Do I Regret Getting The Diesel In The Ventrac 4500?

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  • čas přidán 29. 08. 2024

Komentáře • 89

  • @lifeonblossommountain7203

    I too have the 4500Y and struggled with the same choice for the same reasons. I agree, I’ve not had any difficulties with any attachments. I’ve one section that’s 37 degrees that I can approach from below with the Tough Cut and the weight transfer at the max safely - it climbs up the short incline without any issue. Keep up the good videos!

  • @antonhuman8446
    @antonhuman8446 Před 2 lety +1

    I must have researched 20 programs on 4500s and this what I was looking for.
    Exactly on the money.
    Thanks.

  • @jimsweeney25
    @jimsweeney25 Před 2 lety +2

    When I ordered my Ventrac three years ago, it was the sales rep that suggested I stay away from the diesel, especially for snow blowing. I've never regretted buying the Kubota gas engine.

  • @JoeFidler
    @JoeFidler Před 2 lety +2

    I can’t decide which to go with, great video and great perspective.

  • @_P0tat07_
    @_P0tat07_ Před 3 lety +9

    In my opinion, yes the diesel is very underpowered. Working on a golf course with moderate slopes, it just does not like climbing hills with the contour deck. Even just driving on level areas the engine rpms will sink. And we’ve had a bit of a dry spell here the past few weeks so not a lot of turf growth and not very thick.
    I’m not sure what’s going on with it, the dealer said the contour deck wasn’t ideal with the diesel model, but I’ve also noticed a lot of bogging down with the 60” finish mower.
    I love the ventrac, but I’m not impressed with the power of the diesel. The only benefit I see with the Diesel engine is the much improved fuel economy. We couldn’t get 6 green surrounds done without having to refuel it. With the diesel I could probably do all surrounds, but A: I drive past the fuel tank halfway through the route so why not stop and top off. And B. I don’t trust the digital fuel gage at all. It jumps around way to much, even on level ground. The delay from the fuel level sensor to the display is terrible.

    • @travisteeter5072
      @travisteeter5072 Před 3 lety +1

      I agree 100% with everything you said. I maintain a 340 acre golf course, the turbine blower boggs the engine without even moving. The dihastsu diesel w/ turbo was night and day in power.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 3 lety +1

      I just noticed power loss when it gets hot. It runs 3600 RPMs when I first start then after a hour later the RPMs drop down to 3100 and it seems to be slugish. I am replacing both fuel filters. It may be something to look into. The fuel level on the dash does jump around a lot, But I have noticed on mine that when it hits red if you open the fuel cap there is always at least 1 gallon of fuel left. I have only let it hit red 3 times, But there was always a gallon left every time.

    • @_P0tat07_
      @_P0tat07_ Před 3 lety

      @@steiger256 I’ve found out that keeping the air filter clean has a huge effect on performance (well duh, if the engine can’t get the proper fuel/air ratio it’s going to run funny!) Still doesn’t like inclines with the PTO on, but it definitely doesn’t just bog the engine down randomly anymore. It would dip down to like 2800rpm for no reason while mowing, even on flat ground.
      I put the 60” finish mower on to knock down some really tall grass (12” tall or so) and it took it down no problem after cleaning the air filter. I did start at position 15 and then dropped it a couple notches just to help it along but it did fine.
      Again, I still think it’s underpowered. But now that I’ve narrowed down what leads to the low power, it’s at least manageable now.
      Oh, also. I did notice a bit of a jump in performance after an oil change. Not proud to admit this, although it’s not my fault. But we put 200 hours on the machine before it’s first oil change. I kept writing on the whiteboard for the mechanic to order oil filters and to change the oil at 50 hours, 100 hours, 150, and finally he ended up getting the oil filters. I ended up doing the oil change myself so I knew it would get done 🤦🏻‍♂️

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 3 lety +3

      @@_P0tat07_ I did my first oil change at 30 hrs. I did fuel filters at under 70 hrs. I have a new air filter, But really the one in it looks pretty good. I agree it is not a powerhouse by todays standards. I really love my diesel. I do not feel it lacks in power. I think in todays world more is better. I just slow down a bit and keep on keepin on. I would not trade my diesel for a brand new gas model. This machine does everything i want it to plus more. I love my Ventrac and the diesel works great for me.

    • @_P0tat07_
      @_P0tat07_ Před 3 lety

      @@steiger256 working on a golf course for the past 8 years, I’ve probably gotten a bit used to the higher powered turf machines. Especially the older ones that did not have to meet the emissions restrictions.
      Don’t get me wrong, I love the diesel, I think it’s better than the gas model because of the fuel efficiency alone. And it’s got a lot of torque, I just wish it had a few more horse power to get that torque out the door faster when needed. It’s actually done pretty good recently considering how much rain we’ve gotten the past two weeks. And with the grass having grown as fast as it has and being as wet and heavy as it has, i do think it has done well.

  • @trailsmadeeasy
    @trailsmadeeasy Před 3 lety +4

    My 4500Y is great. I do find it wanting when going up a hill and in think brush, but that only happens if I try to push it over 1mph. I’m happy with mine. On my channel you can see it cutting through some thick dens brush.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 3 lety +2

      I am going to checknout your channel. Thanks

  • @keadog1838
    @keadog1838 Před 2 lety +2

    4500Y with 72" finish mower. Fine on level; grossly underpowered up hills (which is why I bought an articulated mower like the Ventrac). It needs another 10HP. I can mow at 6-7 mph on level but only 1.8 to 3 mph up any grade more than a couple degrees. It's my second one, so I knew that going in. Only have an above ground diesel storage tank so I didn't want to mess with a gas engine. Otherwise, it would be a better mower for me with more HP/torque.

    • @derekhaynes4251
      @derekhaynes4251 Před rokem

      I feel the same way with my 4500p gas mower. Just need more power for the hills in WV. It’s good on steep ground. It’s just mowing up hill is my only issue.

  • @dalebargen
    @dalebargen Před 3 lety +2

    Thanks for the analysis!

  • @rfsn
    @rfsn Před 2 lety +2

    Personally I would stick with no emissions and turbo it, even if it costs more initially, having been in the trucking industry for a long time I can no longer deal with the emissions garbage.

  • @jeffreyyeater1780
    @jeffreyyeater1780 Před 3 měsíci

    Im ok with my old 420 steiner with a worn-out Onan / linmar 20 hp. I dont run out of power mowing high grass. I do keep my blades razor sharp.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 3 měsíci

      Them old Onas are pretty powerful engines. I like the Onan over the Kohler

  • @bernardmccann7676
    @bernardmccann7676 Před 2 lety +2

    No brainer go diesel use them all the time you fellas make a decision an d go it

  • @zaineridling
    @zaineridling Před 2 lety

    Man, what a great, informative video. Thank you!

  • @turbotona25
    @turbotona25 Před 3 lety +2

    Wow I had no idea about the d902k guess I’ll be keeping my Bx23s for a long time.

  • @markmankin4975
    @markmankin4975 Před rokem

    Iam not a diesel fan in anything ...
    But have to say the 3 cylinder diesel Yanmar in my JohnDeer has never let me down

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před rokem +1

      Kubota and Yanmar are both great engines. You cant beat them. The emmision regulations is killing the small diesel market.

  • @karlw426
    @karlw426 Před rokem +1

    Nice video..
    I wish you would have started it for a few seconds while you were on the seat already.
    Diesel is always the way to go for fuel efficiency and reliability.
    I have put on about 625,000 miles driving diesel and have a few Dodge Cummins pickups...
    Kubota naturally aspirated is the best..
    When emissions gets put on it's a hassle with def fluid and future failures...
    Why go from a good reliable setup to emissions trouble?
    That's backwards, I care who is behind it...
    Emissions is really about selling parts from failures and def fluid under the smoke screen of saving the environment..
    The environment doesn't need saving and theres no climate problem...
    Why are cigarettes still being sold if the government is concerned about our health....
    CDC says 480,000 Americans die each year from cigarettes...
    Just something to think about when you consider emissions and covid 19 for that matter...
    Happy tractoring 🙂

  • @1ronhall
    @1ronhall Před 2 lety

    Nice video review ….. I like the idea of a diesel in a tractor for longevity ….. I do like Ventrac’s 4520 ….. thanks!!

  • @brianmills4891
    @brianmills4891 Před 2 lety

    I live in WV. I have nothing but hills… everywhere. Demoed the diesel and it could barely get itself to the top of a hill with the PTO off. I suppose I could have slowed to 1mph but who wants to mow a yard at 1 mph.
    I ended up with the 4500k and it does well. Up 15-20 degree slopes with contour mower at 3.5-4mph at ~3000 rpm

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety

      I have heard they dont like hills. I have a friend who has some steep hills and I hope to do a video on it to see how it does.

    • @yoderkl
      @yoderkl Před 2 lety +1

      I experienced the same issues. Leaf blower is the worst! I put a turbo on mine and it changed everything. now it doesnt matter what i do, it will not drop below 3k RPM. Blower, uphill, any speed. barely can get it to drop below 3k.

  • @mking3219
    @mking3219 Před 2 lety

    That helps,thanks for your time!

  • @hirokawiti4932
    @hirokawiti4932 Před 3 lety +4

    Just keep changing the oil in the diesel and she will run forever.

  • @kellytaylor3915
    @kellytaylor3915 Před rokem

    I wonder way they are not going to propane engine
    and convert gasoline to propane and increase the torque snd HP to deal with loss of power because of propane.
    Change Cams and valves size to compensate and make more power with very low emissions.
    Propane powered Forklifts were used back in the early 80’s or sooner.
    Because of exhaust gases.
    Happy mowing

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před rokem +1

      Ventrac offeted a kit to convert to LP has for the Kubota gas. They discontinued it a few year back. I do not think they ended up selling many. I would think the engine would last forever using LP gas.

  • @bookeruzzell6213
    @bookeruzzell6213 Před 3 lety

    Been dealing with diesel all my life,love them!Regen is garbage,like the turbo though!

  • @John1911
    @John1911 Před 2 lety

    I’m not afraid if DEF fluid or any of that. But the HP of the diesel is a no go for us. I think the Kubota gas is borderline too small.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety +1

      The Kubota gas is pretty powerful. Some like the 37 EFI I personaly would rather have liquid colled myself.

    • @John1911
      @John1911 Před 2 lety

      @@steiger256 yeah. They have liquid cooled pretty well figured out.
      Today we reached out to our local Ventrac dealer, they said nothing in stock. And everything coming in over next few weeks is already sold.
      I imagine we won’t get to see one until 2022.
      Have you had any service delays related to the logistics problems with COVID?

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety +1

      @@John1911 No. Lucky for me I got mine last year right before they were hard to get. It took a few months to get a light kit, But other than that I was lucky. 4520s are showing up at dealers so you should be able to get one withing a few months I would think.

  • @jesseamaya4413
    @jesseamaya4413 Před rokem

    I'd have a problem with an emissions diesel in something that small. I currently work in a john deere shop and see way too many big machines come in to emissions system problems.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před rokem

      I agree. I was looking at a 3000 series Deere 6 years ago. I was disappointed when they went to the emissions on the new tractor. I was told you do not want to let them sit and idle to long. I am sure in due time they will be more reliable systems for regen, But I just do not want to deal with the cost of replacing components when they fail. I am happy with my simple diesel for now.

  • @jakewhitta6482
    @jakewhitta6482 Před 3 lety

    Although the turbo makes it sound awesome!

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 3 lety +1

      I agree. Turbos do sound really good.

  • @garysippin
    @garysippin Před 2 lety

    Just bought a 4500Y and either it is broken, or so drastically underpowered that it is virtually unusable. While mowing 3" tall grass on 10° slope, the motor completely bogs down and smokes. I am bringing the unit back to the dealer now to see if there is a mechanical problem. I will be sure to update this post if it turns out there is a mechanical problem or if indeed it is that underpowered. Also, the mowing deck I'm using is a 72" finish cut. If anyone has any ideas, I am all ears.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety

      I would put it in low range and try it on the hills. Maybe in high range it is lugging it. I have heard otheres feel they are low powered, but i usually just slow up a bit in the tall stuff and am fine. Flat ground tho. Hope you get it resolved.

    • @garysippin
      @garysippin Před 2 lety

      @@steiger256 my machine bogs down and nearly stalls in low range on a mild slope, even with the PTO off. I think it has a problem, so I’m Bringing it back to the dealer

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety

      @@garysippin Ya that sucks. Something is not right. I was going to say even when i was using the flail mower hogging into tall stuff fast it never rolled smoke. It would drop down then recover pretty quick. Some say the diesel is underpowered, But in low range doing that something is not right. If you find out what it was please comnent back. I am curious.

    • @garysippin
      @garysippin Před 2 lety

      @@steiger256 I have never had it in high range, it bogs down going up a 15 degree grade in low range even without the PTO engaged.

    • @bernardmccann7676
      @bernardmccann7676 Před 2 lety

      We mow 30 to 40 degree stop banks here in New Zealand it gets that steep some areas we slide off so we then mow in an angle for those bits we use the 72 side discharge mower have been for four years we mow grass knee high no problem a lot of orchards have had a power issue once so put a new fuel pump in the one under plate between legs and changed in-line filter as well problem solve make sure you use correct pump the one from ventrac was 700 nz $ so got one from some where else same as and save I’ve 500 nz $

  • @tritiumglo4699
    @tritiumglo4699 Před 2 lety

    Emissions = expensive breakdowns. Imagine if we could have a non emission 30+ HP kubota diesel in one of these.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety +1

      I agree. I just dont want the headache. I have seen the size of mufflers with the DPF filter on portable air compressor units. Its hard to have a compact tractor with a muffler the size of another engine. Lol

    • @tritiumglo4699
      @tritiumglo4699 Před 2 lety

      @@steiger256 Imagine if we could have a nice 35+ hp diesel in that machine!

    • @alexhickey5633
      @alexhickey5633 Před 2 lety

      @@tritiumglo4699 need a remap for that or a different ecu

  • @dscapes1091
    @dscapes1091 Před 2 lety

    How did it run with the aerator and aeravator? Did it bog? We are using a 3400y for aerating and it’s a little slow. Looking to speed things up with the 4500y or 4500k?

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety

      Did great. I have videos on both attachments if you would like to check it out.

    • @dscapes1091
      @dscapes1091 Před 2 lety

      @@steiger256 ok. I’ll have to check them out. Thx.

  • @Bubba45347
    @Bubba45347 Před 3 lety +1

    could you put a after market turbo on it and not have to use def

  • @Blubaugh5
    @Blubaugh5 Před 2 lety +1

    Does anyone know about the longevity difference between gas and diesel motors? As I have been looking around at the Ventrac for sale, I always see a ton of motors for sale.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety +1

      I think the Kubota gas will run as long as the diesel

    • @rhelms11
      @rhelms11 Před 2 lety

      @@steiger256 considering/assuming the longevity of the engines is equal, you're saying the only reasons you would choose the diesel over the gas counterpart is 1. storage of diesel is easier for you than gas and 2. working on diesel engines is easier for you than gas.
      Is that correct; correct me if I'm wrong. And if there was additional reasons that I missed, let me know!

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety +1

      @@rhelms11 The diesel uses a lot less fuel. Even tho diesel costs more than gas you can run longer on fillups and for people who use them for work dont have to carry as much fuel with them either. I think the diesel is a little more dependable, But the gas is still a really great well built engine capable of running thousands of hours. The diesel seems to run a little cooler in my opinion. They are both great engines, I just think the diesel has a few more benefits.

    • @rhelms11
      @rhelms11 Před 2 lety

      Thanks man- good info! If you HAD to choose between any of the gas engines, which would you choose? I’ve got fairly hilly terrain so it’s hard for me to consider anything other than the 4520Z.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety +2

      @@rhelms11 my first choice would be the Z with the Kubota. The Kawasaki is a great engine. I do like that the Kawasaki is way better on fuel being fuel injected, But the Kubota just runs smooth as a sewing machine. It is just hard to beat A Kubota engine. The Kawasaki has proven to be a great reliable engine as well. I think you would have no regrets going with a Z model.

  • @drakehaaland7971
    @drakehaaland7971 Před 2 lety

    Did you put it in low gear?? Putting it in low adds a ton of torque

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety +1

      I only use low with the blade and bucket or on hills. For regular mowing on flat i just use high range. In really tall thick material while using the tough cut I sometimes use low and it does help. I am trying to get another flail to test this spring. If I get ine I am going to test high vs low to see the differance as well.

  • @drich6816
    @drich6816 Před 3 lety +1

    Why don't they use a larger diesel motor?

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 3 lety +1

      Anything larger than 25 HP has to have a emissions regen system. With these compact mowers there is not a lot of room to spare for larger exhausts and the other stuff needed.

    • @drich6816
      @drich6816 Před 3 lety +1

      @@steiger256 Yep I forgot about that crap. Still would be nice if they would hang the larger trashcan off the side to have the option.

    • @kdegraa
      @kdegraa Před 3 lety +1

      The government is keeping us safe. I do not think Australia has stupid laws like these, we have our own stupid laws. However what we can buy is affected these laws.

  • @brianmills4891
    @brianmills4891 Před 2 lety

    Did you say your were mowing 6-7MPH with the 95” mower??
    Do you mow in high range?

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety

      Yes I was in high range. Only time I usually use low range is on steep slope or with pushing snow or dirt with blade. I also use low with the power bucket pushing material.

    • @brianmills4891
      @brianmills4891 Před 2 lety

      @@steiger256 interesting. I’ve never even tried high range for anything but going down the road.

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 2 lety

      @@brianmills4891 Try it out. I only usevlow for heavy pushing or pulling. Sometimes if you have the tough cut and are pushing thick brush i will go into low otherwise im in high range all the time.

  • @kdegraa
    @kdegraa Před 3 lety

    Do the Ventrac petrol engines have electronic fuel injection?

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 3 lety +1

      The only Ventrac that has electronic fuel injection is the model 4500P. The 4500P has a Kawasaki 31 HP twin cylinder fuel injected engine. It is a gasoline model, But it uses close to the same amount of fuel per hour as the 4500Y diesel model. I would think Kubota will eventually fuel inject there gas engines someday.

  • @morrisoncal
    @morrisoncal Před 3 lety +1

    They make a aftermarket turbo kit for the 4500y.

    • @bookeruzzell6213
      @bookeruzzell6213 Před 3 lety

      Would love to know who makes the turbo for them!

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 3 lety +1

      There is somebody that makes a kit. Check out the Facebook group and ask around. If I recall they are close ro 4k tho. I have heard people that live them, And lots who destroyed there engines with them.

    • @morrisoncal
      @morrisoncal Před 3 lety +1

      @@bookeruzzell6213 www.turbokits.com/turbo-kits/ventrac/4500-turbo-kits.html

    • @sigsegv9811
      @sigsegv9811 Před 3 lety +4

      When I bought my 4500Y last fall (used 2018 with 143hrs), I was also concerned about power, as my property has 20-30+ deg slopes. IF I had an issue with power, my backup plan was to buy the aftermarket turbo from turbokits.com. I’ve used the 4500 extensively through the winter mowing an overgrown field and thinning out the underbrush in the wooded areas with the tough cut. I have a contour mower for my finish mower around the house. To date, I’ve had no issues with power. Did stall it out on a few occasions on 25-30 deg slopes, but I chalked that up to operator error than the 4500.
      I have a trencher and a power rake that I will be putting into service later this summer on a few projects. Looking forward to seeing how the 4500Y performs then. Who knows, maybe one of them may trigger the turbokits purchase, maybe not. So far, so good. My $0.02. :)

  • @BillCoSmith
    @BillCoSmith Před 3 lety +1

    Why would you lie? 😉🙂

  • @vanessaziobro1118
    @vanessaziobro1118 Před 3 lety

    Can you turn up the power like the old 12 valve cumins

    • @steiger256
      @steiger256  Před 3 lety

      You can turn up the fuel, But I dont think it would do much tho without a turbo.

    • @Propertypronc
      @Propertypronc Před 3 lety

      @@steiger256 They make a Turbo Kit that supposedly doubles the torque which would make this the most powerful engine choice BY FAR

    • @rhelms11
      @rhelms11 Před 2 lety +1

      @@Propertypronc who is "They"? Do you have a link that you could post to the turbo kit you're referring to?