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Ventrac

25K views 102 replies 13 participants last post by  tractor guy  
#1 ·
Seriously contemplating buying a Ventrac 4500 and several turf maint attachments. I can use this machine instead of using several machines. Not planning on getting rid of my ZTR as some of the properties it’d be way more effecient. I have a lot of slopes and soggy places, turf maint properties(aerate, seed, etc.) not too mention potentially jumping back onto the snow scene, although it’s unpredictable here.

Just curious if anyone has or currently uses 1 and what your opinion is of the machine. I know the $ is up there so I’d like to know if you think it was worth the $ or not as well.

Thanks for any input(if there is any).
 
#2 ·
Seriously contemplating buying a Ventrac 4500 and several turf maint attachments. I can use this machine instead of using several machines. Not planning on getting rid of my ZTR as some of the properties it'd be way more effecient. I have a lot of slopes and soggy places, turf maint properties(aerate, seed, etc.) not too mention potentially jumping back onto the snow scene, although it's unpredictable here.

Just curious if anyone has or currently uses 1 and what your opinion is of the machine. I know the $ is up there so I'd like to know if you think it was worth the $ or not as well.

Thanks for any input(if there is any).
Snow is undepeable everywhere unless you live in lake effect land.

I looked into ventrac extensively
Did the numbers backwards, forwards and standing on my head.
So much so my inquiries drew the attention of a competitor who decided to pull the trigger on two units.

They've been using them for two years and to my knowledge don't have any other serious amounts of equipment
They're substantially smaller than us and the machines allow them to dabble in our market (larger commercial work)
They seem to work well for them and although I don't know they're actual numbers I know it has helped keep their need for employees obnoxiously low.
 
#3 ·
Snow is undepeable everywhere unless you live in lake effect land.

I looked into ventrac extensively
Did the numbers backwards, forwards and standing on my head.
So much so my inquiries drew the attention of a competitor who decided to pull the trigger on two units.

They've been using them for two years and to my knowledge don't have any other serious amounts of equipment
They're substantially smaller than us and the machines allow them to dabble in our market (larger commercial work)
They seem to work well for them and although I don't know they're actual numbers I know it has helped keep their need for employees obnoxiously low.
Nice. That's kind of where I'm at. Have a few guys who work for me on big jobs but I'd like to turn that into a couple guys full time and keep it small. No one around here has one, dealer is about 1 1/2 hrs away, so theres that. Looked into Steiner but there dealer is even further. Not really wanting to buy a skid to set in the shop and still run Z's daily.

$32k +/- for my initial wants/needs. That's a lot of dough but if it lasts 8k-10k hrs, it's better per $/hr than Z's are and more versatile just not as effecient mowing as a Z in most cases.

I'm going up sometime this winter to get my rear in the seat and see what's up.

Thanks.
 
#10 ·
Honestly, I'd stay away from the vac system unless you just go with a 60" deck. Even with it being powered it struggles trying to process 72" decks unless you are taking off minimal amounts of grass. That's the only attachment I'd balk at.
 
#12 ·
I plan on the 60" deck initially, maybe the 72" after a year or so. I have big enough properties for it. The vac system would be for leaves/fall cleanups. I do not currently bag any properties and do not want to start.

Do you feel your setup was worth the $?

How's the dealer relationship?

Any problems with the machine itself?
 
#11 ·
For some reason LS isn't letting me go back and edit my post this morning, sorry about flooding the thread. I've got a bunch of videos on my YouTube page showing the Ventrac working in less than ideal conditions if you're interested. Let me know any questions you have. Yes, they are expensive, but honestly one of the best built pieces of equipment I've purchased over the past 17 years. Not bragging but I'm not afraid to pay for quality so we run some higher end stuff.
 
#13 ·
This is how I feel also about quality equipment.

I'll have to check your youtube page out, I've watched many videos, read through forums, got the catalogues from the dealer, crunched #'s, etc. I'm gonna check one out this winter, it's a cool 1 1/2 hr drive to the nearest dealer, which kinda stinks but if it's as well built as they say, I shiuldn't be making that drive very often.

Couple more questions:

Did you finance it or buy it outright? Any $ savings for a cash purchase?

Do you service it in house or take it to the dealer?
 
#14 ·
I can’t begin to count the number positives for owning one. The reason I own a compact tractor instead of a ventrac is one reason only.

They can’t load a dump trailer or unload a truck or assist with “lifting” type things. That’s it.
And that function is not negotiable with me.

I can not think of a single other reason not to own one.

I look at a ventrac as a combo to the skid steer and the tractor. It’s ALMOST the perfect machine with the perfect price if it could lift higher. Expensive for a compact tractor an cheap for a skiddy.

If loading and unloading wasn’t so important to me, I’d own one. And I’d buy a couple attachments (me personally: power rake, aerovator, brush hog or whatever ventrac calls that unkillable beast). You’ll find the work.

Depending on your truck taste, it basically costs less than a truck.

Additional costs:
You have a truck to tow it?
You have a trailer to haul it
You have storage for it and all attachments?

Good luck
 
#16 ·
I can't begin to count the number positives for owning one. The reason I own a compact tractor instead of a ventrac is one reason only.

They can't load a dump trailer or unload a truck or assist with "lifting" type things. That's it.
And that function is not negotiable with me.

I can not think of a single other reason not to own one.

I look at a ventrac as a combo to the skid steer and the tractor. It's ALMOST the perfect machine with the perfect price if it could lift higher. Expensive for a compact tractor an cheap for a skiddy.

If loading and unloading wasn't so important to me, I'd own one. And I'd buy a couple attachments (me personally: power rake, aerovator, brush hog or whatever ventrac calls that unkillable beast). You'll find the work.

Depending on your truck taste, it basically costs less than a truck.

Additional costs:
You have a truck to tow it?
You have a trailer to haul it
You have storage for it and all attachments?

Good luck
01 F250 just put a new crate 5.4 and rebuilt the tranny

6x12 w/3500lb axle(would work with 1 attachment but not ideal when needing multiple attachments) I'd prob buy a 16' tandem for special occasions but use the 6x12 for the daily mowing operation.

Just built a new shop just for my toys(equipment).
 
#19 ·
OK.... As far as pricing and stuff, Yes... They are expensive. I've got about $50k invested in the tractor and everything... As I said I've got the 4500Z, duals, went with the 3 point hitch w/carry all adapter, also have the strobe light and LED work lights. "Pimped out" the tractor pretty good. I did half and half as far as purchasing goes. Univest is who Ventrac recommends for financing and they have good rates. I don't believe you'll get too much of a break on pricing as far as the tractor goes but I ended up getting some pretty good pricing on attachments.

Dealer support.... There's a dealer about 45 minutes away from me and I couldn't ever get them to talk to me. Ventrac is really big on wanting people to do demos before purchasing just so you know what you're getting into. I didn't care about doing a demo I'd already done my homework. I was ready to purchase but never could get a response. I ended up dealing with a dealer that's about 1.5 hours away and they are awesome.

The only negative thing I can say about the tractor, which it isn't the tractors fault, is the tires. The sidewalls are pretty weak and we've went through 3 tires. They are so soft to help out with the sideways stability that they are pretty puncture prone, or tear prone.

Ventrac makes a loader that's equivalent to what would be on a sub compact tractor (Kubota BX type) but it's not really a quick attach type. Most of what guys use are their scoop bucket.

As far as power goes the 4500z (Kubota 3 cyl gas) is more powerful and capable than our Kubota B2920. It'll run a 5' box blade with ease.

As far as attachments goes they are top of the line. The 72" deck cuts awesome. Awesome in wet conditions, great cut, and some of the best stripes ever.

The tough cut deck has replaced our 5' brush hog. Once you cut with a deck in front of the tractor you'll never want to pull one behind a tractor again.

The blower is awesome as well.... It pretty much replaces 4 guys with backpack blowers. On one property that we take care of that's about 1.5 acres of thick covered red oaks it's saved us about 4 hours over the same place last year. Blowing wet leaves is no problem.

The 60" dirt/snow blade is great as well, the hydraulic angle makes it very versatile.

Stump grinder is awesome as well.... No way I could ever justify a dedicated stump grinder but the attachment paid for itself in about 3 weeks.

I don't own the trencher but have seen in used in person and if you do a lot of irrigation it would be the way to go too.

My biggest thing is once you get the base tractor you can buy the attachments and basically have XX number of different machines for a fraction of the cost of a dedicated machine that you would have limited use of. Is it probably the best at each attachment? No, but for what it is capable of it's definitely a money maker.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

EDIT: If you're on facebook there's a group called "I want a Ventrac one day".... check it out. Any possible questions you have will be answered. There's actually a lot of Ventrac coroporate guys on there too.
 
#25 ·
OK.... As far as pricing and stuff, Yes... They are expensive. I've got about $50k invested in the tractor and everything... As I said I've got the 4500Z, duals, went with the 3 point hitch w/carry all adapter, also have the strobe light and LED work lights. "Pimped out" the tractor pretty good. I did half and half as far as purchasing goes. Univest is who Ventrac recommends for financing and they have good rates. I don't believe you'll get too much of a break on pricing as far as the tractor goes but I ended up getting some pretty good pricing on attachments.

Dealer support.... There's a dealer about 45 minutes away from me and I couldn't ever get them to talk to me. Ventrac is really big on wanting people to do demos before purchasing just so you know what you're getting into. I didn't care about doing a demo I'd already done my homework. I was ready to purchase but never could get a response. I ended up dealing with a dealer that's about 1.5 hours away and they are awesome.

The only negative thing I can say about the tractor, which it isn't the tractors fault, is the tires. The sidewalls are pretty weak and we've went through 3 tires. They are so soft to help out with the sideways stability that they are pretty puncture prone, or tear prone.

Ventrac makes a loader that's equivalent to what would be on a sub compact tractor (Kubota BX type) but it's not really a quick attach type. Most of what guys use are their scoop bucket.

As far as power goes the 4500z (Kubota 3 cyl gas) is more powerful and capable than our Kubota B2920. It'll run a 5' box blade with ease.

As far as attachments goes they are top of the line. The 72" deck cuts awesome. Awesome in wet conditions, great cut, and some of the best stripes ever.

The tough cut deck has replaced our 5' brush hog. Once you cut with a deck in front of the tractor you'll never want to pull one behind a tractor again.

The blower is awesome as well.... It pretty much replaces 4 guys with backpack blowers. On one property that we take care of that's about 1.5 acres of thick covered red oaks it's saved us about 4 hours over the same place last year. Blowing wet leaves is no problem.

The 60" dirt/snow blade is great as well, the hydraulic angle makes it very versatile.

Stump grinder is awesome as well.... No way I could ever justify a dedicated stump grinder but the attachment paid for itself in about 3 weeks.

I don't own the trencher but have seen in used in person and if you do a lot of irrigation it would be the way to go too.

My biggest thing is once you get the base tractor you can buy the attachments and basically have XX number of different machines for a fraction of the cost of a dedicated machine that you would have limited use of. Is it probably the best at each attachment? No, but for what it is capable of it's definitely a money maker.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

EDIT: If you're on facebook there's a group called "I want a Ventrac one day".... check it out. Any possible questions you have will be answered. There's actually a lot of Ventrac coroporate guys on there too.
Awesome. I appreciate the info. I'm sold!
 
#20 ·
I initially purchased it as a slope mower. We literally have over 20 acres at one site that's 3:1 ratio. You "can" mow them with ZTRs but from a liability standpoint it's not the wisest idea. Walk behinds are too slow.

If you are mowing a lot of slopes Ventrac will talk you into either the Kubota gas or the Kawasaki. They are both rated for 30 degree work. The Kubota diesel is probably the most handicapped of the bunch. I will say the gas engine likes fuel too. Another gripe is it only has about a 6.1 gal tank. We can get about 3.5 hours per tank of fuel.
 
#30 ·
The duals are a must for swampy, wet conditions..... The extra width is what allows the tractor to "float" across stuff that a ZTR, WB, etc would sink up or rut up in.

Also, the deck does flip up and makes it about as long as a ZTR... On a 20' trailer we can get a 4500Z w/72" deck flipped up, 60" ZTR and 52" WB.... Or swap out the 52" WB for a 48" and 21".... Cover anything you need.
 
#31 ·
Yeah I'm kinda torn between getting the 72" deck initially now. I plan on keeping my 61" Z so why get a 60" deck for the V.

Eventually, I'd like to swap the 61" Z for a 36" or 48" stander.

Do you like the power bucket over the versa-loader?

Also, can you run non pto tractor attachments on the 3pt of the Ventrac like you would anything else?
 
#34 ·
You can attach and use any non powered Cat 1 attachment and use it like you normally would on a tractor. If you look back at the pics I posted, the box blade is a 60" cat 1 and the aerator is a 60" cat 1 hookup. One other thing about the Ventrac is that unlike most sub-compact tractors the 3 point easily allows for down pressure instead of just gravity pressure. There are 2 factory rear remotes on it.

I've used the following Cat 1 attachments frequently on the Ventrac - 12" single bottom plow, potato plow (ripper), 60" landscape rake, 60" box blade, 60" aerator, 60" dethatcher.

I don't know about the 2 cyl gas engines but the 3 cyl gas Kubota engine has been around forever and I personally know guys running the same engine in Kubota ZTRs with over 5000 hours on them with no major repairs. That 3 cyl is an entirely different animal than a V-twin. Sounds so sweet too. haha.

No, the gas 3 cyl is not fuel injected, that would be awesome but it's not. It is liquid cooled and has a huge radiator for what it is. Larger radiator than what's on the B2920.

If you want any up close pics or anything just let me know. I won't be back at the shop until Monday but I can get you pics of anything you want.

The thing about the power bucket is that it is "quick attach" in the sense that the other attachments are. Once you get used to it, you can hook up an attachment in literally about 1 minute. The power bucket is basically a tractor with a wheel barrow on the front of it. I do think they make a little grapple for it for moving logs and such but it's ideal purpose is moving stuff low to the ground and keeping it low to the ground, such as moving mulch, rock, etc.... The versa-loader as I said before is the equivalent of a loader on a sub-compact type tractor like a BX or JD 1 series. I've already got 2 larger tractors with loaders so I've never gave it anything thought on the Ventrac.
 
#37 ·
You can attach and use any non powered Cat 1 attachment and use it like you normally would on a tractor. If you look back at the pics I posted, the box blade is a 60" cat 1 and the aerator is a 60" cat 1 hookup. One other thing about the Ventrac is that unlike most sub-compact tractors the 3 point easily allows for down pressure instead of just gravity pressure. There are 2 factory rear remotes on it.

I've used the following Cat 1 attachments frequently on the Ventrac - 12" single bottom plow, potato plow (ripper), 60" landscape rake, 60" box blade, 60" aerator, 60" dethatcher.

I don't know about the 2 cyl gas engines but the 3 cyl gas Kubota engine has been around forever and I personally know guys running the same engine in Kubota ZTRs with over 5000 hours on them with no major repairs. That 3 cyl is an entirely different animal than a V-twin. Sounds so sweet too. haha.

No, the gas 3 cyl is not fuel injected, that would be awesome but it's not. It is liquid cooled and has a huge radiator for what it is. Larger radiator than what's on the B2920.

If you want any up close pics or anything just let me know. I won't be back at the shop until Monday but I can get you pics of anything you want.

The thing about the power bucket is that it is "quick attach" in the sense that the other attachments are. Once you get used to it, you can hook up an attachment in literally about 1 minute. The power bucket is basically a tractor with a wheel barrow on the front of it. I do think they make a little grapple for it for moving logs and such but it's ideal purpose is moving stuff low to the ground and keeping it low to the ground, such as moving mulch, rock, etc.... The versa-loader as I said before is the equivalent of a loader on a sub-compact type tractor like a BX or JD 1 series. I've already got 2 larger tractors with loaders so I've never gave it anything thought on the Ventrac.
Yeah, I've been doing too much research and got twisted up. The 2 cyl is the one that's dfi. I wonder what the diff in longevity between the 2 cyl and 3 cyl are. I'm not sure I'd ever use propane so I'm thinking the 4500p might be the way to go for me but I dunno. I like having options so the 4500z sounds a lot better. I'll just have to demo them both and see which I like better then.

I've got the following cat 1 3pt attachments;

6' angle blade
Boom pole
Carry all
Dirt slip(works both directions)
Middle buster(potato plow)

As far as 3pt lift range, any issues with not lifting high enough?
 
#36 ·
10k is a lot of hours even for a diesel.... Like I said, there's just something about that extra cylinder that does make it a lot more efficient than a V-twin.... They remind me of the old AMC 4.0 straight 6 engines.... The Kubota 3 cylinder block is tried and true in both gas and diesel. I've always been pretty anal about our PM stuff regardless of equipment type. There is more PM to do on them than what you do on Exmark and that somewhat spoiled me over the years. I equate the PM on a Ventrac to that of your typical 3/4 or 1 ton diesel. Take care of it and it'll take care of you.
 
#38 ·
The only cat 1 attachment I've had any issues with was the middle buster. Due to the ground clearance of the machine being much lower than that of a normal tractor the point on the sub soiler would drag loading and unloading it on a trailer. The solution was simply attaching the implement after unloading the machine from the trailer. Other than that no issues with clearance.

I've been thinking about going the propane route.... Around here LP is currently about $1.20 gal and 87 Oct is $2.70 gal......

From my understanding and talking to other guys and what you see on the FB groups the 4500Z is the best selling model.

One reason the diesel model isn't as popular is due to EPA restrictions and wanting to keep the engine under DEF requirements. I think until a few years back the diesel option was a turbo diesel but it didn't meet government requirements for Tier IV or whatever. Don't quote me on that.

I do know that on the current diesel option offering there are a few companies that are making aftermarket turbo kits specifically for it. I talked to a guy that had one and he said it's a huge difference. As is from the factory the 3 cyl gas offering has more HP and torque than the factory diesel option.
 
#39 ·
There are two Ventrac, model 850's, with diesel engines, up for auction right now on Renee Bates Auctions. Both are in Decatur, Tx, north of Dallas, Tx. Current prices are about $3500 and about $3100. They are 2009 machines. Bet they are a heck of a deal if someone nearby is looking for Ventracs. One has a mower and one has a fence post driver.
 
#40 ·
Another thing I'll say about used machines.... From my understanding and reading, the previous series 4300??? Or whatever it was called would eventually develop some hydraulic leaks in the system over time. When Ventrac came out with the current 4500 series it was a pretty heavily redesigned from the ground up approach to the hydraulics and such. Not just a sheet metal upgrade on the face. That's just something to keep in mind if you do go the used route.
 
#41 ·
Nah, I’m not going to go used. I like knowing who and how the machine has been used and warranties are nice. No diesel either, not a fan(I do like the smell but that’s it).

I figured the middle buster would be the one if any of them had height issues.
 
#43 ·
If I were going to get a ventrac I’d really look into that flex deck or whatever they call it.

I used to have a flex deck for the Dixie chopper (it was like attaching another 21” mower to your regular deck and the production and contour mowing with it was amazing
I’d imagine it’d be even better from watching ventrac videos , it’s an obvious upgrade
 
#45 ·
If I were going to get a ventrac I'd really look into that flex deck or whatever they call it.

I used to have a flex deck for the Dixie chopper (it was like attaching another 21" mower to your regular deck and the production and contour mowing with it was amazing
I'd imagine it'd be even better from watching ventrac videos , it's an obvious upgrade
Yeah those contouring mowers are pretty crazy. The one Ventrac offers is like 84". Be a little to big for me at tge moment.
 
#46 ·
Power Tracs are actually made about 20 miles from us in Tazewell, VA.... Been to the factory a few times and did the tour back in school. Good guys. They are very rough around the edges as far as creature comforts goes. They do have a couple 65hp diesel slope mowers that are very awesome though. The regional conservation district has a bunch that they use on earthen dam faces around here. There's a bunch of them around here. - http://www.power-trac.com/index.htm
 
#49 ·
One thing I do like about the Power Tracs are the fact they have like a "true tractor lift arm" in the front. I know a lot of guys around here that have them with the brush hogs just use the lift and set the attachment down on top of small trees, bushes, etc and pulverize them. Pretty neat.
 
#50 ·
Speaking of brush hogging. That's 1 thing I'm looking at with the Ventrac. Around here I don't know anyone who specializes or is reliable when it comes to brush hogging. It's a niche I can get into really quick. I used to brush hog with my personal tractor but it just became more of a headache and less $/hr than mowing when factoring in load/unload. Being able to swap attachments in the field instead of making a trip back and swapping out rigs would change the $/hr, fuel, etc. and make it worth it again. I have several current lawn customers that would prefer I brush hog for them as well. They have a hard time finding someone to do it. Currently I could brush hog about 20+/- acres with 3 diff customers if I wanted to do it. I get several calls a year from others but turn them down, if I marketed it, I'm sure I could be as busy as I wanted with it. Granted we only get about 2-3 cuts depending on the year.

So, my concern is hitting stuff with the toughcut. Have you had any issues or have any advice on that?

Most of the places I could service now have horses, cows, etc. and they just need the weeds the animals don't eat cut down. 1 is just a field with no animals. He just likes to keep it cut down. That property collects tree branches on the regular.
 
#52 ·
Where the tough cut is belt driven at the PTO and belts on the blade spindles like a regular mowing deck, you have a lot more tolerance for hitting larger stuff. You actually have 2 levels of "slippage". The blades will hit something and the belt where slip as with a normal brush hog if you hit something big and you don't have a slip clutch you could tear something up.

Here we were purposely trying to get stuck and see the capabilities.... You don't see too many guys tackling 6'+ tall cattails very often

 
#58 ·
Wine and dine her, then let her test drive it.