Badback
Member
Be aware that if you want a loader and a cab on a Ventrac, they are not compatible. The cab would have to be removed to used the "Versa Loader".
This is not the case for the skip bucket. It goes on just like other attachments.
The cab is a bit open in places, especially at the front. This is going to admit some snow when using the snowblower. But, heat is an option.
The attachments are difficult to line up with the hitch if you can't see the ends of the hitch arms, which is the case with the cab in place.
The cab is heavy and requires disconnection of coolant (heater)and electrical lines to remove. It does come with a lifting harness. You would need a chain hoist at the minimum and plenty of overhead room to remove it.
The Ventrac is great as a snow machine, the snowblower is very well built. Ventrac attachments are powered by a belt directly to a pulley off of the engine. This is very efficient compared to the all hydraulic setup of the Powertrac.
The Ventrac is also great as a mower, especially on slopes.
The Ventrac is hard for the DIY guy to work on as the engine is really packed into the machine with limited access to regular maintenance items like the engine oil filter. They are also famous for overheating and the radiator screen requires constant attention to keep it clean.
IMHO, the 26.5HP deisel is a better choice. The turbo charger on the 31HP is a very expensive part to replace, though the warranty is 3 years.
You need to figure in periodic transportation to the dealer for maintenance and repairs. Powertrac owners ARE the dealer and do all this themselves.
The Powertrac is a much more versatile machine and costs a whole lot less. I priced out a Ventrac 4226 with cab, snowblower, mower and versa loader(500lb capacity) with some other minor options and it came out north of $40K. Ouch!
This is not the case for the skip bucket. It goes on just like other attachments.
The cab is a bit open in places, especially at the front. This is going to admit some snow when using the snowblower. But, heat is an option.
The attachments are difficult to line up with the hitch if you can't see the ends of the hitch arms, which is the case with the cab in place.
The cab is heavy and requires disconnection of coolant (heater)and electrical lines to remove. It does come with a lifting harness. You would need a chain hoist at the minimum and plenty of overhead room to remove it.
The Ventrac is great as a snow machine, the snowblower is very well built. Ventrac attachments are powered by a belt directly to a pulley off of the engine. This is very efficient compared to the all hydraulic setup of the Powertrac.
The Ventrac is also great as a mower, especially on slopes.
The Ventrac is hard for the DIY guy to work on as the engine is really packed into the machine with limited access to regular maintenance items like the engine oil filter. They are also famous for overheating and the radiator screen requires constant attention to keep it clean.
IMHO, the 26.5HP deisel is a better choice. The turbo charger on the 31HP is a very expensive part to replace, though the warranty is 3 years.
You need to figure in periodic transportation to the dealer for maintenance and repairs. Powertrac owners ARE the dealer and do all this themselves.
The Powertrac is a much more versatile machine and costs a whole lot less. I priced out a Ventrac 4226 with cab, snowblower, mower and versa loader(500lb capacity) with some other minor options and it came out north of $40K. Ouch!