Ventrac 4500Z-Greasing the infamous U-Joint and removing side panels-BLUE CORD Property Care
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2020
- In this video I take off the side panels and grind off some of the old damaged fastening hardware and replace them all with new stainless steel! While the panels are off, I show you how to grease the Hitch Arm Lift Cylinder and the infamous U-Joint!
I realize that this is an old video but it really helped me today with my problems. Glad I remember that you showed this.
I'm really glad my videos are helping
was tying to grease and lube my ventrac and you showed me how.
Glad this was helpful
Excellent video Bradley- love the maintenance series!
Thanks! I have a lot more in the series to record and I'm sure even more video to address specific questions later
Thanks for this video. You always do such a good job.
Thanks! I'm amazed at how my older videos are still being watched and am happy that they're still doing some good
I did the same thing, replacing all the fasteners 👍 there's nothing more frustrating than dealing with stripped fasteners!
You got THAT right, Tom! Since I shared that video, Ventrac followed suit and changed all their fasteners to the type that I've been using. They've also made a few other design changes as per my recommendations
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 well keep at it! so far, Ive made a couple other changes of yours as well...I especially like the accuator on the blower, makes a world of difference! 👍👍
@@tomcooke9221 yeah! That one was fun to do
how about one "center groove/or channel" then use a screw driver or impact screw driver...when I got my machine I took the covers off and put "Anti-sieze" on all fasteners..thanks for video!
Slotted hardware is not very good. Torx is better than Allen but a hex head fastener gives great torque with little force compared to the other styles
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 I was saying to "remove"..,BUT yes I like your upgrade for sure be well sir
@@martinmoffitt4702All the new Ventracs now come with these fasteners
Thanks Bradley. I am seriously considering buying the 4500 diesel model for small farm applications with hilly terrain.
The versatility with multiple attachments is appealing. Small things like the bolts will in time become issues. Good work
Thanks! I'm glad my channel is helping so many people
Hi Bradley....
I very much appreciate your videos, especially those containing techniques for operation and how-to maintenance. I have watched and subscribed for about a year and a half since we bought our 4500Z. Since I mainly watch your channel on my TV, I haven't commented in the past.
We live in WV and have very steep land to manage. You have taught me a lot! Thank you very much!!!
If I may pass along a tip that I discovered about the hex bolts... available at Tractor Supply are what is called "GearWrench" in both metric and SAE . The open end has 72 tooth ratchets and work perfect for all of the service bolts that you showed replacing. This even includes the panel for the 3 point zerk fitting without need to remove the foot throttle pedal. You only need to remove the panel covering the fuel filter because the two bolts have uncaptured nuts, just like the top front on the side panels. I have replaced all the 1/4x20 hex for service panels on my 4500Z.
GearWrench quality seems excellent. They also have many different sets including flex ends and stubby wrenches. These are well worth a place in the tool box! ( And no... I don't work for TSC! 🙂)
Regards.... Hal in WV
Thanks, Hal! Gearwrench is a decent brand and Project Farm speaks highly of them. Give me a can of you'd like. I'd enjoy talking with a fellow Ventrac owner
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 How can I reach you beside here? I am a former RVN vet that flew helicopters. I'd like to talk with you as well.
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 BTW....Did you ever find a remedy for the non-captured nut plates?
@@halcutler9375 484-796-1586
Great idea ! Me next
Do it!
I bought 4 ea RhinoRamps MAX Vehicle Ramps & I'm going to see if I can approach the U-joint from the bottom. Cross your fingers.
The rear 3 point front zerk (below the seat) is difficult too, so I'm modifying the panel that covers it to open up access.
I'm marking all zerks with brightly colored permanent dots to help ensure I don't miss any. 11 zerks on the tractor plus 4 on the 3-point. Than add all the ones on the attachments.
Cheers
Nice! I WANT to see the new zerks and the other things you'll be doing. Sounds like it will make things a LOT easier! Funny thing is, I made a video MONTHS ago about the 3 point grease fitting and all the things that have to be done to remove that panel to get to it more easily!...but I never edited or uploaded it. Should I now?
Thanks....god idea!
Sorry to say it but I think you should the wrong fitting for the U joint. What you showed appear to be the back U joint. You normally get to that grease point through the radiator area. I have a feeling if you look forward you’ll see a belt that drives a poly and a poly is the front U joint grease fitting. The belt in the front I believe it’s driven off the fan or something like that. The that belt drives the front of the U joint.
The U Joint has 2 fittings. The tough one to get to is beneath the radiator which I show in this video. The easy one is further back and can be accessed from the top by removing the "dirt flap" between radiator and fan. The belt is not connected in any way with the U Joint
Awesome Job. Big help Big help... Those are my hates along with the big red 80 amp fuse wire on the alternator. Bad design. Had the eye break from the heat numerous times valve cover leaks, gotta replace it already. The big SLDA lever broke at the little bolt that holds it on. Thanks so much........
Glad it helped
Check out the MAC RBRT hex bit sockets :)
I'll check 'em out, thanks
I don’t have a 4500z yet but hopefully get in very near future I cannot understand why this wasn’t recommended . I mow as a sidehustle
Like and subscribed
Thanks
Thanks! I've been using Ventrac for 15 years
Nice job! I was unaware of the mid weight kit and having that on the left side of 4700Z could help a bit in balancing the boom arm mower. I get the tough cut into narley brush too, but do not have the side covers. I like the hex cap screws as replacements. I have managed to grease that rear drive shaft "U" from the right twice, but have trouble with getting the grease to actually go into the fitting instead of squirting out around the sides, I have easier access from the LEFT, not easy, but easier.
You could place weights on only one side to counter balance. I've never had to do that but it would work well for that!
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 This popped-up on my screen again. Recently I greased my drive shaft zerks again, doing the front one from the LEFT. It is easier for me that way, BUT doing so is strictly a "by feel" process as I can not see the zerk of the front joint when it is positioned for access, which is about 5:30 as viewed as if from the front of the 4500Z. Houdini would be proud.
@@rooster3019 I remember you talking about this before. I've always gone in from the right
Get a Lube Shuttle grease gun with a LockNLube tip. Makes life much easier. :)
I'll have to check it out!
Different and as difficult on the 4500P. One grease point is between radiator and dash console - so difficult.
I have heard that an access hole can be drilled to make it less taxing.
The one fastener that requires the nut on the side panel is a pain in the butt!!! I don’t know why ventrac designed it like that, but I do not appreciate it at all. Greasing that U joint isn’t a peach either. Especially having the 2 fittings on the opposite sides of each other. I’m usually unable to turn the fan blades to turn it over the shaft because the belt slips due to the high compression of the Diesel engine.
I love the Ventrac, for the most part it’s pretty well engineered, but there are still a handful of things that I think the engineers were half asleep when they designed it.
There are definitely some things that I wish were easier to get to. Since I have the Z model, the compression is 8.5 to 1 and still struggle sometimes to use the belt tension between the fan blade and engine to turn it over. I'm not sure what the Diesel compression is
Bradley- I had to watch this a 2nd time to see how you got to the U joint zert. I have a question in the opening I noticed your air filter is pointing the rear of the tractor. My 4500P is just the opposite (pointing to the front). Did you reroute that to reduce dust intake or is that just a difference in the Z model to the P?
That's the way my Z model came from the factory
What I said before the modifications that you made on the unit that you got my message have you put that down on a list that if it is specked out and you have to spectacle the vendor and have put on do you have what they call a aspect sheet that you added to the ventract that you have with the modifications that you did would you have a list of everything that's on your track yourself I go to bed truck again I can just hand them the DSO shit that you've got of the modifications cause I agree with all your modifications that all I have to do is give it to him and they can give it to me when I pick up a new one on order if possible.
There is no list and there are no specs. I just make it up as I go
Thank you for another excellent maintenance video but correct me if I'm wrong isn't that Center CV joint have 2 grease fittings
Yes, there are two fittings but only one is notoriously difficult. The one under the debris shield behind the radiator is easy to get to with no tools needed. This video was intended to show the fittings accessed from the right side once the guard was removed.
Thanks for your videos. How about any fix for the speedometer not working and fogging up.
Ventrac replaced mine already and it still does it! I used a new demo a couple months ago while my 4500 was being serviced and noticed that there is now a new style display with a carbon fiber look. I'm not sure if this fixes the fogging issues though
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 I have the new display in my 4500 k and it hasn't fogged up yet knock on wood
@@jimpetersen8900 how many hours on the new display?
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 just 7 I don't put too many on it I use it for a loader tractor only
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 Thanks for the reply and for your videos. My digital numbers are broken up and the speedometer will work like once ever two months or so.
That fitting is the bane of my existence!!! Great content! Please keep the maintenance videos coming!
- JTF
I'm glad you're enjoying! The comments and participation motivate me to keep uploading here!
What is the purpose of the U joint ?
Another very informative video.
Thank you Bradley
The U-Joint connects the engine to the hydraulic pump
Where did you get the stainless hardware? What size and how many?
Nice video!
Any hardware store should be able to order what you need and there are several online stores that carry things like this in stock. I ordered mine through Albany County Fasteners in New Jersey since I'm in SE Pennsylvania. The size is 1/4-20 by 3/4" with serrated flange and I ordered 100
Wow, that U-joint zert is a bugger. Thank you for showing us how to get to it. Did you say there was one fitting somewhere that required a 90 degree grease fitting ?
Thanks! I mentioned that it may be easier to reach the U-Joint fitting if it had a 90 or 45 on it.
Can you get to that u joint the same on all 4000 series
My 4227 is a straight shaft with no u joint
Hi there's a New tool for that, when the nuts are like that
Nice. What is it?
Called a "rivet nut" or something similar. You insert a nut on the chassis side that's kind of like a pop rivet. The nut is captured by the shoulder formed from the compression of the inserted part. Then your bolt goes through the attached panel into the captured nut. Just do an Amazon search for "rivet nut tool".
Do you think VENTRAC's are worth the money, and would you purchase them again?
Yes, of course they're worth it. I don't ever recall giving anyone the impression that I have ever regretted buying them. I have two, my uncle has one as does my father.
Well worth the money. They are SO versatile.
Hi - thanks for the video. When greasing the U joint did you change the tip of your grease gun? I have a Milwaukee grease gun and find the tip is too long to get purchase on the zirc.
Sorry the delayed response! I didn't see this until now. I use a different grease gun for the U-joint than the one I use for the rest
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 Thanks ! Glad to know I am not the only one struggling. Love your vids.
@@martindebono6275 Thank you. I appreciate your support
Do you know what size stainless steel screw you used? What is the thread count and the diameter? Thanks, as always.
Martin, the hardware I replaced on the side panels is 1/4-20. The Ventrac manuals break down all the parts, including the hardware so you'll know exactly what you need
What are the 2 square tubes mounted on the front of either side for?
Georgia, they are the Stump Grinder Mirror Mounts. I have a few videos showing the Stump Grinder and you can see how the mirror is mounted. By the way, I spent a LOT of time in Georgia, both at Benning and Stewart :)
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 me too. I’m retired military. Retired out of Benning.
@@georgiaslopecutters awesome. What did you do there?
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 I ran the the live experimentation division of the Battle Lab, so I tested all equipment before it was fielded. Super cool.
@@georgiaslopecutters pretty cool. I was 11 series my entire career