Buyers remorse

LD1 · Jan 23, 2016

Just downloaded a 4500k manual.

First oil and filter change for the hydraulics was called for at 100 hours, then at 500. Then from that point on, every 1000.

Don't understand how people expect a machine to be reliable if you can't folow a simple service schedule.

The speedo and fuel pump sucks, but at this point I am not sure I believe that. I don't think any dealer out there, without good reason , is gonna jerry-rig a fuel pump and not fix a broken speedo on a new machine without a **** good reason

4570Man · Jan 23, 2016

My ZTR has a Kohler motor on it. If you reduce the motor speed to the slowest possible idle and let it run for about 20 seconds before shutting it off will almost always prevent backfires. If it does happen to backfire they are very small. He is only 67 hours over when he was supposed to change the oil. I'd change it and see if the condition doesn't improve.

murphy1244 · Jan 23, 2016

LD1 said:
Interesting, the other two posts that is.

Seems freezing is a real issue, obviously, since he needs it to plow snow. I am guessing location somewhere around morgantown WV since that's the location of the dealer he named in the other post.

It appears he bought it in summer 2014 So 167 hrs isn't alot in that time. Condensation is a real issue. But that said, doesn't ventrac have a 3year residential warranty? So why are so many things wrong/broke that ain't being taken care of?

Murphy, you have a 4500 don't you? Care to shed some light on the 1000hr hydro service he claims?

LD1 my service is scheduled for 1000 hours before filter and 2000hours or 5 years on fluid change. I have the Kubota diesel and noooo problems here. I just put the kabosh on me.

LD1 · Jan 23, 2016

Well, the 4500k manual I downloaded called for hydraulic oil/filter at 100, 500, 1500, 2500, etc

murphy1244 · Jan 23, 2016

LD1 said:
Well, the 4500k manual I downloaded called for hydraulic oil/filter at 100, 500, 1500, 2500, etc

Well I just checked my book for my year and it says what it says.

Coyote machine · Jan 23, 2016

I downloaded the manual too, and it says 100, 500 and 1500 hours for hydraulic FILTER changes, and 500 then 1000 for hydraulic OIL, then every 1000 after that; EXCEPT 1/2 the std. interval for heavy load, high temps, etc.
Page 61 of the ser. man.
Dems the fax Jack!

So the OP needs to READ the service interval page and DO what it says, and get the dealer to FIX the issues already mentioned.

prs · Jan 23, 2016

The manual that came with my tractor, a 4500Z, is a bit different and there have been at least one revision available online since. Now, I reckon you can follow the schedule printed in the manual that came with your machine and be fully covered in warranty period; but there may be a reason they have updated and if an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.... Murphy, take a few minutes to download the latest edition from the Ventrac site. By that schedule, I am within an hour or so of the 100 hour change of the two filters, not the fluid. Just change the filters and top off the reservoir. The fluid change interval has been shortened too. That one needs to be done by dealer and using their "special tool", probably a pre-filtering device. I will probably follow the revised schedules.

prs

Coyote machine · Jan 23, 2016

murphy1244 said:
LD1 my service is scheduled for 1000 hours before filter and 2000hours or 5 years on fluid change. I have the Kubota diesel and noooo problems here. I just put the kabosh on me.

Don't know what year you have, but a 4500Y in the manual, (rev 12/07/15 shows on page 66 the service schedule) is exactly the same as the one LD1 and I cited for hours. I realize your's is a diesel, and depending on what year it was manufactured it could of course vary. Thought I'd mention it just so you can verify it for your own peace of mind. Those seem like high hour specs for your change intervals?:confused3:

LD1 · Jan 23, 2016

I wouldn't think the engine would make a difference in how often the hydraulics get service.

I think changing the oil has mostly to do with moisture. We almost never change oils at work. Only filters. But the machines run 24/7 in a climate controlled environment.

When it comes to oil service, setting is worse than running. Humidity and temperature swings that I am sure the OP in WV have are similar to here in ohio. A machine he purchased in summer of 2014, so the fluid has probably been in there a good 2 years. And only 167 hours.....regardless of what book says, it needs changed