True multi-crop baling where speed is essential. Packed with features it’s a high value package that will perform reliably, year after year.
Left, pickup with cam track; right, cam-less pickup
Versatility has been one of the key criteria when designing the M-Series Balers. Due to a narrow weather window and increasing amounts of difficult crops such as heavy silage, growers do not want to risk losing any more time during the season.
Cam-track technology provides an efficient solution for such needs. The traditional stripper design provides reduced space between the pickup tines and rotor feeder, while the tine motion helps to avoid pinching. The cam-less technology requires long strippers, creating a dead zone between the tines and rotor. Additionally, fixed tines can easily pinch crops in sticky conditions, causing plugs that need to be manually removed.
Looking at potential component wear, cam-track pickup features an 18 percent lower turning speed than the previous generation of balers, while bearings have been implemented on both side of the tine bars. The cam levers are made of forged steel and cam bearing size increased by 36 percent. All of these points guarantee a very long component life.
Standard - four tine bars - pickup
Full-length, L-shaped tine bars
M-Series Balers are available with a standard pickup. Two pickup widths are offered:
Both pickups are designed in a similar way, inspired by well-known 900 Series Balers and using the same components as the M-Series Fixed Chamber Balers:
As for other John Deere round balers, the standard pickup does not need any shear-bolt or cam-clutch protection — tines are designed to fold in case of foreign objects or potential overload. The overall system is globally protected by the tines’ bending capacity; tines have been tested through hundreds of hours of bending and grant extended lifespan. The sealed ball bearings on each side offer a quiet ride for a long period of time.
To give good gliding capacity for years, pickup strippers are made from high-quality galvanized steel that prevents the material from rusting.
The standard pickup design meets most medium to large farms’ expectations, especially for growers who bale mainly dry crops or who harvest some silage.
Premium - five tine bars - pickup
Tine bars made of tube and central spider reinforcement
For increased pickup capacity and robustness, M-Series Balers can be delivered with the Premium pickup option. Compared to the standard pickup option, the Premium pickup features:
The Premium pickup has the same rotation speed as standard pickup, meaning that by featuring an additional tine bar, picking capacity is directly increased by 25 percent. John Deere Premium pickup tines are designed to fold to replace potential shear bolt or cam clutch overload safety. Considering 6.0-mm (0.23-in.) diameter tines, pickup maximum intake capacity is pushed up to 18 kW (24 hp), a value not reached by machines using a cam or shear-bolt protected pickup.
To harvest the largest swaths with good operator comfort, the John Deere Premium pickup is 2.2-m (7.2-ft) wide, with a 1.92-m (6.3-ft) tine-to-tine distance. The John Deere Premium pickup is compatible with the RotoFlow HC Premium rotor (non-cutting device) and MaxiCut™ HC13 Premium (13-knife precutter). Due to the maximized picking capacity, this option is recommended for growers baling a significant volume of wet silage or heavy crops.
Rotor and converging augers are aligned on a single axle
Left, HC rotor; right, classic rotor design
By using the HC Premium rotor – a device implemented on John Deere round balers since 2012 – the M-Series feeding system offers:
The overall result is optimized crop flow that avoids all dead area where crops stay for a long time.
This smooth and regular crop flow guarantees high feeding capacity, especially in short crops such as brittle straw or sticky silage.
Premium rotor design with tines fully enclosing the tube
M-Series Round Balers can be delivered with the RotoFlow HC Premium non-cutting solution. All other John Deere round balers are equipped with a rotor feeder:
On top of the standard specifications, the premium rotor features:
The RotoFlow HC Premium design has been used on John Deere variable-chamber balers and has demonstrated unsurpassed capacity (John Deere 900 Series official productivity world record) and very high versatility.
The RotoFlow HC Premium option is available with 2.2-m (7.2-ft) pickup only (standard or premium). This rotor cannot be teamed to a 2-m (6.6-ft) standard pickup.
MaxiCut HC 13 Premium rotor
Knives individually protected
As an alternative to the RotoFlow HC Premium, M-Series Balers can be delivered with the MaxiCut HC 13 Premium rotor. As with the non-cutting system, the rotor features:
Precutter functions also offer:
MaxiCut HC 13 Premium is available with both standard and premium pickup, no matter the width.
MaxiCut HC 25 Premium rotor with Premium pickup
Knives set selection from cab
MaxiCut HC 25 Premium is a new opportunity for farmers using mid-range round baler. This rotor, directly re-using V4X1R components and featuring same characteristics than MaxiCut HC13 Premium offers two independent set of knives:
When using both set of knives simultaneously (25 knives engaged), depending of field and crop conditions, the power absorbed by the cutting unit can significantly raise compared to operating with a single set of knives (13 knives engaged). This could result to a noticeable reduction of operating speed in the field.
To deliver best user experience, MaxiCut HC 25 Premium option can only be teamed to Premium pickup and ISOBUS baler capacity.
MaxiCut HC 25 Premium option is available for Germany and Austria only.
A knife slot fillers set is delivered as standard with all machines featuring the precutter. When using the MaxiCut HC Premium pickup without knives, dust and harvest matter can fill knife slots. This keeps the knives from returning to the cutting position, and plugs must be manually removed to free the knives.
The knife slot fillers take the place of knives when not cutting crops. Drop-floor holes are then filled, allowing quick and easy knife re- engagement. When cutting, the knife slot fillers are stored and locked in a convenient bracket located on the right-side of the baler
Hardox is a trademark of SSAB Tunnplat AB Limited.
40-mm (1.6-in.) free space under the rotor
Parallel kinematic avoids bottleneck noticed with other concepts
M-Series Balers are delivered standard with a drop-floor unplugging system. In case of a clog, the drop floor is managed from the display simultaneously or independently from the knives. When lowering the floor, the parallel kinematic has 40-mm (1.6-in.) extra free space under the rotor and converging augers.
By providing a constant free space, the John Deere drop floor avoids bottlenecks existing on balers using a movable floor with front or rear hinge. No need to have a huge opening (that sometimes causes crop loss), only a few free centimeters (inches) are enough to remove the plug.
Full-width drop floor removes clogs under converging augers
The worst plugs generally happen when turning with the baler. In such situations, the crops are blocked under the converging augers and the clog must be manually removed. The unique John Deere drop floor features a full width, protecting the full pickup and rotor width. Even when plugged at the converging auger level, the clog can be easily removed by the operator from the cab.
1.85-m (6.1-ft) x 1.21-m (3.97-ft) bales are heavy weight
As with the other G-, M-, and R-Series Balers, the V461M Baler features a 1.21-m (3.97-ft) bale chamber width. Compared to previous- generation balers with similar bale diameter, bales are up to 3.6 percent bigger than before. Considering a similar density, that is already a huge advantage.
The V461M bale diameter can be adjusted from 1 m (3.3 ft) to 1.85 m (6.1 ft) from the monitor. The maximum diameter of 1.85 m (6.1 ft) is an added 5 cm (2.0 in.) versus previous-generation 1.5-m (4.9-ft) balers. This produces bales up to 9 percent larger than previous 864 Balers. Bale diameter progress can be followed from the monitor no matter the display choice.
Dedicated cylinders for tailgate and density system plus mechanical tailgate lock
Density is set and controlled from the monitor when using Implement Display 1100
The V461M bale chamber provides high-density bales regardless of the bale diameter or crop type. A dedicated pair of cylinders apply strength to the density arm while mechanical hooks firmly lock the tailgate in the closed position. Another pair of cylinders manages the tailgate opening/closing and avoids potential interferences between the two functions and tension loss to the belts. When the baler features an Implement Display 1100, the following pressure parameters can be adjusted/controlled from the display:
When the baler is equipped with the BaleTrak™ Plus display, the following pressure parameters can be adjusted/controlled from the display:
With the BaleTrak Plus display, bale density is easily set from the baler hydraulic valve by a knob, a simple but efficient solution for growers not changing hydraulic settings several times in a day. Bale density can be controlled from the cab through a hydraulic gauge on the front of the baler.
Softcore density cannot be adjusted, the system removes the full hydraulic pressure into to the density harness.
By providing a loose bale core, softcore function is particularly helpful when baling hay that has residual moisture or when unrolling bale by hand.
Three bale chamber rolls facilitate bale rotation
Laced belts can be changed or repaired quickly and for limited cost
The V461M Bale Chamber features a starter roll and two front rolls, all driven, for quick crop rotation whether harvesting short silage or brittle crops. Easy bale starting is provided by the three rolls, avoiding the aggressive belt pattern that often causes crop accumulation. The six belts – derived from traditional diamond John Deere belts - keep the three plies but adopt a smooth pattern. This pattern (similar to R-Series Balers) is almost not sensitive to wear.
The belts are all joined thanks to proven and durable MATO® type lacers. In case of troubles, belts can be easily removed and repaired, something not possible with an endless belt design.
Due to initial empty bale chamber geometry, V461M Balers feature a star-shaped core comparable to the one offered by fixed-chamber balers. This starred shape guarantees easy bale unrolling, regardless of density settings.
MATO is a trademark of MATO GmbH & Co.
Second belt-driving roll
The V461M can be equipped with a second belt-driving roll providing extra grip when baling wet crops such as heavy silage. In such conditions, this second roll prevents belt slipping and allows the belts to turn in the worst conditions. The second belt-driving roll is made of metal and is driven through normal chain tracking. No extra chains or complicated clutch systems are required to drive the roll. Thanks to a freewheel, the second belt-driving roll is only activated in case of belt slippage.
The second belt-driving roll is an option with the RotoFlow HC Premium feeding system, while it is installed standard with the MaxiCut™ HC 13 Premium rotor. Two cleaning rollers are also included in the option and keep the crops from sticking on the belts and causing belt slippage.
A second belt-driving roll is also offered as an attachment through the traditional field kit channel.
The V451M and V461M can be delivered with modern ISOBUS architecture (teamed with the Implement Display 1100, for example) or with the traditional, proven, and simple BaleTrak™ Plus monitor.
BaleTrak Plus monitor
For operators looking for a simple, efficient, and proven monitor, M-Series Balers can be delivered with the BaleTrak Plus monitor.
This display offers:
All functions are easily managed through one button and one function logic, allowing quick baler starting. Large liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen ensures comfortable control while the robust frame provides the required lifetime expected from John Deere electronics.
Easy-to-control and attractive Implement Display 1100 monitor
Implement Display 1100 connection using cab harness (delivered with)
Thanks to ISOBUS architecture, the Implement Display 1100 allows operators to fully control the V451M or V461M with the touch of a finger. This ISOBUS monitor features an 11-cm (4.3-in.) diagonal color screen with backlit keys.
Implement Display 1100 allows operators to fully manage the baler, including the following functions in addition to the functions of BaleTrak Plus:
Connection from the baler to the built-in display in the tractor cab
For operators already using a built-in or external ISOBUS certified display, M-Series Balers can be delivered without a monitor. Thanks to the ISOBUS connectivity, just connect the baler to the tractor/monitor and bale.
No monitor option offers the same functions and information as the Implement Display 1100 solution.
B-Wrap is a trademark of Tama Plastic Industry.
| Specifications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere V461M Variable Chamber Balers |
| Density control | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bale size indication | ||||
| Regular pickup - Bars | Four |
| Size | Diameter 1.0 to 1.85 m 3.3 to 6.1 ft Width 1.21 m 3.97 ft |
|---|
| Base weight | 4200 kg 9259 lb |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Gate closed With bale ramp - 5.31 m 17.4 ft |
|||
| Height | ||||
| Width |
| Forming chamber | Variable - six laced belts + two front rolls + starter roll | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bale size indication | ||||
| Density control |
| Type | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width | Inside Tine to tine - 1.66 m 5.5 ft 2.0 m 6.56 ft |
|||
| Drive | Cam track | |||
| Bars | Four | |||
| Gauge wheels | Fixed or castor action | |||
| Strippers material | Galvanized steel | |||
| Windrow compressor system | Compressor shield or compressor roll |
| Rotor | RotoFlow HC Premium | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unplugging system | Full width drop floor with parallel kinematic |
| Type | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width | Inside Tine to tine - 1.92 m 6.3 ft 2.2 m 7.22 ft |
|||
| Drive | Cam track | |||
| Bars | Four or five | |||
| Gauge wheels | Fixed or castor action | |||
| Strippers material | Galvanized steel or stainless steel | |||
| Windrow compressor system | Compressor shield or compressor roll |
| Rotor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knives | 13 | |||
| Knife spacing | 80 mm 3.15 in. |
|||
| Unplugging system | Full width drop floor with parallel kinematic |
| Rotor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knives | ||||
| Knife spacing | ||||
| Unplugging system |
| Control | From monitor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Standard Net tying only Capacity for two net rolls Optional Net and twine tying Net system located on tailgate |
|||
| Twine arms | Optional - two independent twine arms | |||
| Twine ball capacity | Eight twine spools |
| Monitor console for tractor | BaleTrak Plus or Implement Display 1100 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gate closed | Yes | |||
| Bale forming | Yes | |||
| Bale size | Yes | |||
| Near full bale | Yes | |||
| Full bale | Yes | |||
| Auto wrap | Yes | |||
| Oversize bale | Yes |
| Standard | 15/55-17 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | 500/50-17 500/55-20 |
| Drive protection | Camclutch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540 rpm 113 kW 151.5 hp |
| Maintenance/chains | Automatic chain lubrication is standard Bearings greasing - centralized greasing zerks or automatic greasing system (cartridge) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date collected | 2-February-2018 |
