Steering problem, Ventrac 4200 VXD Turbo Diesel

[911Arnie]

I just bought a used Ventrac 4200 VXD with the 31 hp turbo diesel, dual high flotation tires, 3 pt. hitch, rear weights, front and rear hydraulic outlets and offset 72" front mount mower. I am told it is a 2002 model with a 2 year old engine. I am a farm owner, not a commercial user. I am used to using a Hustler Super 104 (zero-turn, and one HECK of a mower), so getting used to an articulated tractor is trying, to say the least. The Ventrac will go places the Hustler never will, especially on spongy ground. The problem I am experiencing is that the Ventrac doesn't like to turn, especially to the left. You can't get it to budge in either direction unless it's moving, and it takes a LOT of effort to turn to the left even when you start moving. If you're stationary, all it will do is "jiggle" a little bit. Turning to the right is better, but still takes added effort when moving slowly. My question is, is this normal? And in case you ask, the engine was running at full rated throttle. One other possibly related problem is that the tractor will turn quite a bit sharper to the right than to the left. Anyone had a problem like this or have an idea what might be causing it? Thanks!

 

[prs]

Arnie, there is a Ventrac forum down below on this site. Go there and maybe RawDodge can question your answer. Does not sound normal, but my version is a 4500Z.

prs

 

[911Arnie]

Thanks, prs! Darn thing nearly got me killed this afternoon. I was trying to mow my road frontage and was making an u-turn except I was halfway in the road and IT WOULDN'T TURN and here comes a pickup truck around the curve at 60 mph. I couldn't go forward because of the ditch, and backwards would have put me even more in the path of the truck. I was STUCK and ready to bail! The truck missed me by a couple of feet. If a vehicle had been coming in the opposite direction, I might not be typing this....