At my workplace we sell Steiner and Ventrac. We got in our first 440 on May 22. This one has the 32hp. Kubota Liquid cooled gas engine. Now, I would definatly say it is beter than the 430, but over a Ventrac it is still hard for me to choose. The 440 only has a foot pledel option (although there is a hand-control option coming), I have to say I do like it. The controls for lift and aux are now like a Ventrac, on the right hand tool box. The unit is only a half inch wider, but a lot longer, and of course there are some minuses there. But it does turn tighter than the 430, so that helps. The gas tank is no longer under the seat, but is the left hand fender. On the right hand fender, the tool box is shallower, and the lower half hinges out to service the battery and hydralics. The hydralic pump and the head lights are somewhere around 50% more efficient than the 430. the attachment latch has been simplified with a hand lever instead of the push lever that dug into your hand with the spring loaded mechanism. the hydralic hook ups are also right at the front of the tractor so the hoses don't have to be run through anything.
I really can't wait to get it dirty. It mowes with a 6ft. deck with incredible ease over our big hills here. Weight distribution, which was a big issue with other units, has been over come with this tractor. You don't need any weights for the 6ft. deck! It really is pretty nice.
The only bad things are the foot pedel which takes a little getting used to. Also the steering wheel hits my knees when the unit is turned and osilating at a certain angle, but I am tall. And of course, the price. The 32 gas that we have is the highest priced model, at $21,900. The 25hp. Kubota Diesel is about $300 less, and the 34 and 40hp. Kohler air cooled uints are lower than that, but I haven't seen the exact price.
I would say if you have a dealer close by, go try one out! But remember if you get hooked, you might be a little in debt for awhile. Hope this helps you guys!
I really can't wait to get it dirty. It mowes with a 6ft. deck with incredible ease over our big hills here. Weight distribution, which was a big issue with other units, has been over come with this tractor. You don't need any weights for the 6ft. deck! It really is pretty nice.
The only bad things are the foot pedel which takes a little getting used to. Also the steering wheel hits my knees when the unit is turned and osilating at a certain angle, but I am tall. And of course, the price. The 32 gas that we have is the highest priced model, at $21,900. The 25hp. Kubota Diesel is about $300 less, and the 34 and 40hp. Kohler air cooled uints are lower than that, but I haven't seen the exact price.
I would say if you have a dealer close by, go try one out! But remember if you get hooked, you might be a little in debt for awhile. Hope this helps you guys!