Thoughts on new Ventrac 4520?

Otgaugres · Oct 15, 2021

Curious on everyone’s thoughts on the 4520? Looks like a well thought out upgrade. Personally not so sure about the looks. The lights although useful I’m sure, look like an afterthought. Black wheels are a trend I’ve never embraced. More hydraulic capacity is always welcome. Up in the air about the relocated PTO switch. I’ve got a JD2720 with a dash mounted switch and my JD4066R has it on the RH console…I actually prefer the dash mounted switch.

I have a dilemma…I’ve recently made a deal on a new 4500Z with implements and accessories but haven’t taken delivery. Dealer has the tractor in stock, but accessories and implements are currently back ordered. I sealed the deal prior to the big 10/6/21 Ventrac price increase. Dealer offered to let me go for the 4520 if I want, but he doesnt expect any delivery of 4520’s unail next spring at the earliest and his opinion is that it could be next June time frame. I think he said the price on the 4520Z will be $28k+. That will be $3K+ more than my locked in price on the 4500Z. I have an immediate need (at least first thing in the spring). I don’t really want to risk waiting until next summer for a machine. If they were both readily available, it may be a tougher decision, although it’s still a $3,000+ upgrade.

I’m leaning heavily towards sticking with the 4500. I’m buying primarily for mowing, getting both the Tough Cut and the 72” finish deck. Also getting the Aerovator and the power bucket. I’ve got other equipment so I don’t expect to be doing a Lot of heavy dirt moving work with it. I’ve got a Harley rake/soil container for my CTL so I never expect to be using the power rake on the Ventrac. I could see my self renting the stump grinder although I don’t do enough of that work to warrant buying one.

Thanks for your thoughts.__

prestond · Oct 16, 2021

If it were me, I would stick with the 4500. Yes, the upgraded hydraulics would be a nice upgrade, but it wouldn't be worth the wait time or cost for me.

I took delivery of my 4500z just over a year a go and I love it. I have the 72 inch finish mower, power bucket & grapple, and core aerator. I've moved a lot of dirt and rock with the power bucket and the hydraulics handled it all quite well. I've mowed some pretty tall and wet grass on slopes and never had an issue. I continue to be amazed at what i can do on the Ventrac.

Knowing what I know about the 4500z I would take delivery of that and let others 'Beta Test' the new hydraulics.

Also, I agree with you, the lights look like an after thought, the PTO is fine on the dash, and personally, I kind of like the white (gives it more of that red, white, and blue look).

Otgaugres · Oct 16, 2021

prestond said:
If it were me, I would stick with the 4500. Yes, the upgraded hydraulics would be a nice upgrade, but it wouldn't be worth the wait time or cost for me.

I took delivery of my 4500z just over a year a go and I love it. I have the 72 inch finish mower, power bucket & grapple, and core aerator. I've moved a lot of dirt and rock with the power bucket and the hydraulics handled it all quite well. I've mowed some pretty tall and wet grass on slopes and never had an issue. I continue to be amazed at what i can do on the Ventrac.

Knowing what I know about the 4500z I would take delivery of that and let others 'Beta Test' the new hydraulics.

Also, I agree with you, the lights look like an after thought, the PTO is fine on the dash, and personally, I kind of like the white (gives it more of that red, white, and blue look).

Appreciate your response. I made the decision to stick with the 4500Z. As well as these new models are tested, there always seem to be some growing pains. Good point on letting someone else beta test it. Lol. Since my original post, I’ve heard numbers into the $29k range. That’s a $4k premium over my current deal on the 4500Z. I’ve been fawning over the 4500 for the past couple of years. I’ll be more than happy with it I’m sure.

Number15 · Oct 17, 2021

I understand tier iv is an issue but I was hoping for a more powerful diesel in the ventrac. I had a demo on my property and I felt it struggled a little. Plus the fact that the slope rating for the diesel is not continuous made me rule out the ventrac. I have an onsite diesel tank and don't want to mess with lots of gasoline so the gas engines are not really a consideration for me.

Otgaugres · Oct 17, 2021

Number15 said:
I understand tier iv is an issue but I was hoping for a more powerful diesel in the ventrac. I had a demo on my property and I felt it struggled a little. Plus the fact that the slope rating for the diesel is not continuous made me rule out the ventrac. I have an onsite diesel tank and don't want to mess with lots of gasoline so the gas engines are not really a consideration for me.

i ruled out the diesel because of the power issue. My rule of thumb is buy the most powerful engine available for a given model and I won’t end up with buyers remorse. The continuous slope rating isn’t a big deal for me. Although the slope capability is a big part of my decision to buy Ventrac the continuous rating isn’t. If you read the specs it’s like 10-15 minutes continuous without changing directions. I don’t see that happening for me, and it’s only in the most extreme conditions. Any of the engine options will run 25 degrees continuous.

The tier 4 thing is an issue. It isn’t going to get better unfortunately. I would have preferred a more powerful diesel version instead of gas. My guess is they cant fit all the emissions crap in the present platform.

prs · Oct 18, 2021

If I were buying as a first purchase as opposed to a trade; I would go with the most current model and most powerful option. But, I do not think there is enough difference to make enough difference to trade my 4500Z. However, I would like to have rear three point with active center link; so I may be persuaded eventually.

MountainBuck · Oct 18, 2021

This is the first I've heard of this new 4520, so I went to the site and looked at especially the differences between both "P" models and other than the 2 additional headlights, I'm not seeing any difference whatsoever.

They use exactly the same engine and have exactly the same specs at least according to these links:

4520 chart bottom of the page

4500 chart

Not quite sure how this will "Elevate. The next level."

Responding to an earlier post in this thread, the "P" engine is capable of sustained 30 degree operation.

I'm happy with my 4500P, but a "next level" request from me would be a larger engine and a seating option that would gimbal with the slope. Maybe a sun canopy? Maybe a better attachment system - at least a mirror so I wouldn't have to get out of the seat to see if I'm lined up? Oh, how about some dash indicator lighting that shows when I'm clear to engage the locking lugs? How about pressure gauge readout on the dash to show the effects of my weight transfer lever to help me know if I should engage it more or less? How about a hydraulic pressure gauge to let me know how hard I'm pushing the machine? At least maybe a standard slope meter that wasn't "an option?"

prs · Oct 18, 2021

The live online intro gave a little more information. The spokesman claimed that we do get more power with same motors due to more efficient hydraulic system. He said power steering power has been upped, not at all sure if he mentioned lift power. The lower articulation "dog bone" was claimed to have been improved for better durability, not sure if he mentioned the upper pivot or not. Your suggestion for a slope correction seat is a dream of mine too.

Otgaugres · Oct 19, 2021

I noted in my earlier post that I’ve decided to stick with my current deal on a 4500Z. The decision definitely would have been more difficult if the 4520Z was readily available. It is not, and the outlook from my dealer is dismal. On top of that, a $3-4K increase in cost is not exactly insignificant. More power is always welcome, but with no new engine options, we are only seeing a increase in hydraulic output. Ventrac is being a little vague in what this increase consists of….is it more flow, or more pressure, or just quieter operation? Logic tells me it would be difficult to get more flow and more pressure without more engine horsepower to drive the pump(s). More than likely one of the two.

My 4500Z is in stock at my dealer, as is the 72” finish mower and the aerovator. It’s been over a month since I gave the dealer my deposit. Waiting from Ventrac on virtually everything that my dealer didn’t already have in stock, with no firm delivery promise. List includes tough cut, power bucket, roller assembly for aerovator, auxiliary hydraulics and 12v power, rear work lights, slope indicator, and dual wheels. Supposedly on the dual wheels, there is a shortage of tires. Go figure. I heard Ventrac say in a YouTube video that dealers would start seeing 4520’s in November. With the inability to deliver attachments and accessories, I‘m not confident in that and that is in stark contrast to what my dealer is saying he’s been told.

Product evolution is inevitable, and I’m sure the 4520 is and will be a great improvement. That being said, a week ago the 4500’s were the best thing since sliced bread. You can search YouTube all day to find anything other than minor criticism. Obviously the 4500’s are very capable machines. My use is going to be primarily mowing with the tough cut and finish mowers as well as working with the aerovator. My need is immediate, and I really don‘t feel like waiting until next Spring or summer for my machine. Looking forward to being a Ventrac owner.

workinonit · Oct 19, 2021

Coincidental that this Ventrac just passed behind the trailer I'm in at a power plant I'm working at. Those are some impressive machines for slope work. It does look like a rough ride though.