Glad we found your channel. Just moved to Tn and got a small property with some fairly serious slopes. Want to manage it for wildlife, but I'm scared to death to take a tractor out and cut it. Actually hired a guy to brush hog it for me so I could see it better and he used a skid tract. Really thinking about getting a Ventrac and your vids are helping with that decision, far beyond what the dealer videos did!
Thanks for watching and welcome to Tn! Number one thing is listen to your gut. Video does a terrible job of showing our slopes but when I am on them I am almost sliding out of the seat. The machine has never made me feel like I was going over. Not even close. They are expensive but your life is priceless. Thats what I told myself when I bought one. Never looked back. Keep in touch and good luck!
I have a Ventrac diesel since I have other diesel equipment, but all the attachments are bullet proof. THis I bought as a lifetime investment and can do anything with it. I decided on it over a Kubota system, just cause the compactness, ease of use, slope control, and versatility. 35 year love hate system, and Ventrac has it beat by a long shot. I also have the boom mover, and its great for 103 inch reach...real handy but very specialized. THE power rake is a game changer, better than a Harley rake since its size is easier to manipulate in tight areas. Love the review Joe. Cant go wrong with any attachment. Bullet proof.
Hey Henry, great information buddy! I have heard that the power rake was a game changer. Also, sounds like you have a whole lot of experience with the attachments which is awesome. That boom mower looks like a serious machine, hope to try some more implements soon. Thanks for watching and keep in touch!
Is there an implement switch out process? And what is it? I am looking for something like this, but I dont want a big hassle with swicthouts. Would love to hear your opinion
@@tomreid5002 After the paint is worn off, I wired wheeled it off, easy peasy. Line up two lift arms, slide under the implement, latch the hook, reach under the front mounted belt pulley and lift belt onto the drive pulley, and put tension on it, a simplest process. I had a Gravely, what a pain. Ventrac, 5 minutes for the most complicated, and I have the Sickle bar unit.. which is the most cumbersome....but versatile. THis issue would be the least of my worries...the hardest thing is which accessory to buy, they are all heavy metal, overdesigned....compared to anything else. IMHO
Instead of running at full pressure on your tyres take a little bit of air out it's not going to hurt your performance in any way but it will give you extra traction and list punches especially over Sharp Objects like Rocks. You can also buy a gun for your tires that will inject a mushroom plug.
Thanks for this review of your Ventrac 4500. I never saw one before but it seems to cut really well on slopes and big area. People that live in the city with smaller lawns never can appreciate what a job it is to keep things mowed and trimmed on a farm. You mentioned you weren't fond of the tires but having the wider tires, especially dual tires, would make the machine much more stable on a slope or hill. My brother has a Kabota 72 inch diesel Zero-turn industrial mower and it is great for cutting large areas but not good on slops like you mentioned. Every piece of equipment has its advantages.
Hey Ben, it is a game changer for sure. Especially on slopes. I don't dislike the tires; but I put them through the ringer! Lol. I have a solution for that that will be in a future video. Zero turns do cut fast; but this one not only cuts fast but wet grass or turf won't slow it down or rut up the turf. Thanks for watching buddy! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
I absolutely agree with you, Joe, that videos don't really show what mowing a slope is like. I also tried experimenting with camera angles and camera heights, etc, but ya gotta just go get on that Ventrac on a 30-degree hill to understand what it's like and allow time for that learning curve of mowing on slopes. It helped a bit that I had some experience mowing hillsides with a farm tractor/brushhog unit before we bought the Ventrac. And before the Ventrac, we used an older Deweze slope mower, which we still have and occasionally use, but the Ventrac is better for sustained slope mowing. (Though the Deweze does keep you upright the whole time you're mowing, which is a big plus on a long workday.)
Hey Mow Beta! Thanks for watching. I have tried it all too and without some really expensive technology which I wouldn't understand anyway; too hard to get the angles. I am really glad that I too had experience mowing with a tractor and rotary cutter because I wouldn't appreciate the "pucker factor" as much as I do now with the Ventrac. Love clearing up the property now without having to worry about the contours and slopes...
One hint for those who don't know better: I learned when I was mowing with a tractor & brushhog on a steep slope to never shift into neutral or shift gears at all when still on the slope! ('Cuz it's rodeo time...) At least the Ventrac doesn't have this issue.
We are on Texas and have mesquite all over the place. We used the tire sealant from Ventrac also most tractor places sell higher quality tire sealant . We have no problem with tires leaking. It’s not expensive compared to cost of your time and equipment. 5 gallons will fill all to tires including the tires on accessories such as mower. Pump is available on Amazon and makes job much easier.
Thanks for watching Lars! I know I need to look into that. Seems like the tires behave just long enough to make me procrastinate. 😂. Have a great weekend.
@@tazmankb26 Lockhart. I have a John Deere 4510 but the Ventrac is better on the slopping country we have. We get close to 30 degree slopes. The unit was bought from a JD dealership who dealt in golf courses and municipal areas.
Nice video, I have a 4500Z and love it. Not sure where your from but if your not too far from Ventrac in Orville, Ohio there are some rental places (Holmes Rental in Sugarcreek) where you can rent any attachment Ventrac makes so you can try before you buy.
Hey Tom! I’m close to Nashville, TN. Not many Ventrac’s around here but would love to demo more attachments. Who knows, maybe they will start renting them out somewhere close soon. Appreciate you watching!
Hey Diatonicjon, thanks for watching! It is impressive what the tough cut will take down! It’s a thorn and brush killer on our farm. Couldn’t be happier with it (unless they moved the center pivot grease point). Lol. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Glad you brought out how it does mowing stuff with thorns in it. I’ve always been curious how the tires would hold up to stuff like that. I Have the same problems with thorn brush and big and small locust trees on my property , So I’d be definitely driving over some. Thanks for the info sir and I’ll continue to dream of owning a ventrac one day. 👍🏻👍🏻
Hey Brad, thanks for watching man! The tires aren’t that bad; it’s more of me trying to find things to say I don’t like! It really is a great little machine. Not a whole lot to complain about buddy. Keep looking in the used market and you may find a great deal. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
I called the dealership in Nashville. They said they had a 4500 in the showroom. My dad goes to the doctor at Vanderbilt and we are going to try to stop by and take a look next appointment.
@@JoeTheFarmer Smith Turf and Irrigation. We have a dealer in Birmingham too. I wish we had a servicing dealer in Huntsville Al. I live about 30 minutes west of there.
Ahhhh. Gotcha. Yeah; they are a new dealer. When I bought mine there were zero dealers in Nashville pre Toro acquisition. Hope they take good care of you and let us all know what you think!
Very true Brandon. A loader is unbelievably handy with a ton of flexibility. But as far as a smaller piece or property or a dedicated mower it’s awesome. Hoping I can get some more hands on experience with multiple attachments soon. Thanks for watching buddy!!! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Great, informative video that really gets my wheels turning. We are looking at a 13 acre farm with very similar terrain that you have. If I’m having my hay cut by a neighbor and I’m just maintaining the areas around my barn and fence rows I don’t know that this isn’t the answer to the mowing on the property. Thanks for making the video. Have a great Memorial Day weekend
Hey Matt! It very well could be the solution if you don’t need a loader. It cuts WAY faster than the tractor. Keep me posted on the land and good luck!!!
Great video and information, I have the diesel version and use it mostly for snow blowing and it works great and easy to run and maneuver , not a cheap unit though but made very heavy duty
Hey Warren! Thanks for watching and I appreciate the kind words. It is not cheap; but man I am OVER Things being cheap. I like a good value but am tired of cheap things breaking. Lol. Been super happy with mine and glad that you are happy with yours! Do you use the snow blower or blade? Hope to have you back for more videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Then track is awesome so many attachments one tractor does it all no more I need attractive for this tractor for that tractor for this ventrac does it all that's why I bought two of them and I love them
Great video! I have two 4200 Ventrac tracks. I bought a diesel one new in 2007. I bought another diesel of the same vintage in 2019. The second one is turbo diesel. The extra power is very nice! It has about 5 hp more than the first one. The first one I used a lot with a Versa loader attachment and I found the flotation tires to be a problem. I did get a lot of flats with it and I ended up putting on a set of Ventrac lawn tread tires which have a much stronger sidewall which helped the loader considerably and they are a sturdier construction so I had fewer flats. The ride is definitely firmer than with the flotation tires and I have appreciated the softer ride with the second tractor now that I have it. I mostly mow using a 72” finish mower and sometimes a 60” finish mower. I would love to have the 72” flail mower and the 95” wide area mower eventually. The 95” would require a trailer without side rails which I don’t have yet. I also have the Ventrac edger and the front scoop which see occasional use. You are very right about the slope mowing capabilities - no other machine can match it! I’d also like to eventually get the Power Rake attachment which has a high price tag but appears to be a very useful machine.
Hey Dale! Thanks for the message. The only thing better than a Ventrac is TWO Ventracs! Lol. You have quite the assortment of attachments, and I have had a lot of viewers tell me how great the power rake is. I’d love to try one; one day! Thanks for watching buddy!!!
i love the ventrac tractor lawn mower 😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰 i watch another youtuber who had one and they said they love as well and the stump grinder work really well in a resident area its diffent from other stump destroyers but i think the ventrac dose so much better but most people cant get that in the back yard with out removing some back yard fence around plus the digger or font bucket was ok did not have any teeth which would been better for moving what you need around but wean to have less clean up and want to show your neighbor who has the coolest lawn mower 😁in town out stage them with the ventrac tractor.😎😆🤗 the lawn you cut with the ventrac was better than watching zero turn do it. thanks for the great video of mowering that tall grass 🤗 i dont get mow anything that tall case i live residential area. cheers mate😎
Hey Ducatiguy, thanks for watching! A higher ply tire would be ideal. From what people have shared the tire sealant is a home run, cost wise at least. We shall see! The tubes have held on (for now). 🤣
I've been driving machines and tractors for 30 + years, the Ventrac is a BEAST! Expensive? Yes. However, durability, build quality and versatility are all things it excels at and quite frankly you're likely to only find one or two of those qualities on other equipment.
Nailed it Keith; couldn’t have said it better. You have more experience than I do; but in my experience it is a solid lifetime purchase. Thanks for watching buddy and hope to have you back for more videos!
I bought a 4500Z new last fall and love it. I also have the bucket and grapple and the 3-point hitch. I rough cut 8.5 acres of grass and fair amount of trees with rolling hills. My thinking on the 3-point hitch is that I can add an ABI rake or a box blade when I’m ready.
@@JoeTheFarmer I went with the gas engine for the extra horsepower. I don’t have any diesel equipment so there wasn’t any advantage for me to go diesel and give up some horsepower in the process.
So if you want a finish look, Ventrac has a very good finish mower. The tough cut get is intended for way overgrown messes and small saplings. As Joe noted, the flail mower would have made the field prettier, but it's an expensive option.
Thanks for the info! I have the finish mower on my list for around the cabin. I have even seen Tim from TTWT use it as a tough cut and it held its own. Awesome little machine. Thanks for watching!
@@JoeTheFarmer Stick with the tough cut, unless you're one of those yard of the month guys. It is a tolerable lawn mower, but will clear walls of saplings when you need to get down and dirty. IF you're really wanting to drop some money on another attachment, get Ventrac's sickle bar mower for your ditches and really extreme slopes. It costs half what a new tractor does, but it's one of those things Ventrac does really well.
Definitely not the Lawn of The Month guy; not many people see it anyway! We just like to keep the property maintained because as you know, if you let it go its a whole lot harder to take it back. Plus, I just love the machines. I feel like a kid again when operating them so it’s my therapy. 😁👍🏼. I think that my next attachment would be the power rake or bucket. Then perhaps the stump grinder. But 90% of what I bought it for was clearing fence lines, mowing and slope mowing. Some areas are too dangerous to cut hay and it looks bad with patches of standing hay in the field. Great little machine; even Holly approves. 🤣
From what I see, many primary users of these machines as mowers are Golf Courses, Colleges and Universities. As such, any buyer can pick the finish desired for greens, fairways and overgrown areas with saplings and get the desired look. I wish I had one, but I only mow 3 acres which does not quite justify the cost in my view. Someday, maybe.
@@edb6783 Hey Ed! There is no doubt that the mowing side of the machine is it's bread and butter. I don't have any attachments aside from the tough cut deck and that was bought to keep me safe on our slopes, mow around the lake and avoid hours walking around with a string trimmer. Too many people get hurt on machines pushing the limits; I hope to avoid that. The feedback that I have gotten from our viewers is that just about all of the attachments are very good; but the power rake is supposedly a game changer. So if someone like you has 3 acres to mow, beds to mulch (power bucket), a gravel driveway (power rake) a garden (the tiller) it could make sense. The biggest complaint is the cost of the machine; which I totally understand. I was very skeptical until I demo'd and now own one. I enjoy the work and it is more economical than hiring out a lot of jobs and hoping people show up. Also, my long term plan is to one day use it to make some side money when retired. At least that is the plan! Thanks for watching Ed!!! I appreciate you supporting our little channel. Oh, by the way; if you want to buy one just because you WANT one and not because you necessarily NEED one I won't tell. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
love watching the videos on the ventrac, everything is so green 💚 where you live. how many inches of rain do you guys get per year? please do more videos on the kioti tractor. love the rx7320
Hey Mad Tater, thanks for the note. Not sure how much rain we get but it’s a good amount. We have a fun video coming out this evening with the RX. More to come with that tractor for sure!!! Thanks for watching. 👍🏼👊🏼
Love the Ventrac but we bought a Kubota MX5200 with a 4 in 1 loader for the same price as a diesel Ventrac. Maybe one day the Australian dollar will be strong compared to the US dollar and Ventracs will be cheaper here. I’ll keep my old Iseki going as long as it can. We will get a mowing deck for the tractor sooner or later, a deck designed to cut grass around trees.
Hey buddy! You bought a great machine man. With the Iseki you probably did the right thing to have the loader for your tree work. The Iseki has made it this far, should hang in there if you take care of it! Thanks for watching. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Yeah the Kubota is a useful machine. We’ve used it for three tasks. Firstly towing a water trailer up and down hills. Secondly using the loader to pick up and move big pieces of trees and fence posts. Finally and most importantly we loaded up the Club Car’s tray with wood chip mulch which was then distributed around the trees. In the future we’d like to run a wood chipper off the tractor. We’d also like to connect a spreader to tractor to distribute wood chip to the trees. The tractor will also hopefully be able to have a nut harvester attached to collect fallen nuts. I’m hoping the tractor will be the main machine in the orchard.
Makes total sense buddy. You made the right call. Obviously be careful. Keep the rops up and your seatbelt on! You will have that machine for many years to come. Congratulations!
Show us how mini times you change the belt on one job. Its a belt . All belts get hot and slip or brake under a load. Wood love to test one . I do like all the functions.
I’ve changed the belt once in almost 100hrs. I will show you; but the belt has to break first! 🤷🏻♂️😁. The original belt was on the machine from Canada and I think it was a mixture of 80 hrs use and user error. Belts are at any automotive store and about $20. I was a skeptic first too brother; now it’s one of my favorite tools! Thanks for watching! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Had no belt breaks until after 100 hours. Not sure why people are so scared of belts. So easy to replace too not the case when a hydro pump goes. I love hydro but can’t understand why people get scared of the belt drive on the ventrac. Took me 5 minutes to change the belt when it went on me and was back to work.
Very true buddy. I think that those that are used to a metal pto shaft naturally think a belt system is not as durable. At this point i have sheared as many pto shafts as I have broken belts. Our cars and trucks use belts in harsh environments for hundreds of thousands of miles without failure; so I think that proves a belt system can be reliable. And yes 5 min and you are back to work!
Hey Timothy, congrats on the new land!!! We have 125 acres. The Ventrac is fantastic for finish work and mowing slopes. Nothing like it! Keep me posted on your journey brother, excited for you!
Decades ago a tire company advertised by showing a car driving over knives and spikes without any flats, because of the steel belts in the tread. What happened to that simple technology?
For the money and if you have property big enough from what I’ve watched others using them their worth the money and the attachments . To ex mark mowers to John deer z’s shop do your homework to fit your budget and needs.
Very true Mark; thanks for watching. Seems like it’s split between land management and commercial use (using it to create an income). The Ventrac helps me get a ton of work done quickly without having to get help. If nothing else keeps Mother Nature held back a bit. They are not cheap; but as you know most things these days that are built well carry a premium. Hope to have you back for more videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
My only complaint is from a repair side. Once they get 1000 hours plus you generally have to replace that pivot bar(can't remember it's real name), it takes 2 people and a jack to replace it. Other than that they're stout machines
@@JoeTheFarmer I mean you'll have minor things you'll fix before 1000 but that bar is the first major thing. Another thing to look out for is the detent assembly underneath the seat. Other than that there's no real general ventrac issues i know of
Thanks man! I was also warned not to run it in high when working on slopes. Rear diff would take a beating. But that’s no big deal; unless trying to get somewhere far out on the farm
@@JoeTheFarmer just be careful with bumps if you have your deck up. Those front hitches can snap. We have a wall of shame at work for all of the hitches we've broken
Well produced and helpful video. I have a 2020 Ventrac like yours but I also have the Power Rake and the Power Bucket with Grapple. Wondering what RPM you run it most of the time? Thanks. Have a safe and Blessed holiday weekend !
Hey Rag Top, thanks for the kind words! I have implement envy. Lol. When I am cutting I usually run it wide open. Seems to make a better cut. That is probably why I use a lot of gas. But, makes it work faster too so. 🤷🏻♂️
@@JoeTheFarmer In the off chance you haven't seen this. I'd definitely have to have this for our place in western KY. czcams.com/video/EwM9sAGbqA4/video.html
Hey Buddy; I have seen it. When I bought mine it already had about 3 tubes in the tires so slime is out for them. I will have to replace the tires first and then add the slime. Been rolling with the tubes (literally) until I get around to needing the tires replaced. Thanks for sending along!
100% they're horrible around any structure. Would have saved me a lot of time and effort if I knew that before purchasing. They don't tell that in the side by side comparison videos!
@@JoeTheFarmer I have the Tough Cut, Finish mower, Areovator with the seed box, power rake, landscape rake, and power bucket with grapple. I would trade my finish mower for the frail finish mower. I need this for my 155 acre whish is both wooded and hay fields. Lot safer than my John Deere. I live in the hills of southeastern Ohio
Wow! Man I am JEALOUS!!! Lol. The aerovator has always intrigued me. What a cool invention. I would love to try the flail mower; but we don’t have many dealers near us. Would love to see some pics of that amazing land some time; dm me on Facebook or instagram if you get some time!
@@JoeTheFarmer My dealer here in Ohio told me that you can not get the flair mower until October. I will try to send some but will have to get someone to show me how. Do you have an e-mail address? I can do that.
Hey Joe-another great video from the farm. I have a finish deck (60"), power bucket, and just got the tough cut deck but have yet to put it to use. Do you mow in 'float' with the tough cut or manually operate the height?
Hey Lars! Thanks man. I usually let the height of what I am mowing make the call. If its REALLY high I will hold it up a bit; but on hills and slopes I always run it in float. Also when I am mowing around the lake it is in float unless I know that there is a rock or something. Like everything on this machine, you get a good feel for it really quick. Hope all is well in TX!
If we were neighbors I would take them out for you! My wife Holly calls our Ventrac “Pac Man” because it just eats whatever is in its way. I would wait until they were dormant, and within a day or so your blackberry bushes would be a memory. Thanks for watching Kelly! 🤣😁
Curious. Have you thought of filling your tyres with flexible polyurethane foam. Have heard people use it for tyres in this situation. Also told they put tubes in tyres, so they can remove if needed (cut out). Never seen personally, just told they had done it.
I have seen it but it is really expensive to do. The slime would be the most economical option but a few tires have tubes in them so I will need to replace a few before adding the slime. Likely a winter project if I don’t have a month or two of trees to deal with! Lol. 🤦🏻♂️🤣
Hey Larry, thanks for watching! The problem with that is the root structure would compromise the integrity of the dam. We mow it to keep brush from accumulating for this reason (and it keeps the snakes away for swimming.). There are about 2 million gallons of water in the lake and that pressure can find a weak spot. We have been planting berries along the fence by the house though; because we LOVE free berries! 😎👊🏼
Very informative but what size acreage is the Ventrac able to manage ? Not necessarily in a single session but could it manage large acreage left to go brush over time (for example 50 to 80 acres) or would you need to go to a larger tractor and slasher ?
That’s a great question. For that size acreage the Ventrac “could” do it…but you would have a whole lot of seat time. It is a great machine for fine tuning, mowing slopes and fence lines or using the additional attachments (stump grinder/tiller/finish mower/etc). But for us, we still have a larger tractor with a 15’ heavy duty slasher. I just have to get work done efficiently and move on to the next thing. Hope this helps!
Absolutely. I can clear 8 acres in a couple hours. The machine is incredibly easy to use; though my wife seems to keep stealing it! Lol. Thanks for watching!
Hey KSmile, thanks for watching! You can sharpen with a grinder or belt but replacing them is also really inexpensive. The coolest feature is that they have an edge on both sides so you can rotate them. When I bought the machine I replaced the blades and haven’t had to sharpen/rotate/replace them yet. Hope to have you back for more videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Hey 357, thanks for watching man! Yes you can. It’s not the pristine cut of a golf course but the tough cut can leave a good looking patch of grass. I don’t have the finish mower but it leaves a beautiful cut with the roller, etc. Pretty awesome machine!!! Hope to have you back for kore videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
That tractor is exactly what I want and need for my 20 acres in East Texas. What did you pay for that tractor with the rough cut? Do you recommend buying from a dealership or private owner? Again, the financial details would be extremely helpful so I can know if Im getting a good vs bad deal.
Hey! Thanks for watching. I prefer to leave the actual dollar amount out but I got about 30-35% off new. That was before Covid and the supply chain mess so prices may be different now. I would try TractorHouse.com and just keep looking. Mine popped up after a few months of looking and I pounced! Hope this helps man!
@@JoeTheFarmer That’s a huge help thank you. So did you use tractor house to base your pricing off of? Most of their tractors are up in Pensilvania and too far to drive. The closest dealers here are in Dallas and Houston. Did you go test that tractor before you bought it?
@@JoeTheFarmer 2008 4200 28 Horse Vanguard Engine. Hours quit working on the Ventrac before I got it. 9 years old when I got it. Came with finisher mower, bucket, versa loader, V-blade for $14K. Shipped it from PA to ID. Total cost $17k. That was waiting for months to find a great deal.
Hey Carl, I haven’t used the slime on this machine because it has tubes in some of the tires. I will likely replace the damaged tires and add the slime this winter. Thanks for watching buddy!
Hey Rachael, thanks for watching. This grass was super high so it was hard to mulch everything but it eventually dries out and becomes natural fertilizer. This is more like a rotary cutter/bush hog than a finish mower.
Have you reached out to ventrec to see if they have some demo attachments you can try like the flail mower . Mabe a good way to try before you buy and if the attachment has enough hours mabe you can get deal on it lol always got to save $ where you can lol dont have one but would love to have it lol be safe peaceout
Hey Tom, according to other comments I get all of my equipment free because I have a CZcams channel! 🤣. I wish! They have reached out and offered some kind words. Never talked about that stuff but it’s a great idea. Would love to grow my arsenal of attachments. Thanks for watching!
I know you work and buy all your equipment ,it was just a thought i know some farmers wo have reached out to try tractor accessories with no youtube channels and have gotten in to try weather they bough it or not its like buying a car test driving to see if it is whats you want like i said it was just a thought have a great day you have an awesome farm look forward to your next video be safe peaceout 👍🙃🤜
Thanks Tom; I would really like that actually. There are so many options for this machine that it just comes down to equipment budget. I really need a batwing mower next. Then more Ventrac gear. 😁👍🏼. Appreciate your support my friend
I have a Ferris 3200Z Zero turn, but my property is very bumpy, has a lot of slopes and wet areas, and when the Zero turn gets stuck, it destroys the yard. Consequently, I'm considering making a switch to Ventrac. That being said, the Ferris has a full floating suspension and is VERY comfortable to ride on for extended periods of mowing (about 10 acres). My question is, how comfortable is the Ventrac? (as it's just another tractor without a suspension). As a comparison, I have a Kubota BX 2370, with a full air suspension seat, and it's so bumpy (even w/ the air seat) , that you can only mow at very slow speeds. Do the dual tire's help absorb bumps?
Hey GMan, welcome to the channel buddy! Lots to unpack in your question. First, our property is very bumpy too. Rocks, rolling hills, slopes, and a lake which causes some wet low lying areas. The Ventrac with the dual kit handles it flawlessly. Will not rut up the yard; even when very wet. Like, seriously. You would think that I am crazy, but your boot will leave a deeper rut than the Ventrac with the duals. I ran over my 3m worktunes with the Ventrac by accident on a gravel driveway and I still use them to this day. It is also essentially 8 wheel drive so getting stuck is a very rare occurrence (for me, once mowing way to close to the lake's edge). Now, I do not have the suspension seat and REALLY wish that I did. Not because it is unbearable without it; but because as I get older I look for more comfort where I can get it. The seat would be very comfortable on flat ground; but I will be upgrading to the suspension seat at some point. When you hit a bump without it; you know it. Other than that, it is a super comfortable and really easy tractor to drive. It is way more comfortable than a zero turn or the Ferris you have. Both have their place for sure; but the Ventrac will make 10 acres a pretty simple chore. My wife mowed our front pasture last year to get more organic material in the soil and it tool her about 3 hours to mow the 11 acre field (take out an acre for the barn, trees, etc. So, this is a lot of info buddy but it is our favorite tool on the farm. Not cheap AT ALL; but I am done with cheap. Cheap means eventually broken when I need it. This thing is built like an absolute tank, you can service it with very few tools (and skills really) and it is made to last. I have things on the farm that I wish I would have spent a little bit more money on because this is a one-and-done purchase. If you take care of it; it should be a tool for the next generation. Hope this helps!!! Thanks for watching! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Thanks for the reply, I just got back from the dealer and got a quote, definitely put a lump in my throat ($47k for machine w/ 3-pt hitch, finish mower, rough-cut, and snow blower), but after I sell my Ferris and the Kubota, I should be halfway there, and hopefully not have to ever buy another machine again. Thanks again for your advice, really appreciate it.
Happy to help out gman! That is a huge chunk of change for sure. I always wanted a skid loader…until I looked at the price! I can live without the skid loader, but the Ventrac is a must have.
Listen, I have a love hate with mine. Mine when it’s running is absolutely the best. I bought new and I have 600 plus hours on it. I maintenance this thing exactly how the book says. From the beginning, I had warped castings causing hydro leaks, seal issues, speedometer replaced, LDA lever broke, broken electrical connections on the alternator and loose electrical connectors on the coils and most recent, clutch replacement. I mow grass at my farm period I mow my own slopes on my farm, that’s it. It has been so bad it went back to the factory. I have scag,bobcat,case tractor and a 2002 arctic cat atv , and the Ventrac by far is the most needy equipment I own. But I need it so I’m stuck with it.
Dang man; that stinks! Sorry to hear. I think you may have gotten a lemon. I rarely hear anything bad about them but no manufacturer can be perfect. Was it like this from the beginning? Or did it just get bad with time? Thanks for watching buddy.
@@JoeTheFarmer from the beginning I noticed hydro fluid on the ground at 10 hours. I was told the casting was warped in the machining process. I hydros did not sit right, no matter how much orange silicone the dealer put on it. It would leak. I know proper maintenance thank god, if not I’d be hauling it 1 hour 1 way for service. My dealer has been awesome though. I bounce ideas off him and he gets me parts delivered from ventrac by the next day. At my cost of course. Lol . Like I said, I can’t live without it. It’s safe and when it’s on it’s game, nothing can touch it. Thanks for a great channel.
Hey Brian, first thanks for the kind words. The channel is a blast and I love the interactive part meeting new friends. Second, that really would be frustrating knowing that there was an issue from the start. No machine is perfect but having a great dealer helps. And you are lucky that you can do some of the work. They are easy to work on; but like you I would much rather be using it to maintain the property. Appreciate you watching man and keep in touch!
Hey G Rock; thanks for watching! Best way to move the rocks is by hand brother. Takes time but eventually the frost stops pushing them up. As far as a maintenance agreement, I was never presented with one and don’t think it would benefit us. Maintenance is simple, oil changes and grease! I get the big tractor hydraulic fluid changes done at the dealer because it is an absolute mess dealing with 15-20 gallons of hydraulic fluid and fewer places are accepting it to recycle. Appreciate you watching!
Hey William, thanks for watching. I wanted to show how easy it is to mow tall grass around a barn, slopes, trees, etc. Those areas are too tight for hay equipment to work efficiently. Even if it cost me half a round bail thats only $12-$13. Just a time trade off and makes for a better video. 😁👍🏼
It’s a 2019 and it had 85 hrs on it when we got it. Saved a good bit but shopped for a while. Once we found a good deal jumped on it. Worth the money for sure.
Gotcha. I would not use a bobcat/skid loader on very hilly terrain. They (along with tractors) can tip easily. Also MUCH heavier and can destroy your turf. We have a larger tractor and that gets really dicey on some of the slopes. We purchased the ventrac primarily to clear brush/mow hillsides and fence lines and have the versatility to add attachments in the future. Any of the above machines will mow; but the Ventrac shines in mowing ability. If your primary goal is mowing hilly terrain; that is going to be the best tool for the job. Easy to operate, maintain and safe. Also, a skid loader is about twice the cost. A tractor can do it; but it will take a lot longer and the slopes are a tractors achilles heal. Not worth your life to mow hilly terrain without a ton of experience doing so. Hope that helps!
Why not show actual costs? There are obvious problems with a standard tractor. They can't handle slopes well. The owners manual recommends mowing up a hill backwards.... which requires holding the RIO perfectly.... which creates a significant risk for a stall (which then becomes a runaway). This is very exciting. :) If you put spacers on a tractor, the dealer wants to void your warranty. The tractor brakes are often poor. I had a 2025R (previous model) that could not be stopped on a hill. Tractor mowers are typically mid or rear mount. A front mount mower is far better IMO. The Ventrac front mower with hydraulic lift makes maintenance easy. There are a variety of grades of tire goop. Ultraseal Bulletproof Grade Tire Sealant, etc. Good luck!
Hey C Wolf88, I appreciate you watching! Man, I was driving a rural road this passed weekend and saw a guy on a kubota mowing and turning on a steep hill. Made me cringe! No lawn or pasture is worth your life. Fortunately Ventrac makes a heck of a machine that does it and does it well! Also cuts our slopes in half the time. Hope you will come back for more videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer I showed the dealer a photo of my steep yard. Will your riding tractor cut this? Oh sure. 1 minute after starting I had a runaway. No brakes or steering. Gulch at bottom of hill was approaching at light speed. I bailed out. Tractor shot up in the air & rolled upside-down into the gulch. I bought a 2025 next. Same deal. Tractor started sliding. Since I was close, I had enough steering left to stuff it into a tree. So, Ventrac is very attractive. Dying seems to be a bad option. Actually in some ways a broken back, leg, crushed chest is worse.
Yes brother; dying is the wrong option!!! I have caught some flack in the comments on buying a Ventrac when I already have a tractor. Some don’t get it; I have 3 kids I want to see grow up. And I love working the land. So; bought a Ventrac and I can do both. I can work and earn more money, but not if I’m under a tractor. Lol
It's not "cost," but "cost-effective." I had 65 hours on my 1025R because there wasn't much I could do with it after I learned I couldn't mow. Selling my 1025R and ordered a Ventrac diesel. 60" finish blade with mulcher kit. Power shovel with grapple. Trying to mow 1/2+ acre on 30 degree slopes takes too much time with a push mower and this heat boils my body.
Hey Volvo B10M, thanks for watching! It is a gasoline version of the Kubota diesel engine. I have read that it is essentially identical to the diesel motor with the exception of having spark plugs, etc. I am no mechanic so please don't quote me on that! The tier IV regulations have made anything 25HP and up essentially too large for the frame of this tractor. The gasser works great and runs super strong; only downside is higher fuel consumption. Also, the Kubota gas engine runs cold so it needs to be choked at pretty much every start. There are 4 engine options; the Vanguard, Kawasaki, Kubota Gas and Kubota diesel (24.8hp).
@@JoeTheFarmer That makes sense if Kubota are facing new tougher emissions regulations. Is there a stock LPG/GNG option with the spark ignition Kubota engines?
Great question. There is; you can add a LPG kit to the kubota gas engine (4500Z). It will reduce your slope rating a bit (to 25 degrees I think) but depending on fuel costs and accessibility to LPG may be worth it. Gas is pretty cheap where we are in Middle Tennessee, about $3 for non-ethanol gas. I am sure that you already know it will use ethanol gas; but I never put it in any of my machines. Not worth the hassle of bad fuel, rebuilding carbs, etc.
@@JoeTheFarmer I live in the UK, and the government here are soon doubling the minimum amount of ethanol content in fuel. I have searched for ethanol free fuel but unfortunately it doesn't seem to exist here other than Aspen fuel which is about four times more expensive than regular unleaded vodka, but from what I have heard is worth it.
Man I’m sorry; the UK seems to have really taken to the regulatory side of life. We have friends here in the US that have a lot of family in the UK. They have shared their frustrations. Ethanol destroys engines, especially if it sits for a bit like it will in a machine. It may be worth it to look into the LPG or go with a diesel if you aren’t on hilly turf. LPG is super clean, and will make the valves and pistons look like new for years.
Not cheap at all my friend! 🤣. But here is the thing; I really do think that it is a lifetime purchase if taken care of. Tires and things will wear out; but it is SUPER easy to service. Lots of them out there with thousands of hours. Sure wish everything wasn’t going up so much in price but not much we can do about it. 🤷🏻♂️. Thanks for watching buddy! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Hey Tom, my understanding of the machine is that it is incredibly simple. I don’t change them as the tough cut implement is the only one that I have so far, but there are a lot of videos out there that show the process. Once I have more implements you better believe I will do some videos on it! Thanks for watching buddy. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer thank you sir. I need more than a mower for one machine, but your channel led to others. Thank you for sharing, and giving an honest review.
Happy to help!!! The machine is great and very simple to operate; if you watch some of my others my 8 yo son picked it up in less than 5 min. Good luck!
@@JoeTheFarmer yea man, I mean they were really cool and worked out something with Tractor Time with Tim, Upstate Brush Control and a few others I am forgetting. No idea what the details were, but I think it’s awesome Ventrac did that to get their name out there, and help out some really cool channels. I really REALLY want want for a side business.
They build a great machine man…. I have been super happy with mine and there are so many other projects that I have been able to do because of the time savings. It could absolutely be a money maker! For me it makes me money because I don’t have to hire work out; and Holly loves to use it too which is a total bonus!
Hey Jabril, thanks for watching! Similar to a commercial mower/utility tractor. Vary a lot depending on attachments. Ventrac has a great website with tons of info. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
My question is how well do you think it would do on hill with cow path on them?We live in WV with lots of very steep pastures that is a pain to cut. I use a Kubota M9540 with a 7ft brush hog and 600lb of weights on the front right now. No tractor can go out the side of the hill but it would be nice to have a a lighter unit than the 8k tractor I am using now. Wondering if it would high center going over cow paths cut into the hill? Looking like it made to run out the side of hill but can it do steeper going straight up and down them? Thanks for the video
Hey Andrew, thanks for watching. If you watch our video "Ventrac Extreme Challenge" it shows me taking the 4500 behind our lake. I would NEVER take another wheeled vehicle on that journey so it should give you an idea of the crazy places this machine will go. If it's on a slope and needs to get mowed; I am confident that it can do it. Depending on the material on the hill; there is a 10ft finish mower but I don't have any experience using one. The tough cut (what I have) cuts quickly and you will be amazed at how it hugs the ground when in the float function. Hope this helps!
It is a stable tractor on slopes. Never felt mine would roll, but if cutting on a hill, close to fencing, barns, house... ect... the tractor can and will slide and when it does and you're parallel with a fence or anything, you can't steer away from the object because of the way it articulates in the center. In other words pull up along side anything and you can't pull away or back away from it if you're too close. Regardless of direction, the front or rear wheels will be turned towards the object you're trying to move away from. Also, countless screws, nuts and bolts came loose on mine as well as a hydraulic leak. It's back at the dealership for someone else to purchase. 53 hours on it and I got tired of doing repairs. Poor quality for such an expensive machine!
Hey Bunkie, thanks for watching. There are definitely screws and bolts that need some loctite, you’re absolutely right about that. But on some slopes 30 degrees or a little more I haven’t slid on dry ground. There are a lot of great machines out there, and I think the right tool for the job is different for everyone. But for our property with all of the hills, dips, twists and turns it is the perfect tool for keeping tight spaces kept up. What did you end up trading it for? Do you like it? Oh, and I have seen people on a slope get hung up on trees or a post and need to get pulled out. Fortunately I have avoided that (so far! Lol).
@@JoeTheFarmer we have 18 acres to maintain. About 10 to mow, the ventrac wasn't saving any time and costing 10 to 15 gal more in fuel per mow! long story short, I bought the ventrac with dual wheels, the finish mower (cut decent but would scalp the lawn or just miss spots, contour mower (poor cut quality), full sized bucket with claws attached (that was an awesome piece to have!), tiller (worked really well), vacuum system (constantly clogged), boom mower (nice for slopes that were too steep for the mower), and the three point hitch ( the bars on it kept coming unscrewed and the hitch would drop, also had random pins drop out). I'm just using my little zero turn for now. Gotta get something better for all the chores on the property though. Definitely gonna miss that bucket with the claws! Just wasn't worth the $80k I was putting out for it. The dealer was even shaking his head at all the parts that were falling off. Heat shield, bolts that held the mower deck together, the hydraulic hose leaking... just some of the issues. He looked embarrassed! Very nice guy though and he's helping through the process of selling it. Good video. Glad you're having better success with yours! I hear there's a new line coming out. I wouldn't want the first run of a new tractor though. Lol
Wow Bunkie, sounds like you bought all of the toys! You definitely have more experience with the attachments than I do. We just bought the setup you have seen specifically for mowing with the tough cut. That thing is an absolute beast. I bought mine with 88 hrs on it so maybe the kinks were worked out…but sounds like your initial setup could have been bad. I’m sorry you had a bad experience but sounds like you got out unscathed (for the most part). Are you on hilly terrain?
It is! Hydraulic 4 (or 8) wheel drive. It’s like riding on the back of something crawling. Thats what makes it so great in wet areas and slopes. Thanks for watching!
Hey David, that is the first time I have ever had that question and it’s a great one. I honestly never looked at the Steiner; even though we had an old Steiner golf cart that was bullet proof. When the Steiner family sold the Steiner brand and then started Ventrac I think that they were just better at getting the machines out there. I never saw the Steiner tractor until after I owned a Ventrac. I cannot say anything negative or positive about the Steiner tractor…I am sure it’s a great machine. Just no experience with it. The Ventrac has been an absolute game changer for us and their company reflects our family’s values of faith and doing the right thing. Not one regret (other than ME busting the roof on a tree! Lol). If you are in the market and have a dealer for both close absolutely try them both out. Such a great design and super handy. Hope that answers your question? Thanks for watching man!!! We appreciate it! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer I gotcha bud and I also live in Tennessee 2 hours from Nashville and looking to start a slope mowing and property care company later on and want to be solo and how fast can u go with the tough cut and the machine would help a lot! Dose it come with headlights
Awesome!!! A fellow Tennessean! 👊🏼. You can cut pretty quickly depending on material and yes, headlights come with it and you can get auxiliary lights too. They look like they are too good to be true; but they absolutely work as advertised.
Truth my friend. Bees are super important and we try to stay out of their way. Lots of habitat here for them and its fun to watch them work. Except for yellow jackets. They are mean and need to go. Lol. Thanks for watching!
Hey David; thanks for watching buddy! It is as fast if not faster. There is a high and low gear and mine is in low 100% of the time. With out slopes the low gear makes more sense for torque and longevity (same with the tractor). If on flat(ish) ground you could mow in high. Hope this helps!
@@JoeTheFarmer thanks bud and some bad news lost my dad a couple months ago it definitely ain’t easy many of times I wanted to pick up the phone and call him bud but I count and just say a prayer for me if you don’t mind bro I would appreciate it and he was battling cancer for 6 months and was hard to say goodbye to him he was living in Maryland and where I am originally from and his doctor video chatted with him and siad he can hear me but probably wount say anything back or move his hand and as soon as I siad goodbye and hit the end button the Doctor called my wife and siad he has passed and been a struggle but we all have to deal with it
David; I am sorry for your loss my friend. Thank you for asking for prayer; I will absolutely be praying for your family to heal. Grief can be hard; I have dealt with it too. I don’t want to overstep but please consider grief counseling my friend. I waited two years to do so and it was so incredibly helpful. What is your Father’s name, want to be sure to mention him specifically as we pray for him. It will get easier my friend. Will always sting, but the hurt will transition to good memories. Promise.
Hey Orville, Thanks for watching. The price is available on Ventrac's website and you can find used prices on tractorhouse.com. I could list a price but they are all over the map depending on the configuration. The title is in response to "Ventrac's are SO expensive!" It's a common comment, and it's a fair question because they are commercial equipment that take a pretty good financial commitment to buy. My answer to the question is yes, it is worth the money that we paid. Hope that helps...
Because mice like to live in the grass brother. And big ol’ birds live on the roofs of a barn. Mow around the barn; birds can see the mice. Mouse problem fixed. No more chewed up equipment or mouse poop. 👍🏼
Glad we found your channel. Just moved to Tn and got a small property with some fairly serious slopes. Want to manage it for wildlife, but I'm scared to death to take a tractor out and cut it. Actually hired a guy to brush hog it for me so I could see it better and he used a skid tract. Really thinking about getting a Ventrac and your vids are helping with that decision, far beyond what the dealer videos did!
Thanks for watching and welcome to Tn! Number one thing is listen to your gut. Video does a terrible job of showing our slopes but when I am on them I am almost sliding out of the seat. The machine has never made me feel like I was going over. Not even close. They are expensive but your life is priceless. Thats what I told myself when I bought one. Never looked back. Keep in touch and good luck!
I have a Ventrac diesel since I have other diesel equipment, but all the attachments are bullet proof. THis I bought as a lifetime investment and can do anything with it. I decided on it over a Kubota system, just cause the compactness, ease of use, slope control, and versatility. 35 year love hate system, and Ventrac has it beat by a long shot. I also have the boom mover, and its great for 103 inch reach...real handy but very specialized. THE power rake is a game changer, better than a Harley rake since its size is easier to manipulate in tight areas. Love the review Joe. Cant go wrong with any attachment. Bullet proof.
Hey Henry, great information buddy! I have heard that the power rake was a game changer. Also, sounds like you have a whole lot of experience with the attachments which is awesome. That boom mower looks like a serious machine, hope to try some more implements soon. Thanks for watching and keep in touch!
Is there an implement switch out process? And what is it? I am looking for something like this, but I dont want a big hassle with swicthouts. Would love to hear your opinion
@@tomreid5002 After the paint is worn off, I wired wheeled it off, easy peasy. Line up two lift arms, slide under the implement, latch the hook, reach under the front mounted belt pulley and lift belt onto the drive pulley, and put tension on it, a simplest process. I had a Gravely, what a pain. Ventrac, 5 minutes for the most complicated, and I have the Sickle bar unit.. which is the most cumbersome....but versatile. THis issue would be the least of my worries...the hardest thing is which accessory to buy, they are all heavy metal, overdesigned....compared to anything else. IMHO
Instead of running at full pressure on your tyres take a little bit of air out it's not going to hurt your performance in any way but it will give you extra traction and list punches especially over Sharp Objects like Rocks. You can also buy a gun for your tires that will inject a mushroom plug.
Great suggestions brother. And yes, I am long overdue to buy a plug gun for all the tires on the farm. Thanks for watching!
Ventrac dealer sells green tire flat product that stops the flats. Works awesome.
Thanks Charles! I will definitely be looking into that! I appreciate you watching. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Thanks for this review of your Ventrac 4500. I never saw one before but it seems to cut really well on slopes and big area. People that live in the city with smaller lawns never can appreciate what a job it is to keep things mowed and trimmed on a farm. You mentioned you weren't fond of the tires but having the wider tires, especially dual tires, would make the machine much more stable on a slope or hill. My brother has a Kabota 72 inch diesel Zero-turn industrial mower and it is great for cutting large areas but not good on slops like you mentioned. Every piece of equipment has its advantages.
Hey Ben, it is a game changer for sure. Especially on slopes. I don't dislike the tires; but I put them through the ringer! Lol. I have a solution for that that will be in a future video. Zero turns do cut fast; but this one not only cuts fast but wet grass or turf won't slow it down or rut up the turf. Thanks for watching buddy! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
I absolutely agree with you, Joe, that videos don't really show what mowing a slope is like. I also tried experimenting with camera angles and camera heights, etc, but ya gotta just go get on that Ventrac on a 30-degree hill to understand what it's like and allow time for that learning curve of mowing on slopes. It helped a bit that I had some experience mowing hillsides with a farm tractor/brushhog unit before we bought the Ventrac. And before the Ventrac, we used an older Deweze slope mower, which we still have and occasionally use, but the Ventrac is better for sustained slope mowing. (Though the Deweze does keep you upright the whole time you're mowing, which is a big plus on a long workday.)
Hey Mow Beta! Thanks for watching. I have tried it all too and without some really expensive technology which I wouldn't understand anyway; too hard to get the angles. I am really glad that I too had experience mowing with a tractor and rotary cutter because I wouldn't appreciate the "pucker factor" as much as I do now with the Ventrac. Love clearing up the property now without having to worry about the contours and slopes...
One hint for those who don't know better: I learned when I was mowing with a tractor & brushhog on a steep slope to never shift into neutral or shift gears at all when still on the slope! ('Cuz it's rodeo time...) At least the Ventrac doesn't have this issue.
😂😂😂. It’s rodeo time for sure!!! Tractor brakes are just a suggestion. Not really a thing. Lol. Thanks for watching!
We are on Texas and have mesquite all over the place. We used the tire sealant from Ventrac also most tractor places sell higher quality tire sealant . We have no problem with tires leaking. It’s not expensive compared to cost of your time and equipment. 5 gallons will fill all to tires including the tires on accessories such as mower. Pump is available on Amazon and makes job much easier.
Thanks for watching Lars! I know I need to look into that. Seems like the tires behave just long enough to make me procrastinate. 😂. Have a great weekend.
Lars- where about in Texas? I haven't seen many Ventracs around except for municipalities or golf courses. I'm in Central North Texas.
@@tazmankb26 Lockhart. I have a John Deere 4510 but the Ventrac is better on the slopping country we have. We get close to 30 degree slopes.
The unit was bought from a JD dealership who dealt in golf courses and municipal areas.
@@ccswede Austin Turf perhaps in Marble Falls? Lockhart huh- BBQ country right there!
@@tazmankb26 yes Austin turf.
Nice video, I have a 4500Z and love it. Not sure where your from but if your not too far from Ventrac in Orville, Ohio there are some rental places (Holmes Rental in Sugarcreek) where you can rent any attachment Ventrac makes so you can try before you buy.
Hey Tom! I’m close to Nashville, TN. Not many Ventrac’s around here but would love to demo more attachments. Who knows, maybe they will start renting them out somewhere close soon. Appreciate you watching!
@@JoeTheFarmer I am about 20 minutes from Ventrac factory and there are Ventracs everywhere around here.LOL I own a few pieces but rent mostly
@tomb1734 makes sense! Its a phenomenal machine. I am seeing more of them, but we were definitely Trail Blazers in Tennessee!
I use these and all kinds of mowers as a city worker. The rough deck will even cut through scotch broom in our overgrown, unused city areas.
Hey Diatonicjon, thanks for watching! It is impressive what the tough cut will take down! It’s a thorn and brush killer on our farm. Couldn’t be happier with it (unless they moved the center pivot grease point). Lol. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Glad you brought out how it does mowing stuff with thorns in it. I’ve always been curious how the tires would hold up to stuff like that. I Have the same problems with thorn brush and big and small locust trees on my property , So I’d be definitely driving over some. Thanks for the info sir and I’ll continue to dream of owning a ventrac one day. 👍🏻👍🏻
Hey Brad, thanks for watching man! The tires aren’t that bad; it’s more of me trying to find things to say I don’t like! It really is a great little machine. Not a whole lot to complain about buddy. Keep looking in the used market and you may find a great deal. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Hi
Really enjoyed this video, Joe! First episode I have watched.
Wow; thanks Tim!!! I appreciate you watching! Always enjoy your content and been a fan for a long time. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
I called the dealership in Nashville. They said they had a 4500 in the showroom. My dad goes to the doctor at Vanderbilt and we are going to try to stop by and take a look next appointment.
Awesome! Which dealer in Nashville?
@@JoeTheFarmer Smith Turf and Irrigation. We have a dealer in Birmingham too. I wish we had a servicing dealer in Huntsville Al. I live about 30 minutes west of there.
Ahhhh. Gotcha. Yeah; they are a new dealer. When I bought mine there were zero dealers in Nashville pre Toro acquisition. Hope they take good care of you and let us all know what you think!
great video, you have some beautiful property, thanks for sharing
Thank you Mike! I appreciate your kind words and thanks for watching!!! 😁👍🏼
Unless you need high loader work this is the best all around tractor. Super safe, versatile and practically anyone can run one and change attachments
Very true Brandon. A loader is unbelievably handy with a ton of flexibility. But as far as a smaller piece or property or a dedicated mower it’s awesome. Hoping I can get some more hands on experience with multiple attachments soon. Thanks for watching buddy!!! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
I mow around cactus here in Texas... the tire slime is awesome.
I need to get it in the tires for sure. Thanks for watching!
I believe the Ventrac is worth it! I don't have one but u need to get one.
Great, informative video that really gets my wheels turning. We are looking at a 13 acre farm with very similar terrain that you have. If I’m having my hay cut by a neighbor and I’m just maintaining the areas around my barn and fence rows I don’t know that this isn’t the answer to the mowing on the property. Thanks for making the video. Have a great Memorial Day weekend
Hey Matt! It very well could be the solution if you don’t need a loader. It cuts WAY faster than the tractor. Keep me posted on the land and good luck!!!
Great video and information, I have the diesel version and use it mostly for snow blowing and it works great and easy to run and maneuver , not a cheap unit though but made very heavy duty
Hey Warren! Thanks for watching and I appreciate the kind words. It is not cheap; but man I am OVER Things being cheap. I like a good value but am tired of cheap things breaking. Lol. Been super happy with mine and glad that you are happy with yours! Do you use the snow blower or blade? Hope to have you back for more videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
"Buy once, cry once"
Absolutely. 100%!
Then track is awesome so many attachments one tractor does it all no more I need attractive for this tractor for that tractor for this ventrac does it all that's why I bought two of them and I love them
Two is better than one! Lol. Thanks for watching
Great video! I have two 4200 Ventrac tracks. I bought a diesel one new in 2007. I bought another diesel of the same vintage in 2019. The second one is turbo diesel. The extra power is very nice! It has about 5 hp more than the first one.
The first one I used a lot with a Versa loader attachment and I found the flotation tires to be a problem. I did get a lot of flats with it and I ended up putting on a set of Ventrac lawn tread tires which have a much stronger sidewall which helped the loader considerably and they are a sturdier construction so I had fewer flats. The ride is definitely firmer than with the flotation tires and I have appreciated the softer ride with the second tractor now that I have it.
I mostly mow using a 72” finish mower and sometimes a 60” finish mower. I would love to have the 72” flail mower and the 95” wide area mower eventually. The 95” would require a trailer without side rails which I don’t have yet.
I also have the Ventrac edger and the front scoop which see occasional use.
You are very right about the slope mowing capabilities - no other machine can match it!
I’d also like to eventually get the Power Rake attachment which has a high price tag but appears to be a very useful machine.
Hey Dale! Thanks for the message. The only thing better than a Ventrac is TWO Ventracs! Lol. You have quite the assortment of attachments, and I have had a lot of viewers tell me how great the power rake is. I’d love to try one; one day! Thanks for watching buddy!!!
Wonderful job. Very clean and tidy. Thank you for your video. 🌹
Thank you Kathleen! I appreciate you watching. 😁👍🏼
i love the ventrac tractor lawn mower 😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰 i watch another youtuber who had one and they said they love as well and the stump grinder work really well in a resident area its diffent from other stump destroyers but i think the ventrac dose so much better but most people cant get that in the back yard with out removing some back yard fence around plus the digger or font bucket was ok did not have any teeth which would been better for moving what you need around but wean to have less clean up and want to show your neighbor who has the coolest lawn mower 😁in town out stage them with the ventrac tractor.😎😆🤗
the lawn you cut with the ventrac was better than watching zero turn do it. thanks for the great video of mowering that tall grass 🤗
i dont get mow anything that tall case i live residential area. cheers mate😎
Thanks for watching buddy!!! We love the Ventrac too. It’s a heck of a tool on the farm and makes big jobs very manageable. Cheers! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Hi Joe! The only thing you missed the ventrac is the safest way to get the job done! LoL nice job buddy and thanks for the video 👍
Thanks Dave!!! You are 100% right. Guess I was just focused on the fun! Lol
I have also seen a higher ply tire that might help with the leaks.
Hey Ducatiguy, thanks for watching! A higher ply tire would be ideal. From what people have shared the tire sealant is a home run, cost wise at least. We shall see! The tubes have held on (for now). 🤣
👍 Nice job buddy! Looks like fun! My JD lawn tractor kicks my butt on this bumpy ground. I’m looking for alternatives! I’m getting old!🇺🇸🚜
😂😂😂. I know the feeling Mike! Seems like the bumps and bruises stick around longer than they used to. Lol. Thanks for watching buddy!
I've been driving machines and tractors for 30 + years, the Ventrac is a BEAST! Expensive? Yes. However, durability, build quality and versatility are all things it excels at and quite frankly you're likely to only find one or two of those qualities on other equipment.
Nailed it Keith; couldn’t have said it better. You have more experience than I do; but in my experience it is a solid lifetime purchase. Thanks for watching buddy and hope to have you back for more videos!
I bought a 4500Z new last fall and love it. I also have the bucket and grapple and the 3-point hitch. I rough cut 8.5 acres of grass and fair amount of trees with rolling hills. My thinking on the 3-point hitch is that I can add an ABI rake or a box blade when I’m ready.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing Doug (and thanks for watching). What made you go with the gasser vs the diesel? Just curious.
@@JoeTheFarmer I went with the gas engine for the extra horsepower. I don’t have any diesel equipment so there wasn’t any advantage for me to go diesel and give up some horsepower in the process.
Same here; more hp to me is better. Love the 4500z!!!
So if you want a finish look, Ventrac has a very good finish mower. The tough cut get is intended for way overgrown messes and small saplings. As Joe noted, the flail mower would have made the field prettier, but it's an expensive option.
Thanks for the info! I have the finish mower on my list for around the cabin. I have even seen Tim from TTWT use it as a tough cut and it held its own. Awesome little machine. Thanks for watching!
@@JoeTheFarmer Stick with the tough cut, unless you're one of those yard of the month guys. It is a tolerable lawn mower, but will clear walls of saplings when you need to get down and dirty. IF you're really wanting to drop some money on another attachment, get Ventrac's sickle bar mower for your ditches and really extreme slopes. It costs half what a new tractor does, but it's one of those things Ventrac does really well.
Definitely not the Lawn of The Month guy; not many people see it anyway! We just like to keep the property maintained because as you know, if you let it go its a whole lot harder to take it back. Plus, I just love the machines. I feel like a kid again when operating them so it’s my therapy. 😁👍🏼. I think that my next attachment would be the power rake or bucket. Then perhaps the stump grinder. But 90% of what I bought it for was clearing fence lines, mowing and slope mowing. Some areas are too dangerous to cut hay and it looks bad with patches of standing hay in the field. Great little machine; even Holly approves. 🤣
From what I see, many primary users of these machines as mowers are Golf Courses, Colleges and Universities. As such, any buyer can pick the finish desired for greens, fairways and overgrown areas with saplings and get the desired look. I wish I had one, but I only mow 3 acres which does not quite justify the cost in my view. Someday, maybe.
@@edb6783 Hey Ed! There is no doubt that the mowing side of the machine is it's bread and butter. I don't have any attachments aside from the tough cut deck and that was bought to keep me safe on our slopes, mow around the lake and avoid hours walking around with a string trimmer. Too many people get hurt on machines pushing the limits; I hope to avoid that. The feedback that I have gotten from our viewers is that just about all of the attachments are very good; but the power rake is supposedly a game changer. So if someone like you has 3 acres to mow, beds to mulch (power bucket), a gravel driveway (power rake) a garden (the tiller) it could make sense. The biggest complaint is the cost of the machine; which I totally understand. I was very skeptical until I demo'd and now own one. I enjoy the work and it is more economical than hiring out a lot of jobs and hoping people show up. Also, my long term plan is to one day use it to make some side money when retired. At least that is the plan! Thanks for watching Ed!!! I appreciate you supporting our little channel. Oh, by the way; if you want to buy one just because you WANT one and not because you necessarily NEED one I won't tell. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Can’t believe it doesn’t have an engine with EFI, I can’t imagine spending $20,000 or something for a tractor with a carb.
Just have to try it man. The carb never sticks and works a lot like a simple gas tractor prior to all of the tech. Runs cold but flawlessly.
love watching the videos on the ventrac, everything is so green 💚 where you live. how many inches of rain do you guys get per year? please do more videos on the kioti tractor. love the rx7320
Hey Mad Tater, thanks for the note. Not sure how much rain we get but it’s a good amount. We have a fun video coming out this evening with the RX. More to come with that tractor for sure!!! Thanks for watching. 👍🏼👊🏼
Love the Ventrac but we bought a Kubota MX5200 with a 4 in 1 loader for the same price as a diesel Ventrac. Maybe one day the Australian dollar will be strong compared to the US dollar and Ventracs will be cheaper here.
I’ll keep my old Iseki going as long as it can. We will get a mowing deck for the tractor sooner or later, a deck designed to cut grass around trees.
Hey buddy! You bought a great machine man. With the Iseki you probably did the right thing to have the loader for your tree work. The Iseki has made it this far, should hang in there if you take care of it! Thanks for watching. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Yeah the Kubota is a useful machine. We’ve used it for three tasks. Firstly towing a water trailer up and down hills. Secondly using the loader to pick up and move big pieces of trees and fence posts. Finally and most importantly we loaded up the Club Car’s tray with wood chip mulch which was then distributed around the trees.
In the future we’d like to run a wood chipper off the tractor. We’d also like to connect a spreader to tractor to distribute wood chip to the trees. The tractor will also hopefully be able to have a nut harvester attached to collect fallen nuts.
I’m hoping the tractor will be the main machine in the orchard.
Makes total sense buddy. You made the right call. Obviously be careful. Keep the rops up and your seatbelt on! You will have that machine for many years to come. Congratulations!
Thanks for the truth sir, the information helps my consideration
Glad to help! Appreciate you watching. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Show us how mini times you change the belt on one job. Its a belt . All belts get hot and slip or brake under a load. Wood love to test one . I do like all the functions.
I’ve changed the belt once in almost 100hrs. I will show you; but the belt has to break first! 🤷🏻♂️😁. The original belt was on the machine from Canada and I think it was a mixture of 80 hrs use and user error. Belts are at any automotive store and about $20. I was a skeptic first too brother; now it’s one of my favorite tools! Thanks for watching! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Had no belt breaks until after 100 hours. Not sure why people are so scared of belts. So easy to replace too not the case when a hydro pump goes. I love hydro but can’t understand why people get scared of the belt drive on the ventrac. Took me 5 minutes to change the belt when it went on me and was back to work.
Very true buddy. I think that those that are used to a metal pto shaft naturally think a belt system is not as durable. At this point i have sheared as many pto shafts as I have broken belts. Our cars and trucks use belts in harsh environments for hundreds of thousands of miles without failure; so I think that proves a belt system can be reliable. And yes 5 min and you are back to work!
Mind if I ask how many acres you’re maintaining? Love your channel. Just executed a contract on my first bit of acreage.
Hey Timothy, congrats on the new land!!! We have 125 acres. The Ventrac is fantastic for finish work and mowing slopes. Nothing like it! Keep me posted on your journey brother, excited for you!
Beautiful property Joe. Greetings from Kentucky! Subscribed
Thank you! And welcome!!! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Decades ago a tire company advertised by showing a car driving over knives and spikes without any flats, because of the steel belts in the tread. What happened to that simple technology?
This machine has the simplicity of older rigs. Not gonna win style points…but the work sells itself.
Ventrack is my dream machine. One day I aim to own one
Thanks for watching 357. I can’t wait until you do and you share pics with the rest of us!!! Its one heck of a machine. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer I sure will if I ever get around to getting one. No one sells them here I Kentucky that I know of. Are they mail order?
There is a dealer locator on Ventracs website and they can line you up with a dealer. I bought mine from Canada and had it shipped.
Ok thanks! Brother !
No problem! 👍🏼👊🏼
For the money and if you have property big enough from what I’ve watched others using them their worth the money and the attachments . To ex mark mowers to John deer z’s shop do your homework to fit your budget and needs.
Very true Mark; thanks for watching. Seems like it’s split between land management and commercial use (using it to create an income). The Ventrac helps me get a ton of work done quickly without having to get help. If nothing else keeps Mother Nature held back a bit. They are not cheap; but as you know most things these days that are built well carry a premium. Hope to have you back for more videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
My only complaint is from a repair side. Once they get 1000 hours plus you generally have to replace that pivot bar(can't remember it's real name), it takes 2 people and a jack to replace it. Other than that they're stout machines
Good to know! I wish all machines made it to 1k hrs before needing a major repair. Lol. Thanks for watching!!!
@@JoeTheFarmer I mean you'll have minor things you'll fix before 1000 but that bar is the first major thing. Another thing to look out for is the detent assembly underneath the seat. Other than that there's no real general ventrac issues i know of
Thanks man! I was also warned not to run it in high when working on slopes. Rear diff would take a beating. But that’s no big deal; unless trying to get somewhere far out on the farm
@@JoeTheFarmer just be careful with bumps if you have your deck up. Those front hitches can snap. We have a wall of shame at work for all of the hitches we've broken
Yikes! Sounds like you have a whole lot of experience. Will do!!!
Well produced and helpful video. I have a 2020 Ventrac like yours but I also have the Power Rake and the Power Bucket with Grapple. Wondering what RPM you run it most of the time? Thanks. Have a safe and Blessed holiday weekend !
Hey Rag Top, thanks for the kind words! I have implement envy. Lol. When I am cutting I usually run it wide open. Seems to make a better cut. That is probably why I use a lot of gas. But, makes it work faster too so. 🤷🏻♂️
NPT or non-pneumatic tires would be the way to go if they weren't so blasted expensive.
I'd definitely need a suspended seat on that thing.
Nailed it on both. Tubes are about $20. And I am going to let Holly make it HER idea on the suspension seat! 😜😁👍🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer In the off chance you haven't seen this. I'd definitely have to have this for our place in western KY.
czcams.com/video/EwM9sAGbqA4/video.html
Hey Buddy; I have seen it. When I bought mine it already had about 3 tubes in the tires so slime is out for them. I will have to replace the tires first and then add the slime. Been rolling with the tubes (literally) until I get around to needing the tires replaced. Thanks for sending along!
Use Mouse Tubes in your tyres. Simple!
I have never heard of a mouse tube???
There allsome machine lot attachments goes with them easy hook up any attachemt
Hey Randy, thanks for watching buddy!!! You are 100% right! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Ventrac are a great versatile tractor, but the biggest downside is there manoeuvrability around obstacles, like trees.
Yes sir; i have hear the horror stories of people getting wrapped around a fence post or a tree. Do you have one? If so tell me about it!
100% they're horrible around any structure. Would have saved me a lot of time and effort if I knew that before purchasing. They don't tell that in the side by side comparison videos!
I appreciate the input but in over 100 hrs of mowing around barns and fences never had a problem with this. Maybe I’m just lucky? 🤷🏻♂️
I love mine as well.
They are hard not to love. Thanks for watching man!
@@JoeTheFarmer I have the Tough Cut, Finish mower, Areovator with the seed box, power rake, landscape rake, and power bucket with grapple. I would trade my finish mower for the frail finish mower. I need this for my 155 acre whish is both wooded and hay fields. Lot safer than my John Deere. I live in the hills of southeastern Ohio
Wow! Man I am JEALOUS!!! Lol. The aerovator has always intrigued me. What a cool invention. I would love to try the flail mower; but we don’t have many dealers near us. Would love to see some pics of that amazing land some time; dm me on Facebook or instagram if you get some time!
@@JoeTheFarmer My dealer here in Ohio told me that you can not get the flair mower until October. I will try to send some but will have to get someone to show me how. Do you have an e-mail address? I can do that.
Awesome; would love to see it work. GreenPartyOfFive@gmail.com
Hey Joe-another great video from the farm. I have a finish deck (60"), power bucket, and just got the tough cut deck but have yet to put it to use. Do you mow in 'float' with the tough cut or manually operate the height?
Hey Lars! Thanks man. I usually let the height of what I am mowing make the call. If its REALLY high I will hold it up a bit; but on hills and slopes I always run it in float. Also when I am mowing around the lake it is in float unless I know that there is a rock or something. Like everything on this machine, you get a good feel for it really quick. Hope all is well in TX!
I have 3 acres of land over runned of blackberry bushes. Giant thick blackberry bushes. I'd like to see how it handles that.
If we were neighbors I would take them out for you! My wife Holly calls our Ventrac “Pac Man” because it just eats whatever is in its way. I would wait until they were dormant, and within a day or so your blackberry bushes would be a memory. Thanks for watching Kelly! 🤣😁
It is worth the money for what it does cutting slopes etc..
Totally agree. Saves me a ton of time and makes the place look beautiful. Can’t beat that!
Tire-ject works great get it off of Amazon
Hey Jim; thanks for watching buddy! We appreciate the support. I’ll look into Tire-ject. Haven’t heard of it but will definitely check it out! 😁👍🏼
Curious. Have you thought of filling your tyres with flexible polyurethane foam. Have heard people use it for tyres in this situation. Also told they put tubes in tyres, so they can remove if needed (cut out). Never seen personally, just told they had done it.
I have seen it but it is really expensive to do. The slime would be the most economical option but a few tires have tubes in them so I will need to replace a few before adding the slime. Likely a winter project if I don’t have a month or two of trees to deal with! Lol. 🤦🏻♂️🤣
Plant trees and berry bushes on the dam, then no need to cut and FREE berries ^^
Hey Larry, thanks for watching! The problem with that is the root structure would compromise the integrity of the dam. We mow it to keep brush from accumulating for this reason (and it keeps the snakes away for swimming.). There are about 2 million gallons of water in the lake and that pressure can find a weak spot. We have been planting berries along the fence by the house though; because we LOVE free berries! 😎👊🏼
awesome video
Thanks so much John! I appreciate you watching. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Very informative but what size acreage is the Ventrac able to manage ? Not necessarily in a single session but could it manage large acreage left to go brush over time (for example 50 to 80 acres) or would you need to go to a larger tractor and slasher ?
That’s a great question. For that size acreage the Ventrac “could” do it…but you would have a whole lot of seat time. It is a great machine for fine tuning, mowing slopes and fence lines or using the additional attachments (stump grinder/tiller/finish mower/etc). But for us, we still have a larger tractor with a 15’ heavy duty slasher. I just have to get work done efficiently and move on to the next thing. Hope this helps!
@@JoeTheFarmer Thanks really useful input.
Thanks for watching!
I have approximately 8 acres pasture with some sloping. Usually have to hire someone to bush hog. Would this be a tractor that might meet my needs?
Absolutely. I can clear 8 acres in a couple hours. The machine is incredibly easy to use; though my wife seems to keep stealing it! Lol. Thanks for watching!
Am new to your channel
Hey Gustavus; welcome!!! Thanks for watching. 😁👊🏼👍🏼
interested .How to grinding the cutting blade. Need grinder machine or other way.
Hey KSmile, thanks for watching! You can sharpen with a grinder or belt but replacing them is also really inexpensive. The coolest feature is that they have an edge on both sides so you can rotate them. When I bought the machine I replaced the blades and haven’t had to sharpen/rotate/replace them yet. Hope to have you back for more videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Can you go from high weeds like a pasture to mowing a yard? If you could that would be something I could get lots of use out of
Hey 357, thanks for watching man! Yes you can. It’s not the pristine cut of a golf course but the tough cut can leave a good looking patch of grass. I don’t have the finish mower but it leaves a beautiful cut with the roller, etc. Pretty awesome machine!!! Hope to have you back for kore videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer I'll be back for sure
😁👍🏼👊🏼
That tractor is exactly what I want and need for my 20 acres in East Texas. What did you pay for that tractor with the rough cut? Do you recommend buying from a dealership or private owner? Again, the financial details would be extremely helpful so I can know if Im getting a good vs bad deal.
Hey! Thanks for watching. I prefer to leave the actual dollar amount out but I got about 30-35% off new. That was before Covid and the supply chain mess so prices may be different now. I would try TractorHouse.com and just keep looking. Mine popped up after a few months of looking and I pounced! Hope this helps man!
@@JoeTheFarmer That’s a huge help thank you. So did you use tractor house to base your pricing off of? Most of their tractors are up in Pensilvania and too far to drive. The closest dealers here are in Dallas and Houston. Did you go test that tractor before you bought it?
I bought it sight unseen (risky) from a John Deere dealer. Had it shipped to my door from Canada. 😁👍🏼
I love mine
Me too buddy!!! Which mode do you have and how many hours? Thanks for watching! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer 2008 4200 28 Horse Vanguard Engine. Hours quit working on the Ventrac before I got it. 9 years old when I got it. Came with finisher mower, bucket, versa loader, V-blade for $14K. Shipped it from PA to ID. Total cost $17k. That was waiting for months to find a great deal.
Awesome man! Sounds like you got a great machine for a heck of a price. I am a sucker for a good deal too! 😁👍🏼
What horsepower? Deck width? Seems like 1/2 horse per inch of deck makes a nice mower.
Hey Mark! 32 Hp and the cutting deck is about 6’. It will eat whatever it can push over….super impressive. 😁👍🏼
Joe, have you tried “Green Slime” for the tires?
Hey Carl, I haven’t used the slime on this machine because it has tubes in some of the tires. I will likely replace the damaged tires and add the slime this winter. Thanks for watching buddy!
Hey buddy I just wanted to tell you some of us prefer a real time mowing if that’s OK with you
Thanks for the feedback Brad. Helps us get better. 👍🏼
Looks like your just laying it down and not chopping it all up. Not enough suction power to suck them up and chop them up.
Hey Rachael, thanks for watching. This grass was super high so it was hard to mulch everything but it eventually dries out and becomes natural fertilizer. This is more like a rotary cutter/bush hog than a finish mower.
Have you reached out to ventrec to see if they have some demo attachments you can try like the flail mower . Mabe a good way to try before you buy and if the attachment has enough hours mabe you can get deal on it lol always got to save $ where you can lol dont have one but would love to have it lol be safe peaceout
Hey Tom, according to other comments I get all of my equipment free because I have a CZcams channel! 🤣. I wish! They have reached out and offered some kind words. Never talked about that stuff but it’s a great idea. Would love to grow my arsenal of attachments. Thanks for watching!
I know you work and buy all your equipment ,it was just a thought i know some farmers wo have reached out to try tractor accessories with no youtube channels and have gotten in to try weather they bough it or not its like buying a car test driving to see if it is whats you want like i said it was just a thought have a great day you have an awesome farm look forward to your next video be safe peaceout 👍🙃🤜
Thanks Tom; I would really like that actually. There are so many options for this machine that it just comes down to equipment budget. I really need a batwing mower next. Then more Ventrac gear. 😁👍🏼. Appreciate your support my friend
theres a product called tire ject look at one lonly farmer for what it does
Hey Robert; thanks for the tip!!! Appreciate you watching! Hope to have you back for more videos. 😁👍🏼
I was really waiting on grass closeup. What’s the cutting abilities are like, did few stranglers still standing afterwards?
Nope. Best cutting “bush hog” out there. Cuts great! 👍🏼👊🏼
I have a Ferris 3200Z Zero turn, but my property is very bumpy, has a lot of slopes and wet areas, and when the Zero turn gets stuck, it destroys the yard. Consequently, I'm considering making a switch to Ventrac. That being said, the Ferris has a full floating suspension and is VERY comfortable to ride on for extended periods of mowing (about 10 acres). My question is, how comfortable is the Ventrac? (as it's just another tractor without a suspension). As a comparison, I have a Kubota BX 2370, with a full air suspension seat, and it's so bumpy (even w/ the air seat) , that you can only mow at very slow speeds. Do the dual tire's help absorb bumps?
Hey GMan, welcome to the channel buddy! Lots to unpack in your question. First, our property is very bumpy too. Rocks, rolling hills, slopes, and a lake which causes some wet low lying areas. The Ventrac with the dual kit handles it flawlessly. Will not rut up the yard; even when very wet. Like, seriously. You would think that I am crazy, but your boot will leave a deeper rut than the Ventrac with the duals. I ran over my 3m worktunes with the Ventrac by accident on a gravel driveway and I still use them to this day. It is also essentially 8 wheel drive so getting stuck is a very rare occurrence (for me, once mowing way to close to the lake's edge). Now, I do not have the suspension seat and REALLY wish that I did. Not because it is unbearable without it; but because as I get older I look for more comfort where I can get it. The seat would be very comfortable on flat ground; but I will be upgrading to the suspension seat at some point. When you hit a bump without it; you know it. Other than that, it is a super comfortable and really easy tractor to drive. It is way more comfortable than a zero turn or the Ferris you have. Both have their place for sure; but the Ventrac will make 10 acres a pretty simple chore. My wife mowed our front pasture last year to get more organic material in the soil and it tool her about 3 hours to mow the 11 acre field (take out an acre for the barn, trees, etc. So, this is a lot of info buddy but it is our favorite tool on the farm. Not cheap AT ALL; but I am done with cheap. Cheap means eventually broken when I need it. This thing is built like an absolute tank, you can service it with very few tools (and skills really) and it is made to last. I have things on the farm that I wish I would have spent a little bit more money on because this is a one-and-done purchase. If you take care of it; it should be a tool for the next generation. Hope this helps!!! Thanks for watching! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Thanks for the reply, I just got back from the dealer and got a quote, definitely put a lump in my throat ($47k for machine w/ 3-pt hitch, finish mower, rough-cut, and snow blower), but after I sell my Ferris and the Kubota, I should be halfway there, and hopefully not have to ever buy another machine again. Thanks again for your advice, really appreciate it.
Happy to help out gman! That is a huge chunk of change for sure. I always wanted a skid loader…until I looked at the price! I can live without the skid loader, but the Ventrac is a must have.
Listen, I have a love hate with mine. Mine when it’s running is absolutely the best. I bought new and I have 600 plus hours on it. I maintenance this thing exactly how the book says. From the beginning, I had warped castings causing hydro leaks, seal issues, speedometer replaced, LDA lever broke, broken electrical connections on the alternator and loose electrical connectors on the coils and most recent, clutch replacement. I mow grass at my farm period I mow my own slopes on my farm, that’s it. It has been so bad it went back to the factory. I have scag,bobcat,case tractor and a 2002 arctic cat atv , and the Ventrac by far is the most needy equipment I own. But I need it so I’m stuck with it.
Dang man; that stinks! Sorry to hear. I think you may have gotten a lemon. I rarely hear anything bad about them but no manufacturer can be perfect. Was it like this from the beginning? Or did it just get bad with time? Thanks for watching buddy.
@@JoeTheFarmer from the beginning I noticed hydro fluid on the ground at 10 hours. I was told the casting was warped in the machining process. I hydros did not sit right, no matter how much orange silicone the dealer put on it. It would leak. I know proper maintenance thank god, if not I’d be hauling it 1 hour 1 way for service. My dealer has been awesome though. I bounce ideas off him and he gets me parts delivered from ventrac by the next day. At my cost of course. Lol . Like I said, I can’t live without it. It’s safe and when it’s on it’s game, nothing can touch it. Thanks for a great channel.
Hey Brian, first thanks for the kind words. The channel is a blast and I love the interactive part meeting new friends. Second, that really would be frustrating knowing that there was an issue from the start. No machine is perfect but having a great dealer helps. And you are lucky that you can do some of the work. They are easy to work on; but like you I would much rather be using it to maintain the property. Appreciate you watching man and keep in touch!
Thanks for the video. How do you get the rocks out of the field before mowing? And would a maintenance agreement work for you?
Hey G Rock; thanks for watching! Best way to move the rocks is by hand brother. Takes time but eventually the frost stops pushing them up. As far as a maintenance agreement, I was never presented with one and don’t think it would benefit us. Maintenance is simple, oil changes and grease! I get the big tractor hydraulic fluid changes done at the dealer because it is an absolute mess dealing with 15-20 gallons of hydraulic fluid and fewer places are accepting it to recycle. Appreciate you watching!
Was thinking a bucket attachment could help with the rocks? But an attachment with some tines might work too? Hate to damage the blades.
Yes, a rock bucket for the big tractor would be awesome. Or the Ventrac also, would work great. I just consider it my time at the gym. Lol
I know this is a promo for Ventrac, but with all that grass why aren't you grazing or baling it instead of mowing it down?
Hey William, thanks for watching. I wanted to show how easy it is to mow tall grass around a barn, slopes, trees, etc. Those areas are too tight for hay equipment to work efficiently. Even if it cost me half a round bail thats only $12-$13. Just a time trade off and makes for a better video. 😁👍🏼
the grass your cutting is a lot older than 2 weeks as stated what do you mow twice a year
Grass around that barn was not that old bud. Lots of spring rain and sun make it pop. Appreciate you watching!
invest in a set of tweels, They're flat proof.
Not a bad idea!!! I have some plans coming in a video soon. 😜👍🏼
What year is your Ventrac? How much did you spend for it.
It’s a 2019 and it had 85 hrs on it when we got it. Saved a good bit but shopped for a while. Once we found a good deal jumped on it. Worth the money for sure.
What's the difference between the Ventrac & a Bobcat?
As in a skid loader?
@@JoeTheFarmer Just as a comparison on what they can be used for, especially mowing hilly terrain.
Gotcha. I would not use a bobcat/skid loader on very hilly terrain. They (along with tractors) can tip easily. Also MUCH heavier and can destroy your turf. We have a larger tractor and that gets really dicey on some of the slopes. We purchased the ventrac primarily to clear brush/mow hillsides and fence lines and have the versatility to add attachments in the future. Any of the above machines will mow; but the Ventrac shines in mowing ability. If your primary goal is mowing hilly terrain; that is going to be the best tool for the job. Easy to operate, maintain and safe. Also, a skid loader is about twice the cost. A tractor can do it; but it will take a lot longer and the slopes are a tractors achilles heal. Not worth your life to mow hilly terrain without a ton of experience doing so. Hope that helps!
Why not show actual costs?
There are obvious problems with a standard tractor.
They can't handle slopes well. The owners manual recommends mowing up a hill backwards.... which requires holding the RIO perfectly.... which creates a significant risk for a stall (which then becomes a runaway). This is very exciting. :)
If you put spacers on a tractor, the dealer wants to void your warranty.
The tractor brakes are often poor. I had a 2025R (previous model) that could not be stopped on a hill.
Tractor mowers are typically mid or rear mount. A front mount mower is far better IMO. The Ventrac front mower with hydraulic lift makes maintenance easy.
There are a variety of grades of tire goop. Ultraseal Bulletproof Grade Tire Sealant, etc.
Good luck!
Hey C Wolf88, I appreciate you watching! Man, I was driving a rural road this passed weekend and saw a guy on a kubota mowing and turning on a steep hill. Made me cringe! No lawn or pasture is worth your life. Fortunately Ventrac makes a heck of a machine that does it and does it well! Also cuts our slopes in half the time. Hope you will come back for more videos! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer I showed the dealer a photo of my steep yard. Will your riding tractor cut this? Oh sure.
1 minute after starting I had a runaway. No brakes or steering. Gulch at bottom of hill was approaching at light speed. I bailed out. Tractor shot up in the air & rolled upside-down into the gulch.
I bought a 2025 next. Same deal. Tractor started sliding. Since I was close, I had enough steering left to stuff it into a tree.
So, Ventrac is very attractive. Dying seems to be a bad option. Actually in some ways a broken back, leg, crushed chest is worse.
Yes brother; dying is the wrong option!!! I have caught some flack in the comments on buying a Ventrac when I already have a tractor. Some don’t get it; I have 3 kids I want to see grow up. And I love working the land. So; bought a Ventrac and I can do both. I can work and earn more money, but not if I’m under a tractor. Lol
@@JoeTheFarmer And the kids want to see you. Being an orphan isn't fun.
It's not "cost," but "cost-effective." I had 65 hours on my 1025R because there wasn't much I could do with it after I learned I couldn't mow.
Selling my 1025R and ordered a Ventrac diesel. 60" finish blade with mulcher kit. Power shovel with grapple. Trying to mow 1/2+ acre on 30 degree slopes takes too much time with a push mower and this heat boils my body.
Gas Kubota? I always though Kubota engine options were all diesel and the petrol (gas) ones were either Kohler or Kawasaki.
Hey Volvo B10M, thanks for watching! It is a gasoline version of the Kubota diesel engine. I have read that it is essentially identical to the diesel motor with the exception of having spark plugs, etc. I am no mechanic so please don't quote me on that! The tier IV regulations have made anything 25HP and up essentially too large for the frame of this tractor. The gasser works great and runs super strong; only downside is higher fuel consumption. Also, the Kubota gas engine runs cold so it needs to be choked at pretty much every start. There are 4 engine options; the Vanguard, Kawasaki, Kubota Gas and Kubota diesel (24.8hp).
@@JoeTheFarmer That makes sense if Kubota are facing new tougher emissions regulations. Is there a stock LPG/GNG option with the spark ignition Kubota engines?
Great question. There is; you can add a LPG kit to the kubota gas engine (4500Z). It will reduce your slope rating a bit (to 25 degrees I think) but depending on fuel costs and accessibility to LPG may be worth it. Gas is pretty cheap where we are in Middle Tennessee, about $3 for non-ethanol gas. I am sure that you already know it will use ethanol gas; but I never put it in any of my machines. Not worth the hassle of bad fuel, rebuilding carbs, etc.
@@JoeTheFarmer I live in the UK, and the government here are soon doubling the minimum amount of ethanol content in fuel. I have searched for ethanol free fuel but unfortunately it doesn't seem to exist here other than Aspen fuel which is about four times more expensive than regular unleaded vodka, but from what I have heard is worth it.
Man I’m sorry; the UK seems to have really taken to the regulatory side of life. We have friends here in the US that have a lot of family in the UK. They have shared their frustrations. Ethanol destroys engines, especially if it sits for a bit like it will in a machine. It may be worth it to look into the LPG or go with a diesel if you aren’t on hilly turf. LPG is super clean, and will make the valves and pistons look like new for years.
Ventrac has its purpose! But $$$$
Not cheap at all my friend! 🤣. But here is the thing; I really do think that it is a lifetime purchase if taken care of. Tires and things will wear out; but it is SUPER easy to service. Lots of them out there with thousands of hours. Sure wish everything wasn’t going up so much in price but not much we can do about it. 🤷🏻♂️. Thanks for watching buddy! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
Somebody please give this man a tall cool glass of water with all the talking he needs it
Good Joke.
@@JoeTheFarmer ??
Trying to find info on switching out implement process
Hey Tom, my understanding of the machine is that it is incredibly simple. I don’t change them as the tough cut implement is the only one that I have so far, but there are a lot of videos out there that show the process. Once I have more implements you better believe I will do some videos on it! Thanks for watching buddy. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer thank you sir. I need more than a mower for one machine, but your channel led to others. Thank you for sharing, and giving an honest review.
Happy to help!!! The machine is great and very simple to operate; if you watch some of my others my 8 yo son picked it up in less than 5 min. Good luck!
@@tomreid5002 i have 1300 hours on mine its as easy as pulling a 2 levers and aligning the attachment
@@ManBearPigLOL I seen that after searching. Thank you for taking time to respond sir. This is exactly what I need on my property.
@ventrac_tractors you should hook Joe up with some attachments to try out. :)
Thanks For watching Patrick! Appreciate the support buddy. And that sure would be nice!!! 😍😍😍. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer yea man, I mean they were really cool and worked out something with Tractor Time with Tim, Upstate Brush Control and a few others I am forgetting. No idea what the details were, but I think it’s awesome Ventrac did that to get their name out there, and help out some really cool channels. I really REALLY want want for a side business.
They build a great machine man…. I have been super happy with mine and there are so many other projects that I have been able to do because of the time savings. It could absolutely be a money maker! For me it makes me money because I don’t have to hire work out; and Holly loves to use it too which is a total bonus!
Joe my name is George just how much that the socket cost the 27 MM
Sorry brother, but not sure what the question is???
@@JoeTheFarmer how much dose that metric socket 27 MM
Not really sure buddy; just part of a kit. I have a Dewalt set that was around $150
OK thank you very much Joe now I know what to buy thank you again Joe
What’s the price on one of those
Hey Jabril, thanks for watching! Similar to a commercial mower/utility tractor. Vary a lot depending on attachments. Ventrac has a great website with tons of info. 😁👍🏼👊🏼
My question is how well do you think it would do on hill with cow path on them?We live in WV with lots of very steep pastures that is a pain to cut. I use a Kubota M9540 with a 7ft brush hog and 600lb of weights on the front right now. No tractor can go out the side of the hill but it would be nice to have a a lighter unit than the 8k tractor I am using now. Wondering if it would high center going over cow paths cut into the hill? Looking like it made to run out the side of hill but can it do steeper going straight up and down them? Thanks for the video
Hey Andrew, thanks for watching. If you watch our video "Ventrac Extreme Challenge" it shows me taking the 4500 behind our lake. I would NEVER take another wheeled vehicle on that journey so it should give you an idea of the crazy places this machine will go. If it's on a slope and needs to get mowed; I am confident that it can do it. Depending on the material on the hill; there is a 10ft finish mower but I don't have any experience using one. The tough cut (what I have) cuts quickly and you will be amazed at how it hugs the ground when in the float function. Hope this helps!
It is a stable tractor on slopes. Never felt mine would roll, but if cutting on a hill, close to fencing, barns, house... ect... the tractor can and will slide and when it does and you're parallel with a fence or anything, you can't steer away from the object because of the way it articulates in the center. In other words pull up along side anything and you can't pull away or back away from it if you're too close. Regardless of direction, the front or rear wheels will be turned towards the object you're trying to move away from. Also, countless screws, nuts and bolts came loose on mine as well as a hydraulic leak. It's back at the dealership for someone else to purchase. 53 hours on it and I got tired of doing repairs. Poor quality for such an expensive machine!
Hey Bunkie, thanks for watching. There are definitely screws and bolts that need some loctite, you’re absolutely right about that. But on some slopes 30 degrees or a little more I haven’t slid on dry ground. There are a lot of great machines out there, and I think the right tool for the job is different for everyone. But for our property with all of the hills, dips, twists and turns it is the perfect tool for keeping tight spaces kept up. What did you end up trading it for? Do you like it? Oh, and I have seen people on a slope get hung up on trees or a post and need to get pulled out. Fortunately I have avoided that (so far! Lol).
@@JoeTheFarmer we have 18 acres to maintain. About 10 to mow, the ventrac wasn't saving any time and costing 10 to 15 gal more in fuel per mow! long story short, I bought the ventrac with dual wheels, the finish mower (cut decent but would scalp the lawn or just miss spots, contour mower (poor cut quality), full sized bucket with claws attached (that was an awesome piece to have!), tiller (worked really well), vacuum system (constantly clogged), boom mower (nice for slopes that were too steep for the mower), and the three point hitch ( the bars on it kept coming unscrewed and the hitch would drop, also had random pins drop out). I'm just using my little zero turn for now. Gotta get something better for all the chores on the property though. Definitely gonna miss that bucket with the claws! Just wasn't worth the $80k I was putting out for it. The dealer was even shaking his head at all the parts that were falling off. Heat shield, bolts that held the mower deck together, the hydraulic hose leaking... just some of the issues. He looked embarrassed! Very nice guy though and he's helping through the process of selling it. Good video. Glad you're having better success with yours! I hear there's a new line coming out. I wouldn't want the first run of a new tractor though. Lol
Wow Bunkie, sounds like you bought all of the toys! You definitely have more experience with the attachments than I do. We just bought the setup you have seen specifically for mowing with the tough cut. That thing is an absolute beast. I bought mine with 88 hrs on it so maybe the kinks were worked out…but sounds like your initial setup could have been bad. I’m sorry you had a bad experience but sounds like you got out unscathed (for the most part). Are you on hilly terrain?
Is it all wheel drive?
It is! Hydraulic 4 (or 8) wheel drive. It’s like riding on the back of something crawling. Thats what makes it so great in wet areas and slopes. Thanks for watching!
get the flail mowrer that would do BETTER JOB
I want to try one!!! Do you have one? Happy with it?
Perfect mackine
B
Machine
What made u choose the ventrac over the Steiner?
Hey David, that is the first time I have ever had that question and it’s a great one. I honestly never looked at the Steiner; even though we had an old Steiner golf cart that was bullet proof. When the Steiner family sold the Steiner brand and then started Ventrac I think that they were just better at getting the machines out there. I never saw the Steiner tractor until after I owned a Ventrac. I cannot say anything negative or positive about the Steiner tractor…I am sure it’s a great machine. Just no experience with it. The Ventrac has been an absolute game changer for us and their company reflects our family’s values of faith and doing the right thing. Not one regret (other than ME busting the roof on a tree! Lol). If you are in the market and have a dealer for both close absolutely try them both out. Such a great design and super handy. Hope that answers your question? Thanks for watching man!!! We appreciate it! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer I gotcha bud and I also live in Tennessee 2 hours from Nashville and looking to start a slope mowing and property care company later on and want to be solo and how fast can u go with the tough cut and the machine would help a lot! Dose it come with headlights
Awesome!!! A fellow Tennessean! 👊🏼. You can cut pretty quickly depending on material and yes, headlights come with it and you can get auxiliary lights too. They look like they are too good to be true; but they absolutely work as advertised.
steiner and ventrac are same machine plus they both use kubota gas and diesel engines
Very similar; can actually share attachments between the two.
Bees?
Ground bees? Or do we want to have bees?
Truth my friend. Bees are super important and we try to stay out of their way. Lots of habitat here for them and its fun to watch them work. Except for yellow jackets. They are mean and need to go. Lol. Thanks for watching!
Would u say your ventrac is faster then a zero turn
Hey David; thanks for watching buddy! It is as fast if not faster. There is a high and low gear and mine is in low 100% of the time. With out slopes the low gear makes more sense for torque and longevity (same with the tractor). If on flat(ish) ground you could mow in high. Hope this helps!
@@JoeTheFarmer thanks bud and some bad news lost my dad a couple months ago it definitely ain’t easy many of times I wanted to pick up the phone and call him bud but I count and just say a prayer for me if you don’t mind bro I would appreciate it and he was battling cancer for 6 months and was hard to say goodbye to him he was living in Maryland and where I am originally from and his doctor video chatted with him and siad he can hear me but probably wount say anything back or move his hand and as soon as I siad goodbye and hit the end button the Doctor called my wife and siad he has passed and been a struggle but we all have to deal with it
David; I am sorry for your loss my friend. Thank you for asking for prayer; I will absolutely be praying for your family to heal. Grief can be hard; I have dealt with it too. I don’t want to overstep but please consider grief counseling my friend. I waited two years to do so and it was so incredibly helpful. What is your Father’s name, want to be sure to mention him specifically as we pray for him. It will get easier my friend. Will always sting, but the hurt will transition to good memories. Promise.
@@JoeTheFarmer Robert Travis
@@JoeTheFarmer wife wakes up with 100:7 fever and it’s COVID but I feel fine
And you implied price,, you didn't give it,,
Hey Orville, Thanks for watching. The price is available on Ventrac's website and you can find used prices on tractorhouse.com. I could list a price but they are all over the map depending on the configuration. The title is in response to "Ventrac's are SO expensive!" It's a common comment, and it's a fair question because they are commercial equipment that take a pretty good financial commitment to buy. My answer to the question is yes, it is worth the money that we paid. Hope that helps...
You are a farmer, why are you mowing the grass? That is what cows, sheep and goats are for.
Because mice like to live in the grass brother. And big ol’ birds live on the roofs of a barn. Mow around the barn; birds can see the mice. Mouse problem fixed. No more chewed up equipment or mouse poop. 👍🏼
No
Was there a question?
You talk too dame much.
If only there were other channels to watch on CZcams. 🤷🏻♂️