Steiner Front-wheel-drive versus PT AWD

[MossRoad]

Well, we are comparing several machines abillities to the Power Trac. But, you do bring up a good point. We've talked it out to death.

Bob, please let us know how the Ventrac test goes. We'd appreciate it.
Here's a link to the All Other Brands forum where we can continue this discussion.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Boy, Bubenberg sounds out of sorts this morning. Must be the crumby weather in Pa.

Speaking of Bubenberg:
Bob's analysis has assumed without head to head comparison that the Steiner/Ventrac mower is better than the 425's. Bubenberg hasn't always been the greatest fan of the PT finish mower, because of some issues with spindles which have proobably been resolved, but also because the hydraulic deck saps climbing power. Recently, he has begun communicating with Flex-Deck on the possibility of some cooperative ventures and adaptation, including a self-powered mower deck for the front of the PT. It's possible it wouldn't cost a lot more than the PT deck, would cut as well as any high end finish mower, and would allow the PT to cut well while climbing.
Bob - want to be the first customer/beta tester?
You can even be a large-buck investor if you meet Bubenberg's rigorous standards. (Money burning a hole in your pocket.) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Charlie . . . I had actually figured that the last post I made would have been the last post on the topic, at least until I tried the Ventrac on my property. That was why I thanked everyone in the final paragraph. And for the most part, you guys have really been great about pointing out a lot of different things. Each forum has its own evangalists, and I appreciate many of the objective points that I got. But I don't really want to beta test something. And I just sent off a flurry of checks to Vanguard, Janus & Cohen & Steers, so no thank you to the investment in the new venture either . . . maybe next time.

You are correct on the point that I am assuming the machines that are designed as mowing units will mow better than a machine that is designed as a versitile tractor. That may be a bad assumption on my part. However, I do plan on TESTING before I buy, so the final decision will come down to the machine that actually does the job, and the job includes mowing tight spaces around landscape (as quickly as possible), mowing the slopes without tearing them us to much, mowing the slopes without putting undo strain on the machine itself, and mowing the flat parts too.

I hate to only focus on the slopes, but those are a big concern. Mowing around a lot of landscaping is a second and still important concern. The tighter the machine turns, the better, and that is also being factored into my decision.

Mowing is my prime concern, as was clearly stated in my initial post when I asked to compare the PT422 and the Steiner 230.

 

[blackwell]

Bob,
Sorry, I did not mean any disrespect for you or your decision process, neither was I trying to say that Ventrac or other equipment was bad equipment. I meant no harm to you ,Ventrac, Power Trac, or anyone.
In my crude way, I was trying to say that if you are mowing only, with excepton of steep hills, then PT is not for you, and if dealer support is required, you should not buy a PT, but some other product. I am sure PT has something to mow your lawn, but it would not be cost effective.
My other comments were to those giving you advice. I have no understanding why they think that you must try any machine on your hills, I always thought a 30 degree slope in my back yard would be the same as a 30 degree slope in Tazewell or any other city, with same surface conditions, and therefore a machine would behave the same at either location. Others stated that since PTs have wheel motors instead of an axle, they could not have positive traction, front to rear, and differental side to side, but they do, granted they will react differently. I have read other posts about PTs on hills, some may be justified and some may be due to operator error. I will say Power Trac does have parts that break sometimes as does anything man made, but we have been able to make repairs eaisy, and we have modified our PTs to do other jobs as it appears others have.
When I realized the 422 had gone off sale, to my way of thinking, thats "tuff luck" if you were considering a 422. Most of my life I seam to be a day late or a dollar short.
For anyone considering a PT, I believe a trip to Tazewell is a must (just kidding about the time to get there). I went there with my mind made up (I thought), I left with totally different equipment. I have designed and built mechanical and hydraulic speciality equipment all my life and I was ammazed at how simple and straight forward PT designs were and have been a fan since then. Since then we have bought six machines and lots of attachments (just got a 1460).
As stated before, I did not mean any disrespect to you or your choice of equipment. I do not believe any brand of equipment is right for everyone. PTs are not for everyone.
I am thankful that we still live in a country that allows people to disagree and to speak their mind and not be afraid for their lives, as well as allowing an old country boy like me to be able to make a living at something I have trully enjoyed. I have been blessed beyond measure, and I have enjoyed telling others on this foram about the great new toy, PT. I probally should keep my thoughts to myself , if I can. Thanks for listening to an old man ramble.
I hope you find the perfect machine for your needs, I have found mine.
Good luck and good mowing,
EB

 

[ronswan]

For slopes you may want to consider the Steiner 420 TT. It is an articulating 4WD mower with gas or diesel engine availability. (26 or 31 HP, respectively). Next to a Kwik-Kut ($50,000 new), it is the next best thing for slopes. It is rated for 35 degree slopes and I can tell you from experience it will do up to 40 degree slopes before it starts to slide. (I have a 420 TT with dual front a read wheels and a 72" deck). My only issue with the gas machine is the power; it is a little light for my work, which involves maintaining landfills twice a year. [We're using the machine WAY past its intended use]. Sorry, I have no experience with the 230 or the PT.

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN.

( did you know you replied to a six year old thread? ).

 

[Marks481]

btw, Bob bought a Ventrac 3000 back in 2004.

 

[American Bulldog]

Ventrac blows away the Steiner anyways. Only good thing about a Steiner is that it is less expensive.

 

[MossRoad]

btw, Bob bought a Ventrac 3000 back in 2004.

Yeah. He liked it a lot. I would have liked to seen it in person but never made it over that way.

 

[sandman2234]

My thoughts were that in10 years he would be glad he bought a Steiner/Ventrac over a Pt due to posts I read about the PT. David from jax

My Steiner is a 96 model, used 8-10 hours a day commercially it's first ten years. Like a timex, just keeps on ticking