MountainMomma
Bronze Member
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- Apr 27, 2011
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So, we're about to pull the trigger on a Ventrac 4200 of some description (and, yes, we've already come to that decision through much research--see this thread), and are only looking at Ventrac's liquid cooled engines, which narrows the field to four machines: 2 gas and 2 diesel. In combing the Ventrac section, I came across this:
"Ventrac provides tractors with 31 hp Gasoline and 31 hp Turbo Diesel engines. Both can operate safely on 30 degree slopes. However, the Gasoline version is rated for intermittent operation only--meaning no more than 10 minutes at a time on a 30 degree side slope. The [TURBO] Diesel engine has had modifications (by the manufacturer Daihatsu) to allow for unlimited continuous operation on slopes of up to 30 degrees. I switched to the Turbo Diesel in order to get this capability since I mow a lot of slopes. Incidentally, both engines have virtually the same torque response with the Turbo Diesel having a slight edge. In most practical tractor applications you can't tell the difference in performance."
MOST of the land that I need to mow is hilly. with many 30 degree slopes, but also lesser slopes intermittently. In other words, I can climb to a more level spot pretty frequently when mowing the truly steep areas. I've checked the current owners manuals online for the 4200 series, and the above is correct information according to the specs--the 31 hp diesel has same constraints as both gas engines, but the Turbo Diesel can run continuously.
Do I read this correctly to say... what? We can only mow for 10 minutes on such slopes with all but the D Turbo, and then...? Cut off the engine? Go to a level place for a breather...? In other words, what do the non-turbo engines need AFTER 10 minutes of mowing on a 30 degree slope?
"Ventrac provides tractors with 31 hp Gasoline and 31 hp Turbo Diesel engines. Both can operate safely on 30 degree slopes. However, the Gasoline version is rated for intermittent operation only--meaning no more than 10 minutes at a time on a 30 degree side slope. The [TURBO] Diesel engine has had modifications (by the manufacturer Daihatsu) to allow for unlimited continuous operation on slopes of up to 30 degrees. I switched to the Turbo Diesel in order to get this capability since I mow a lot of slopes. Incidentally, both engines have virtually the same torque response with the Turbo Diesel having a slight edge. In most practical tractor applications you can't tell the difference in performance."
MOST of the land that I need to mow is hilly. with many 30 degree slopes, but also lesser slopes intermittently. In other words, I can climb to a more level spot pretty frequently when mowing the truly steep areas. I've checked the current owners manuals online for the 4200 series, and the above is correct information according to the specs--the 31 hp diesel has same constraints as both gas engines, but the Turbo Diesel can run continuously.
Do I read this correctly to say... what? We can only mow for 10 minutes on such slopes with all but the D Turbo, and then...? Cut off the engine? Go to a level place for a breather...? In other words, what do the non-turbo engines need AFTER 10 minutes of mowing on a 30 degree slope?