Cocked, unlocked, and trigger pressed -- my next tractor is.........

[prs]

Yes, it is well built and built here in USA! I found one feature Ventrac has done better than previous machines I have owned; the kill switches built into the seat have a delay, thus the engine is not interrupted with every little bump and stretch. I spent a couple of hours yesterday evening in adjusting the contour mower to its highest height (3 1/2"). I typically mow at 3", but wanted some more cushion while I see how this deck gets around on my property. Today I removed and replaced the dual wheel kit so I could check all the lugs and ballast the tires. Added 58# to each of the 8 tires at a nominal cost and the double Schrader valves per wheel made the job a breeze. I found one missing nut and washer on the ROPS and had to move steering cylinder eye to the middle position so the dually tires would not collide. I made a test run on some 30 slope and it did pretty well even though the ground was too soft from the snow and rain we have had. I could tell the hydrostatic transmission really labors the 31.5HP engine, but backing off on the speed lever kept the RPMs up. The forward foot pegs are a good idea, similar to those on my Goldwing.

prs

 

[JackIL]

It is best to always keep your hand on the SDLA levers and / or the foot pedal if you have it. This is your only control of speed and braking. When mowing the engine should be at full throttle. The normal mode of operation is to always feather the SDLA levers to keep the engine from bogging down very much. I always try to keep the engine above 3000 rpm, and it makes for smooth operations and good mowing.

 

[prs]

Great advice, JackIL. If you think about it, that is pretty much what we do with the gear transmissions too; except we don't have to de-clutch, stop, shift, and re-clutch with the hydostatic machines.

prs