Is Ventrac tough enough?

[dannyk]

I will have to visit the Ventrac dealer in Mpls soon. My current thoughts are to get the 4131 (maybe easier engine access without a radiator?) with no loader or cab. The things I would use a loader for lend themselves to a skid steer or the L39 more than a small machine, and I think I can get by with yee ol' snowmobile suit and helmet. I would get the 3-pt hitch, snowblower, excavator and two mowers, so the grand total is still impressive!

Danny

 

[SpringHollow]

One additional factor is I believe the Ventrac is lighter than the large 8 wheeled powertrac and will have less problems in wet areas if that is a concern.

Actually, that is the reason to get an 8 wheeled powertrac. The 1850 has less of a ground impact than my two person atv due to the 8 wide tires. If the 1430 or 1460 were dual capable, i might have bought one of them instead although i will say i like the brakes and tilting seat on the pt 1850.

Ken

 

[JohnnyDB]

Actually, that is the reason to get an 8 wheeled powertrac. The 1850 has less of a ground impact than my two person atv due to the 8 wide tires. If the 1430 or 1460 were dual capable, i might have bought one of them instead although i will say i like the brakes and tilting seat on the pt 1850.

Ken

What is the lbs per sq in on an 8 wheeled PT? If you get the duals (8 total tires) on the Ventrac, it is less than 4 lbs sq in. so very minimal turf compaction but great traction still on the hills. Mine is the 4100 though so its lighter than the 4200 models by a few hundred lbs, but those are still below 5lbs per sq in if you have duals.

@danny
Sounds like a great conversation with their service dept! They are probably the people you want to ask about technical questions rather than here
Ventrac posts their manuals online. Ventrac - Download Operator and Parts Manuals This may help you get an idea of accessibility if you can see some of their photos. But I would definitely recommend still seeing it and driving it at your dealer. Photos are one thing, getting your butt in the seat is what you need!:thumbsup:

 

[SpringHollow]

The PT 1850 weighs around 3800 lbs. This is spread over eight 12" wide tires. The amount of ground contact with the tire depends upon air pressure. I am not looking at my PT but I have to believe it is at least 3" which would be 13 lbs/sq in. If it is 6", then it would be 6.5 lbs per sq in, etc. My atv leaves a noticeably deeper track in soft clay than my PT does. That is actually true even with 800 lbs or more of wood in the 1 yd bucket.

Ken

 

[JohnnyDB]

The PT 1850 weighs around 3800 lbs. This is spread over eight 12" wide tires. The amount of ground contact with the tire depends upon air pressure. I am not looking at my PT but I have to believe it is at least 3" which would be 13 lbs/sq in. If it is 6", then it would be 6.5 lbs per sq in, etc. My atv leaves a noticeably deeper track in soft clay than my PT does. That is actually true even with 800 lbs or more of wood in the 1 yd bucket.

Ken

I think mines 1475lbs or so with the dual tires, they are all 12" wide as well. It's amazing what that extra spread will do! I know exactly what you mean, you almost feel like you can go anywhere

 

[dannyk]

Johnny,

How easy is it to get to that oil filter on your 4131?

Danny

 

[American Bulldog]

I remember the dealer telling me that the water cooled engines were more efficient. Mine uses a lot of gas with the 84" mower, but it is doing a lot of work too.

Weight transfer is really important, and works very well. It is much simpler than PT's draft control solution, as it is just springs, but it actually works better.

Between the better engine, the improved fuel economy, and the "must have" options, sounds like the 4231 is your best bet.

As far as the overheating goes, not a big deal. Cleaning the screen involves pulling it out and waving it in the air a couple times. It is not fastened in or anything, so it takes less than 30 seconds. My whole lawn takes 4 hours to mow, and in the dry months the screen needs to be cleaned once before I am done. I keep an eye on the temperatures, and they slowly climb as I am mowing. Once it gets over 200 degrees I stop and clean the screen. Again, no big deal.

 

[American Bulldog]

I mowed the back yard for the first time over the weekend. I took a picture to share. The left side near the top is 30 degrees. I need to use low gear, but the VT pushes the 84" mower up the slopes easily.

 

[MossRoad]

I mowed the back yard for the first time over the weekend. I took a picture to share. The left side near the top is 30 degrees. I need to use low gear, but the VT pushes the 84" mower up the slopes easily.

Hey, dinosaur left an egg on your lawn! :laughing:

Nice view. :thumbsup:

 

[JohnnyDB]

Johnny,

How easy is it to get to that oil filter on your 4131?

Danny

Check the service manual online
Ventrac - Download Operator and Parts Manuals
That should give you a decent idea, there is a photo around page 32. But if you can't see from the location in the pictures, it is VERY easy. Flip up the hood and it couldn't be much easier :thumbsup:

Nice mowing AB! First time of the year? That is some impressive striping :thumbsup: