Steiner lawn tractor

UMAX31G · Feb 11, 2012

I like both my steiner's, each have different controls that are model specific. I think the utilimax was best built. Here are a few pics of my 410 and utilimax.

JJZ 109 · Feb 12, 2012

Just happened to notice this topic right after I saw a Steiner for sale on my local CL.

steiner tractor and attachments

UMAX31G · Feb 12, 2012

Thanks JJZ for sharing the info with the steiner crowd.:thumbsup:

JJZ 109 · Feb 12, 2012

UMAX31G said:
Thanks JJZ for sharing the info with the steiner crowd.:thumbsup:

I don't know anything about Steiners, but figured what the heck? Maybe someone is close enough to be interested in the machine, especially with that boom mower.

Industrial Toys · Feb 16, 2012

Steiners look cool with duals and it would certainly be safer on some of the hills that I cut. However, they make the footprint somewhat larger and I really only got this machine because of the handy size.

We did get some snow in the mean time. Nothing at all serious, but there is no doubt, that the blower is underpowered. Maybe, they just have the thing geared too quickly or something. I've NEVER had to go that slow, with that little snow to keep the revs up! Snow seems to shoot out of spots on the chute which is also annoying. In the course of half an hour, my knee hit the keyswitch four times while backing up, shutting the machine off from full throttle! Most annoying. I might have a collar machined to surround the switch. Too bad, because maneuvering around in that ugly little thing is kind of fun!

Industrial Toys · Mar 29, 2012

I spoke with a very friendly man at Steiner (Schiller) today. And learned something most interesting. I always assumed that the Diesel version of a small tractor or machine was always the most powerful offering. But apparently, here it is NOT the case. The Diesel, is in fact, somewhat underpowered! Something that has been addressed in the NEW 440!

It also, strangely, has foot controls! Hmmm!

I wonder, if they moved the location of the hydraulic remotes, to a more friendly spot?

I notice that Utili-max in this thread. Quite the fancy Pope Mobile! There is a similar, although not nearly as nice one, coming up for auction this weekend. Curious, what they are about. I am told, they are turbo, and possibly this could lead to grief!

sandman2234 · Mar 30, 2012

More or less powerful based on what? Horsepower rating? Heck, my Ford F350 has less horsepower than the wife's car, so it must be "less powerful" right? I could probably put her car in the bed (or on it at least) and never notice that it was back there. I KNOW she would notice if I hooked my truck to the back of her car, cause it probably wouldn't move!
Diesel's aren't always more powerful, but usually generate a lot more torque which gives them the impression of being more powerful. Keep them serviced and you can find the diesel still working when the gas engine has long been worn out!!
David from jax

Cantoo · Apr 1, 2012

Industrial Toys, any chance you were talking about the Jutzi sale? Lots of people there and lots of stuff. I was bidding on the Utillitymax but it wasn't something I really wanted, I also ran the 430 up abit because I wanted the blade off it. The 430 was just too tough, even the front idler assembly was missing. I did buy the Kubota 2560 with the leaf blower on it and a bunch of small stuff. I bid on the JCB backhoe for a buddy of mine but it went 1000 more than he wanted to spend, I think it was only worth 16 or 17 and not the 24000 that it went for.

Raw Dodge · Apr 15, 2012

I just read this whole thread...I have 2 steiner 420 4x4s where i work,and i just bought a Ventrac 4231 for my own business...Ive put over 8000 hrs on 2 steiners in 21 yrs....personally,and my help have run them an additional 5 thousand or so...so i know what breaks and what is strong....overall they are great machines,most models are underpowered,due to space restrictions there just isnt enough room to install a large 3 cyl L/C diesel or gas engine...we demoed a 420 diesel....it was so underpowered we wouldnt buy it...a 60 inch deck on normal growth at 5 mph was too much for this engine,it would chug black smoke and lose RPM....we ended up with an Onan P220 in our first Steiner,it was adequete barely,but ran hot and was pretty bad on fuel....after 5yrs 2000hrs and 3 dropped valve seats we gave up on it,and i put in a P224 Onan that i had to modify to fit,had to swap the 20s oil pan on,and the exhaust was different on the 24,otherwise it bolted in,it was a powerhouse engine but it ate exhaust valves every 800 hrs or so,I got about 2500 out of it before it was worn out....then I put in a Kohler Command 25 after seeing they were standard in the 430s...I simply ordered the 430s driveshaft,muffler,and misc parts and installed a generic 25Hp....that was in 2001,that engine is still running strong 11yrs later and about 4000 hrs,only thing ive done to it is a set of head gaskets last yr and a starter motor....says something for the engine and Shaeffers oil i run exclusively...this machine snapped 3 axles in the first 2 months we owned it,it was ordered with duals and the FEL ,apparently we were beta testers for Steiner,as they kept taking my machine back and installing larger axle shafts and housings,we were afraid to use the loader and duals,eventually we bought a Ford 1910 tractor and i still have the FEL but we havent used it in years,it wasnt cheap.....we use the 60 inch deck the most and pb 100 blower,that blower is awesome for fall clean ups....very powerful,but noisey...our newer machine is a 1997 420 that had a 22 Kohler Command,I repowered after 2 yrs with a 25Hp,since i had a need for a 20hp engine,i used the 22,and got a new 25 for the steiner,this was a nice improvement in power,there is a huge difference in power between a 624cc/22hp and a 724cc/25hp Kohler Command...Ive had both axles out of my machines at different times for snapped axles,and stripped threads in front housing....and they have been thru anything,those things are practically unstoppable with dual wheels...I can mow areas that you cannot walk in with a string trimmer,and mow hills steeper than you can stand on...amazing machines...
I just bought a used ventrac for myself,based on my dealer and research I went with the Briggs vanguard 953cc 31hp LC gas engine,all the info ive found on this engine shows it as basically indestructible,with a big power/ torque advantage over the LC Kubota gas and diesels that come in 430 Steiners...So far its clear to me that my new to me ventrac simply outperforms the older 420 Steiners hands down in most situations...the powerplant differences are huge...Although the steiners can pull incredibly well,I think the ventrac is just a step above....time with tell,I love both machines......
One more thing I wanted to touch on was diesel options,it seems neither Steiner or Ventrac has a great option...the Steiners D722 Kubota is a great engine,but its overrated,its rated at 21hp in a steiner,but in every kubota tractor its rated at 15-18hp at 3600....so it seems Steiner is using an unrealistic peak hp number...I think if they told the truth about it being an 18hp engine,they wouldnt sell any....The Ventrac uses a more powerful Briggs Vanguard LC in both turbod and NA versions,(31hp and 26.5)the only version that will last 1000 hrs in normal use is the NA model,the turbo is known to run hot and crack the head,as well and blow turbocharger from a plugged screen to the turbo,as well as hydro locking from filling oil too fast with a poor crankcase vent system...the NA diesel is the better of the 2 and neither can match the 31Hp gas version of that same engine...which they no longer make...so Ventrac needs a better diesel option as well...again there isnt a lot of room to fit an engine,it needs to be no longer than 15" from front of engine to back....

Cantoo · Apr 17, 2012

Raw Dodge, I think we all agree that Steiners and ventracs are all underpowered, why wouldn't they just lengthen the machine and fit a decent motor in there? Maybe a few more inches for our knees would be nice too. For guys like me the length is never an issue but the lack of power is. They could still have the smaller models for tight areas and little kids to drive. This means bigger axles and bigger, thicker housings too and bigger attachments for all the new power, oops I may have went too far. The trouble I have with mine is that I want to do bigger jobs with it than it really was made for. i have an L36 TLB and before that a Ford 1520, both are/were too big fo some of the work I want to do. PS, we don't usually cut grass with ours, we have Bobcats and a Walker for grass work.
If you are a member of lawnsite I have pics there of my attachments I made. Search under my user name and steiner to find it.

Industrial Toys · May 23, 2012

Cantoo. Yes, it was the Jutzi auction. I too bought the machine for the blade. Never noticed the pieces missing for the PTO! The engine and drivetrain are all right, and remarkeably, it doesn't leak oil. But the machine is rough. I may keep the wheels and seat, using the wheels to make duals and part the machine out. The gas Kubota purrs like a kitten, but like any carburated gas engine, I can't stand dickering with the choke!

I paid way more than I should have, and hope I can get out of this mess alive!

Sure they can put in more horse power. Means a heavier drivetrain. Possibly heavier tires. More heat, bigger rad. Probably heavier attachments. All this puts it into a higher and much more expensive class of machine!

muddstopper · May 25, 2012

Just read the entire thread. I bought a Steiner 430max , used, several years ago at an estate sale. It only had about 100hrs on it so it was same as new. It came with the trencher, stump grinder, dozer blade, slip scoop, pallet forks, dual wheels, and 60in mowing deck. I ran it for about 100 or so more hours and bought the ventrac 4200 diesel. All the steiner attachments fit. I dont know how many hours are on the Ventrac now, hr meter broke years ago. The Steiner has sat unused, except for the occasional crank to move out of the way, ever since I bought the Ventrac. Surfice to say, I like the Ventrac a lot more than the Steiner. My problem now is the Ventrac is pretty much used up, Hydraulics weak, and motor blowing oil. The machine was used commercial in sevier conditions for to long. Looks like I will soon be bringing the Steiner out of the mothballs if I cant find some good parts to fix the Ventrac with. If anyone had a good used pump to fit the Ventrac, I am interested in buying one, am also interested in a good used engine, prefer diesel, but one of the Vanguard gas would work. Bigger the hp the more interested I would be in the engine.

Cantoo · Jun 6, 2012

Industrial, sorry I missed your response. That machine was rough but the blade made it a decent deal. I ended up buying an anniversary model that Kitchener Tractor had sitting on their lot. More than I wanted to pay and it only has the 20 hp motor on it but we had too many lawn sweeping customers lined up and I needed one right away. Did a lawn reno with it, some lawn rolling and all the sweeping. Just did a bunch of spraying with it so now it'll sit until next spring. I'm still going to buy another 1 or 2 if I can find some deals, always looking for them. I'll likely see you at another Jutzi sale, I don't miss too many. I usually have my white dodge with flatbed on it pulling a black trailer. Name is on the truck, Dalbet Grass Cutting. I'm the guy running everybody up, say Hi it'll likely end up saving you some money.

Industrial Toys · Apr 7, 2013

I didn't make the auction yesterday. Nothing major I wanted and it isn't worth getting up early and driving for the small stuff. Great auctions though. No buyers premium. There was another Steiner I noticed. I just finished fixing up that old Steiner 430 MAx, Kubota Gaser from the auction. Must say, I am so impressed, I thought about keeping it. Just got a stump cutter, so have a fair number of attachments, and sometimes it would be nice to have two machines on the go. Bought a dual wheel kit for my 430 Diesel. Did a job in the fall leveling some mud, I couldn't even walk in. Never realized so much mud was getting in between the wheels, which later froze and I couldn't get the **** things apart.

Built a really neat front mounted rake with floating tines for gathering up debris from felling trees. Then cut part of my finger off! Found a nasty pinch hazard, taking it off in the dark! Steiners are so much fun!

The longer I use the 430, the more I like it. It really is quite a friendly, capable little tractor, if you acknowledge its limitations. I don't know it it is the small fuel tank, or the thing is thirsty, I'm speaking the Diesel now) but it is perpetually close to empty.

I am working on a small forklift attachment for the front. Made out of an old walk behind hydraulic load lifter. Sounds kind of like an invitation for some other interesting accident! I am curious, what it will lift and if I need to worry about the Axles. It was a late 90s model I believe. I am thinking that given the weak hydraulics, I won't be close to carrying any huge weight up front.

BKBrown · Apr 9, 2013

I love my 4231 Gas Liquid Cooled - I had around 900 hours on the first one when I found out that they were not going to be offering the same engine any longer. I traded the 2004 in for the 2011. I am happy with the Gas engine and believe it would be worth your effort to put a new engine in the tractor if you can find one. Ventrac (in my opinion) is a better built tractor than the Steiner. The Steiner brothers decided to build the Ventrac heavier and stronger than the Steiner after the Steiner brand name was sold.

muddstopper said:
Just read the entire thread. I bought a Steiner 430max , used, several years ago at an estate sale. It only had about 100hrs on it so it was same as new. It came with the trencher, stump grinder, dozer blade, slip scoop, pallet forks, dual wheels, and 60in mowing deck. I ran it for about 100 or so more hours and bought the ventrac 4200 diesel. All the steiner attachments fit. I dont know how many hours are on the Ventrac now, hr meter broke years ago. The Steiner has sat unused, except for the occasional crank to move out of the way, ever since I bought the Ventrac. Surfice to say, I like the Ventrac a lot more than the Steiner. My problem now is the Ventrac is pretty much used up, Hydraulics weak, and motor blowing oil. The machine was used commercial in sevier conditions for to long. Looks like I will soon be bringing the Steiner out of the mothballs if I cant find some good parts to fix the Ventrac with. If anyone had a good used pump to fit the Ventrac, I am interested in buying one, am also interested in a good used engine, prefer diesel, but one of the Vanguard gas would work. Bigger the hp the more interested I would be in the engine.

lawntamer · Jul 19, 2013

They use to make forks for the Steiner. There is a set on Ebay for sale.
steiner mower | eBay

murphy1244 · Jul 19, 2013

lawntamer said:
They use to make forks for the Steiner. There is a set on Ebay for sale.
steiner mower | eBay

expensive at 1500.00

The Bob · Aug 2, 2017

I know this is an old thread, but not much on the net about Steiner's. I picked up a Steiner zero turn mower at an auction this week, 27 HP Kawasaki, 54 inch deck. Appears to be very solid built, had oil all over the under seat area, I figure it is from years of use and no washing. Cleaned it up, put chain lube on the deck raising mechanism, and waiting on the grass to grow to use it. Previous owner said it needed new blades, but mows fine so far.

Cantoo · Aug 3, 2017

The Bob, some of us are still hanging around and find this thread when searching other stuff. The Steiner zero turns are good from what I have heard. Not too many of them around though. We run Bobcats which pretty much look the same. I did end up picking up a few more Steiners at one of the Jutzi auctions. I have 3 tractors now and maybe 30 or 40 attachments but multiples of lots. Wife is using 2 of them today to spray lawns. Handy when you need them for sure.