants stay out while lubricants stay in to maintain optimal operation.
The RB566 model includes several enhancement options:
- New double roller windguard increases compression and control for OSF pickups, allowing for increased capacity and ground speed.
- The new Bale Weigh capability allows operators to monitor and record individual bale weight on an ongoing basis via in-cab monitoring. This capability weighs the bale in chamber without pausing the machine.
- Pro 700 Plus display or Pro 1200 display compatibility.
- FieldOps machine and telematics data via mobile and web apps have the ability to monitor individual bale data such as drop location, weight and moisture content.
“Another thing we’ve done is, on our pickup, we’ve went to a double roller windguard on the 566. Our customers who are bailing a lot of corn stalks, they’re dealing with some big windrows,” says Brian Williams, livestock product specialist, CNH Industrial. “And what this does is it pushes those windrows down and smashes them out and allows them to feed into the baler more fluidly so they can go faster.”
The RB6 series is manufactured in the U.S. in New Holland, Penn., and order writing is open now. Orders signed this fall will begin shipping in March 2026.
John Deere intros V452M Round Baler with stepped-up automation features
John Deere says its new V452M round baler provides enhanced productivity and precision ag tech integration for hay and forage operations.
The V452M headlines a newly updated lineup of VR and CR round baler models, introducing a new naming convention and advanced features purpose-built for heavy crop and silage conditions, while the current 1 Series round balers will continue to serve customer baling needs.
Expanding the versatility of John Deere’s round baler lineup, the VM, VR and CR lineup updates include variable-chamber and variable-wrapping combination models.
Key features of the V452M include:
- Advanced Bale Chamber Technology: Three starting rolls and two belt drive rolls ensure consistent bale rotation.
- Larger Bale Chamber: 4-by-5½ feet chamber width to maximize bale weight.
- High-Density Silage Capability: Produces silage bales up to 11.7 pounds per cubic foot.
The full updated Model Year 2026 Deere baler lineup introduces several features to boost productivity (capabilities vary by model):
- Industry-Leading Gate Cycle Time: As fast as three seconds for more bales per hour.
- Moisture Sensors and Bale Scales: Seamlessly connect to the free John Deere Operations Center for near real-time bale documentation and yield insights.
- G5 or G5e Monitor for in-cab adjustments and data-driven decisions.
- High-Capacity Feeding System: A 7.2-foot-wide five-bar pickup handles heavy windrows with ease.
- Baler Automation With New Unplug Assist automatically stops the tractor when the target bale size is reached and manages the gate cycle. When needed, Unplug Assist automatically stops the tractor and disengages the PTO when a plug is detected.
The VM, VR and CR balers will begin shipping in November 2025. For more information, contact your local John Deere dealer
New Holland rolls out Roll-Belt 1 Series Balers
New for model year 2026, New Holland is introducing three updated Roll-Belt 1 Series models designed to work smarter, bale faster and ensure producers stay connected.
New Holland says feeding performance gets a boost with its Roll-Belt 451, 461 and 561 models. A newly designed single roller windguard now comes standard on all OSF (OverShot Feeder) pickup models. And a larger 8.4" roller — 60% larger in diameter than its predecessor — helps better compress the crop mat and improve feeding into the chamber.
For those baling larger windrows, a new dual roller windguard is available as an upgrade option on the 561 model. The front and rear rollers pivot independently, providing adaptive control in variable crop and ground conditions. Operators can also lock both rollers together when compressing loose or fluffy windrows.
“Each of these three models has a distinct fit. Take, for example, the Roll-Belt 561. In corn stalks, it truly shines,” says Alex Berwager, livestock and dairy business manager, New Holland. “We’re seeing a 16% improvement in feeding capacity thanks to the dual roller windguard, jumping from 43 to 50 tons per hour. That means less plugging from the controlled crop flow and greater productivity to tackle more when your time is short.”
Vermeer launches fleet of new baler and hay tools for 2026
Vermeer’s new model year 2026 baler and hay tool launch is led by the all-new ZR-2200 self-propelled baler.
The launch fleet also includes:
- 604 S series balers
- 605S Rancher baler
- ZR-2200 self-propelled baler with the Z604S bale chamber
- 3 new models of carted wheel rakes.
“We’ve taken feedback from dealers and hay producers to build equipment that’s intuitive, durable and designed to deliver results,” said Shane Rourke, managing director of forage, Vermeer.
The new 604 S series balers come in three models: Rancher, Signature and Premium (shown above).
Vermeer says the machines are built to help producers get more 6’x4' (1.8-m by 1.2-m) bales put up in a day.
- The 604S Rancher is a reliable, straightforward option for value-focused producers who want durable components and convenient operation.
- The 604S Signature features enhanced driveline capacity and rugged components, ideal for high-volume operations.
- The 604S Premium pulls out all the stops with smart automation, comfort-focused features and productivity tools that help operators work faster, smarter and with less effort.
All three models share common components — including the camless wide pickup with a hydraulic pickup lift, a mechanical netwrap system and the Atlas Pro control system with in-cab density adjustments.
Since the launch of the ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler in 2017, producers have consistently asked for a 4' (1.2-m) model that delivers the same level of automation, comfort and productivity.
Vermeer says it is answering that request with the new ZR-2200 self-propelled baler with the Z604S bale chamber (ZR-4S). The ZR-4S (pictured above) features zero-turn maneuverability, integrated automation and a premium cab packed with operator-focused features.
From auto tie and eject to real-time bale data and TempSense bearing temperature monitoring, the ZR-4S self-propelled baler is built to keep operators productive, informed and comfortable.
Three new carted wheel rakes — the VRC820, VRC1022 and VRC1224 — offer robust construction, updated hydraulics, and simple adjustments to help producers get the most out of every pass.
With raking widths ranging from 20' (6 m) to 24' (7.3 m), these rakes are designed for longevity and ease of use for operators of all sizes.
Full availability on these new hay tools is expected in Spring 2026.
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