Ventrac 4231 Sickle Bar

BKBrown · May 19, 2015

I don't believe I'll try that !

Raw Dodge said:
Just run the duals...it should float lol...I had our old Steiner in about 2 feet of water once...with duals it didn't float but it felt like it was about too....

BKBrown · May 19, 2015

The overflow is a 30" down pipe 16' long standing on end - It has 1/2' rebar welded on top in a 6" opening grid. I would need to find a way to raise that pipe a foot and then the level would flow out the end of the dam where there is an emergency bypass (so the dam does not get washed away if the 30" pipe will not handle the flow.
I think it would be easier to take a foot off the top of the dam. I need to find someone who has an 8' sickle bar on a CUT.

Coyote machine said:
Nice rig! Try raising the water level!

joshlee · May 19, 2015

Thats awesome! What year did they make that?

BKBrown said:
I guess I didn't update this thread. I have one now and it was located by one of the Steiner brothers for me. View attachment 424671 View attachment 424672 View attachment 424673 The bar will cut at any angle from below horizontal to vertical. It needs 2 suitcase weights to counter balance the bar. This was a slightly used (like new) unit and I had it shipped from the dealer who had it.

BKBrown · May 19, 2015

I don't know what year it was made, but I've been teased with those at Ventrac telling me that they were thinking about doing one again. I understand that Ventrac had it made for them by another company and did not make it themselves. I think they could sell a unit like this (especially if they offered it in 6' - 7' - & maybe 8' options.)
I believe it was modified from this unit to fit the Ventrac and Steiner mounting system. - Gaspardo G19502181 09/2006 I found a manual that could be downloaded.

joshlee said:
Thats awesome! What year did they make that?

Raw Dodge · May 19, 2015

BKBrown said:
I don't believe I'll try that !

I was just kidding,besides I was afraid to go any deeper with the steiner,as the water was starting to hit the flywheel/ fan on the Onan engine!

johara1 · May 20, 2015

Will this work up along a steep bank 30 + degrees down at the same?

BKBrown · May 20, 2015

Yes, if you can find one somewhere for sale ! :thumbsup:

johara1 said:
Will this work up along a steep bank 30 + degrees down at the same?

johara1 · May 20, 2015

Do you have any ideas where to start looking ? I don't think Ventrac ever made one. I see you can find Haban that are belt driven, maybe they could be modified to fit the Steiner front mount and use a hyd. cylinder to raise and lower the bar.

BKBrown · May 20, 2015

I don't have a clue where you might find one - Ventrac did not make this one, but had it made for them. One of the Steiner Brothers (was on this forum as "Ventrac") found it and sent me an email about it. There is still a "Ventrac" on this forum, but I believe it is someone who took over for Dustin when he left on a missionary trip. You might get lucky if you search for{ Ventrac / Steiner Sickle Bar mower } ?? Good luck finding one - I like mine !

johara1 said:
Do you have any ideas where to start looking ? I don't think Ventrac ever made one. I see you can find Haban that are belt driven, maybe they could be modified to fit the Steiner front mount and use a hyd. cylinder to raise and lower the bar.

Industrial Toys · May 20, 2015

I almost bought hydraulic broom for my Steiner. The broom was whipped but I really only wanted the hydraulic pump and tank. That could have opened some custom attachment possibilites including a hydraulic sickle bar mower head I found on the net.

In general, for cutting around our pond, I have not decided if using a sickle bar or big trimmer style cutter would work best.