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  1. P

    Ventrac 4200VXD - Mystery Wire

    Did you find the connection? prs
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    Winter prep for snow season.

    Barry, it seems as if you realize there is not much room for inner chains on the stock ATV type tires. A previous contributer found chains that would fit, but has passed on and I am not sure what chains he purchased. I "think" he ran all 8 tires with chains. I have procrasstinated about...
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    Sticking Weight Transfer Mechanism

    The fender washers seemed to be OK on mine, the edges of the clevis were snagging and binding on those ridges. I will keep an eye on both over time and use.
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    Fixing oil leak at valve cover gasket on 4500z

    Well; eventually was today. It is not difficult, but it does take time working alone. I am experienced in such jobs. I did other things too, that slowed the job such as setting the valves and repacking the PTO pully bearings. I removed the hood and the muffler cover. There are different...
  5. P

    Fixing oil leak at valve cover gasket on 4500z

    I found it and noticed I had read it before. Good description. prs
  6. P

    Sticking Weight Transfer Mechanism

    I have had episodes of this in past and often in recent times. Typically with the transfer in use, it does not release easily or at all. With the setting handle raised out of the notches on the side of the tractor and the tractor driven, it eventually snaps free. I had the dealer check this a...
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    Fixing oil leak at valve cover gasket on 4500z

    It really should not be as difficult as it is; but this is one design feature where the Ventrac designers blew it. That stupid coil bracket "almost" allows us to remove the valve cover, but so far as I can tell not quite. I do not know of a video where this is demonstrated; although I did...
  8. P

    4500Z died of fuel starvation.

    The OE was a Kubota supplied pump. The aftermarket I used appears to be identical and same pump for gasoline or diesel. prs
  9. P

    Log splitter and a flying log - safety

    The tip of my ring finger was knocked almost all the way off due to beech crotch unloading like that. Being younger and dumber, I used black tape to bind it. I thought it would die and have to be taken off, but it healed; sort of. It looks normal, but sometimes feels like I could shake it off...
  10. P

    JD 650 Compact Tractor Brake Shoes

    You do realize that those shoes can be flipped over and used for their second life, right? The brake peddle only expands one end of the shoe set. prs
  11. P

    JD750 Fuel Issues? Water contamination?

    The 750 has polypropolene tank. I suspect the deteriorated fuel lines have passed enough crud into the tank to impeed fuel flow. Clean the tank, replace any remaining old lines, purge the bleeders again. The frothy discharge you may have noticed at the injector bleed may indicate air intering...
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    4500Z died of fuel starvation.

    Follow-up: When I called my dealership to price the OE fuel pump, I was told $140.00 plus tax. I thanked him kindly. Ordered another generic for $11.59 with free shipping plus tax. They are same/similar low pressure pumps, but I will have to adapt the electric connection if/when I need it. prs
  13. P

    4500Z died of fuel starvation.

    Full tank of fresh gasoline. Tank, and lines had been flushed this past summer. Fuel pump fuse good. electric connection at pump 12.45V. Removed pump and direct connected to 12V and nothing. Of course the tractor was about 1/4 mile away from the shop tools. However, way back soon after I...
  14. P

    4500Z won’t start

    I did remove that panel and there was some dusty grime there, but not like the OP's impaction. However, I thought while in there, I would check the switch setting. I wiped the area clean and used electronic clener to clean the switch and its mounting plate and bolts. The switch function is...
  15. P

    4500Z won’t start

    DANG! I think I know of a panel that I will remove for inspection tomorrow! prs
  16. P

    Sharpening "down" angle?

    Even with round chisel I file level due to our local hard woods like oak, hickory, ash, and such. The 10 degree drop initially cuts faster, but the corner edge wears faster in hard woods, thus in working, the edge holds up better flat for me.
  17. P

    4500Z won’t start

    I, and I bet some others here, had forgotten all about that auto-stop feature. Although I also live in very steep terrain, I do not use that feature. I will take a look "in thee" next service. Glad you are back in the saddle! prs
  18. P

    4500Z won’t start

    I believe the OP stated it to be a "Z". The advice to check the module is correct and then there are the 2 fuse boxes. The PTO switch and seat switch are two possible fail circuits.
  19. P

    really loud like hole in muffler and running horrible

    I am not sure this is your exact part number, verify with dealer or maybe printed on old part...
  20. P

    really loud like hole in muffler and running horrible

    I meant to say DID NOT CROSS, of course. prs
  21. P

    really loud like hole in muffler and running horrible

    I understand that you believe the signal wire is consistent on the terminal to the 1 coil, but coil not firing. How does the second terminal on that coil read? I am not sure but I "think" it should be constant 12V. By what you are saying, I think I would swap those connections to one of the...
  22. P

    really loud like hole in muffler and running horrible

    We will keep prayers coming for your Dad. You put a new coil at 1, the cylinder closest to the rear of tractor. You say the wires feeding the coil are showing voltage, yet the coil does not get its charge to the spark plug. Very odd. Make sure the high tension wire is firmly twisted into the...
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    really loud like hole in muffler and running horrible

    Well, my problem, which matched the OP's description, turned out to be ignition. The wire harness taking signal to the coils was damaged. New harness installation revealed the Kubuta engine control module (ECM) was also damaged. The new ECM and harness did the trick. Odd how suddenly this...
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    really loud like hole in muffler and running horrible

    phunter; ya dun wint an' jinxed me. lol I put a long day in HOT weather this past Wednesday mowing tall field fescue. Later in the afternoon I had finished about 11 acres with about 2+ acres to go and my fine running machine suddenly, under only modest load at 3,200RPM, started missing badly...
  25. P

    Ventrac 4500Y w/ MS720 Mower Deck Roll or Slide

    If I Recall Correctly (always thin ice) the engine oil starvation due to excess slope varies among the engine choices. There is also a TIME factor such that one is not to exceed the given slope for more than X minutes of time. The time allowances I recall are pretty generous such that if one...
  26. P

    really loud like hole in muffler and running horrible

    Start simple. With engine totally cool, remove the spark plug boots by slightly twisting as you pull. They should be numbered 1-2-3, if not lable them. Use compressed air, even canned air is OK, to blow out the spark plug wells. Remove the spark plugs and inspect for cracked ceramics...
  27. P

    Power unit pully bearings were nearly dry

    At about 750+ hours my original drive belt shredded into many itty-bitty pieces of cording and rubber. Must have come off the rear groove and tangled with the keeper. I had a spare and replacement on the 4500Z was a breeze, but I did get some extra clearance by removing three front grill...
  28. P

    Gas tank rope and power loss

    Excellent find. Odd for such a quality engiine to be out that much so soon. In the event you run into a potentially clogged fuel outlet again, remove the line from the entry of the fuel filter and blow back into the tank with air blast to clear the line. As slow as your fuel drained, you may...
  29. P

    Ventrac 4500Y w/ MS720 Mower Deck Roll or Slide

    Mine is a "Z" and I have my tires loaded and the mid weight kit. BUt even before adding the extra weight, 30 or 35 slope was a cake walk. I mow slopes steeper than that routinely, but I am not saying such is "safe", it is NOT safe. Mine does slide sideways at times and the outer front ATV...
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    Avoiding fuel contamination from solids and such

    Fits just as he shows in the video. To install and have it to stay in, the fuel cap retainer would need to be removed. I think it more practical to use just during use of transfer pump. prs
  31. P

    Avoiding fuel contamination from solids and such

    Regarding the threads recently about unexpected stalls that at least some have been from solid objects or semi-solid objects in the fuel tank blocking the fuel exit or fuel line, I noticed this YouTube from Messicks: So I ordered one and will see if it fits properly when I get back to the...
  32. P

    Greasing that front drive shaft zerk on the 4500P easier

    Oh, I would venture a guess that Johara drilled an access hole that was not so large as to compromise structure. prs
  33. P

    Kubota overheated!

    I had never heard of a euchered engine before; I reckon it means shot rings and scored cylinders and such. From the French word "euchre" as in defeated??? Before tearing it down I would investigate. Check the coolant and dump the oil and check that too for contamination. If those check out...
  34. P

    23/8.5-12 Turf

    Thanks
  35. P

    23/8.5-12 Turf

    Any sources for turf tire 23/8.5-12 for John Deere (Yanmar) 650 turf tires. Rear 31/15.5-15 ???
  36. P

    Ventrac 4500Z quits unexpectedly

    seems to be consistent with other reports. Me too recently. prs
  37. P

    HB580 belt slipping off

    I reckon you got it fixed by now; what was wrong?
  38. P

    Follow-up RE: Ventrac 4500Z quits unexpectedly

    SwampDog posted the above referenced thread some time back. Yesterday, I noticed a youtube by "HeartBreakOrchard" or similar with same symptoms. That video maker determined fuel starvation before the fuel filter. He removed the tank and cleaned that finding dirt and what looks like...
  39. P

    Locally sourced fuel filter 4500P

    wix 33011
  40. P

    The high cost of cutting grass

    I have one area of about 2 acres that is STEEP and it has been wet. The grass there has been damaged by the ATV type cleats of the Ventrac duals, so I am letting it go to seed plus some seed I applied early spring. The seed tops will be ripe in about 10 more days, then I will use the tough...
  41. P

    The high cost of cutting grass

    I mow with my Ventrac 72" new model finish deck at its highest postion, nominal 5". I mow the acre + around the house weekly and the fields get mowed when they are about 8" or higher. In spring or wet times those fields grow faster, in dry times quite slow. The 4500Z seems to not suffer...
  42. P

    The high cost of cutting grass

    I noticed regular grade gasoline (E-10) at $4.15 here this morning. Up from $3.75 last Saturday at two local Exxon stations. No option for sober gas here and no option for off road gasoline. Diesel is CRAZY out of line at $4.17/gal! There is off road here for diesel, but a 40 mile round trip...
  43. P

    Ventrac 4500Z quits unexpectedly

    Yep, I finally noticed that Randy mentioned a similar problem with his injected model and that is where my confusion sourced. On track now. One added worry is when E-15 is the norm, these problems will escalate and no pure gas in my area. May have to consider propane... prs
  44. P

    Got the Aluma rear jack stand repaired

    I hope it holds up to heavy use for you. There is quite a bit of front to back stress when loading/unloading heavy rolling loads. My trailer is aluminum too, but no onboard jacks. I cut two 6X6 blocks to about an inch and a half less than level loaded frame height. Not as handy, but serves. prs
  45. P

    Ventrac 4500Z quits unexpectedly

    I got a bit confused in this thread. I thought we were discussing 4500Z and then I noticed we were talking fuel injection on the Kawa motor. But, the culprit seems to be consistent; fuel starvation due to dirty and or wet fuel blocking filters, vents, and/or fuel lines. prs
  46. P

    Oil leak on new 4520

    I had a tiny seepage three years ago from right front axle nuts being slightly loose. I cranked them down to a very precise torque speck (as damed tight as I could muster) and no more seep. Difficult to acces the top few bolts, but do-able. First check all hydraulic connections you can trace...
  47. P

    Thoughts on new Ventrac 4520?

    The large boughs I mentioned earlier were later followed by the falling of the source; a giant red oak (black oak) fell into my field from the property line. 64" across the butt at 4' up. I cut it up into chunks that would just barely fit into the power bucket. Even using full spring loaded...
  48. P

    Making the decision to buy a Ventrac

    I have both. I rarely use the CUT. prs
  49. P

    Ventrac 4500Z quits unexpectedly

    I have a spare pump in my parts bag and can forward the number you here when I home. Right now am stranded away frm home in snow and deep freeze
  50. P

    The high cost of cutting grass

    WOW! That KLR is getting way better than my GL1800; only 43mpg.
  51. P

    The high cost of cutting grass

    Saw my first $3.999 gas sign today. Other stations were $3.899 and some still $3.599. I started a motorcycle ride with gas I purchased last Wednesday for $3.249 and rode about 225 miles, filing up with the $3.599 fuel at day's end.
  52. P

    HB580 belt slipping off

    Well, given your belt is tensioned proper and you have the correct belt; I would first check that pesky belt guard that tends to get bent. It may be levering the belt off. If that is OK, check the sheeves for string or vines wrapped aroung their grooves. I don't think there is much chance of...
  53. P

    New seat for my 4500Z

    I recall that a good while back our member "Murphy" (IIRC) reported his install of a better suspension seat and I almost followed up to get the product he used. My Z came with the "upgraded" suspension seat; I have tried all of the various pre-laod spring settings and that thing is and has been...
  54. P

    New seat for my 4500Z

    I recall that a good while back our member "Murphy" (IIRC) reported his install of a better suspension seat and I almost followed up to get the product he used. My Z came with the "upgraded" suspension seat; I have tried all of the various pre-laod spring settings and that thing is and has been...
  55. P

    Thoughts on new Ventrac 4520?

    I don't know about that "original dirt". Around here most of the undisturbed soil is clay and shale and is tough to dig with most anything. Sandy loam would be EZ-Peazy. Muck is easy to dig, hard to lift by the bucket full. I notice the recent storm dropped some tree bowes onto the upper...
  56. P

    Thoughts on new Ventrac 4520?

    Power bucket with grapple. prs
  57. P

    Thoughts on new Ventrac 4520?

    I think I cheat the system. ;-) The bucket slides under the load at ground level. The front main hydraulics give a bit of lift even as it stalls out, but then the curl cylinders roll the bucket back giving a bit of ground clearance. At that point, with the weight further back, the main...
  58. P

    Thoughts on new Ventrac 4520?

    The Ventrac hydraulics are no match for a full sized or even a compact farm or industrial sized tractor. That said, I have had no problem lifting heavy black oak logs or bucket loads of wet clay dirt/mud. The hydraulic output does struggle when lifting the boom arm mower and trying to steer at...
  59. P

    Thoughts on new Ventrac 4520?

    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...
  60. P

    Thoughts on new Ventrac 4520?

    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...
  61. P

    Troubleshooting Front Auxiliary Hydraulics 4500Z

    DANG! What was I thinking? The power bucket has no connection to the 12V outlet! Your theory about the button is reasonable. I hope you can repair if that is what it is as the whole unit is $$$. prs
  62. P

    Troubleshooting Front Auxiliary Hydraulics 4500Z

    I can tell you that the wiring connetions on the 4 contact coupler (the round chrome plated one) on my power unit and on my boom mower were very poorly done and prone to pull loose. I removed the coupler and re-did the wire connections on each side, no further trouble. prs
  63. P

    Source for belts?

    I believe these are wrapped, but not blue so far as I have noticed. Some of mine are D&D, some Gates. I have a couple that are double "V" and not sure those are wrapped. But they hold up. On my older John Deer compact belly mower, it was the idler pully that was so prone to wear-out as it...
  64. P

    Source for belts?

    The owner's manual or parts list are downloadable from the Ventrac site. The belt ID is listed for each of the various implements. The belt I siad I ordered above is NOT fot the tough cut, but for the newer model of 72" side discharge finish mower. A few belts are listed as "custom", as is...
  65. P

    Source for belts?

    Taking notice from this thread; I ordered a B-180 and a B-45 yesterday from an Amazon assicuate, both belts are Gates brand. Mine are not worn out, but just to have on hand. prs
  66. P

    Source for belts?

    The belts have common size/rating codes suchas B-45 etc. Those are avaialable from many brands and even Amazon handles them, as do other larger hardware/mechanical sites. Beware, some brands or makers have beeter product than do others. The squeek is often the power unit's pto belt or the pto...
  67. P

    Ventrac Videos

    I may have missed that episode. I think he is honest and "the real deal". The episode I watched yesterday, for example, had him stump grinding, root digging, power raking, and aerovating/seeding. prs
  68. P

    Ventrac Videos

    To get prime rib, someone has to wade through a little BS. ;-) prs
  69. P

    Ventrac Videos

    Agree. prs
  70. P

    Ventrac- power decreasing, noise increasing???

    I would not bother to cut one without the large pipe cutter or filter cutter. If you do, yes the media will show any metal in bright light/sun light. prs
  71. P

    Ventrac- power decreasing, noise increasing???

    Cutting the filters, especially the 10micron one could prove interesting, but messy. Take great care to not introduce dust, drit, grime, chaff, etc. into the system. Always wide the various quick coupler male fittings and use clean shop towel twisted to clean the female part of coupler. Use a...
  72. P

    Ventrac since Toro purchase

    No such experience here, but my dealership reports having difficulty getting new stock from Ventrac promptly, citing COVID economics as the trouble.
  73. P

    Hyd quick disconnect

    I loosen the quick connects with two wrenches. I do not park implements in the sun, but on hot days they still pressurize. prs
  74. P

    Ventrac Center Pivot

    150 foot pounds. The owner's manual is downloadable and has that spec. If you do this check, take photos of how you gained access with the wrench. prs
  75. P

    Ventrac Center Pivot

    Thanks. I should have figured that out after Toybarn mentioned the mounting plate thing. prs
  76. P

    Ventrac Center Pivot

    Jim, I am thinking the play is in both; but I am a one man show here and I can not watch the dog bone or center pivot while grasping the roll bar and forcing the rocking motion. Next time my son visits I will seek his assistance while I observe. These joints take a lot of pressure during work...
  77. P

    Ventrac Center Pivot

    Mine has always been well greased, but the fore/aft play has been there for a year or two and getting some worse. It has about 700 hours. By virtue of the difficulty in even getting a wrench onto those nts, it seems to be a difficult repair. Myabe Toybarn can share some pointers or something...
  78. P

    Failed to start...

    First plowable snow of the season, family coming to swap gifts, so driveway needs plowed. 16 degrees F, battery tender "tending", pull the choke on the 4700, turn the gas on, turn the key, the dash lights up, but no starter. The electronic control board is totally dark. Bounce on seat to see...
  79. P

    Winter prep for snow season.

    Is it best to leave duals on or remove the outer wheels? I have always taken them off suspecting the duals would tend to ride up on the snow instead of cutting in. I removed the outers today, but is that the common practice? prs
  80. P

    Ventrac Flair mowers introduced.

    Murphy alerted me to this a few days back, but today is the first time I could access the youtube and it is on the Ventrac web site too. 4 new models, two 72" ones and two a bit more than a foot less wide. One each of those with either fine cut teeth or rougher cut teeth. I wonder if they...
  81. P

    YouTube site popped-up

    Ventrac 45Z-Greasing the infamous U-Joint and removing side panels-BLUE CORD Property Care - YouTube This felllow has a Z and such, he seems to do a nice job. prs
  82. P

    I have a contour mower for sale.

    I have nice contour mower for sale with about 300 hours on it. Very good condition in shed. It cuts very smooth and just does NOT scalp, amazing 84" swath. Original blades, have a spare set too. My problem with it is that it cuts too short to suite me, I prefer to cut at 4 1/2" to 5" and...
  83. P

    Front implement hydraulic hoses, don't do this!

    I had been running the rough cut. Put it away and knowing that the finish mowere was to be next I went ahead and coupled to it that evening. Next time out, I left the optional deck flip hydraulic hoses in the mower deck's retainer holes since I would not be flipping the deck. Almost finished...
  84. P

    Wrap around handle Stihl models

    I am beginning to shop for a new saw. I prefer Pro models as I tend to keep them a loooong time. I was on the Stihl site and as I picked through the possibles I noticed ALL of the West Coast handled (wrap around handled) models were marked "NOT AVAILABLE". Any reason for that? I am...
  85. P

    My main SDLS handle broke.

    The black plastic clamshell that has the switch and two colored buttons that tops the SDLS lever cracked and broke out around the retaining bolt on both halves of the clam shell. I was on a 30+ slope and in thick high fescue and cutting at 5". When it broke, I saw the pieces fall and was able...
  86. P

    Brdigestone Pillow DIameter replacements

    My John Deere 650 4WD Compact tractor wears original Bridgstone Pillow Diamenter turf tires 37 years-old. Baby needs new shoes. 23X8.50X12 Front 31X15.5X15 Rear Any help in locating source for compatible rubber. prs
  87. P

    Failure to start, you need to know this.

    Third time; first was first winter, four years ago. Second was year before last and third was an hour ago. Turn the key so that switch is in run postion. Dash lights on, slope meter boots-up. NO fuel pump clickity-click. NO starter motor. Check to make sure the battery disconnect is...
  88. P

    New 8' mower deck. BAM

    Big Arsed Mower? Would not fit in my 8' garage door shed and I've had enough of rear discharge. But, I bet it is a great mower. Hydraulic tilt-up is "option"? Seems as if it would be totally necessary. prs
  89. P

    4500Z muffler blanket RAW DODGE HELP!

    My catalytic muffler's heat jacket or blanket is wearing out. I hope that white matter is not asbestos! I used a header wrap material to cover the worn areas, but that is hot going to last. Raw Dodge hinted at a no brainer type solution quite a long time back. But I must have not brain. I...
  90. P

    Main drive belt service life.

    How long does the drive belt last? About 500 hours for me. I found the original main drive belt beginning to fray and to be very stiff today. I had the hood and grill of in a half arsed attempt to repair the muffler/cat heat blanket. That made the belt very easy to replace and also very easy...
  91. P

    Main belt for tough cut mower.

    While doing pre-winter service on my tough cut mower I had it lifted up for blade removal, sharpening, and replacement. (The All American Sharpener model 5005EXT and an angle grinder make accurate sharpening easy on clockwise and counter clockwise blades.) In lowering the deck, I did not...
  92. P

    4500Z Spark Plug Life

    Regarding the Kubota gasoline fueled engine. I have had some trouble with spark plug service life. Our service schedule from Kubota calls for checking (cleaning and re-gapping) at 100 hours and replacement at 1,000 hours. On my 4500Z the original pugs were absolutely ruined at 100 hours. All...
  93. P

    How is it going with the improved finish mower decks?

    It has been mowing season quite a spell now, how have the new model decks been performing? I would like to mow a little taller than my contour is capable of providing. prs
  94. P

    Be kind to your posterior hint

    To make a shot story long; I purchased a new 2018 Goldwing cycle. Great bike, but the saddle, typical Honda, is lousy. It is a new model and the aftermarket has yet to come out with a better saddle. So I purchased this memory foam pad for office chairs. Good in office chair, but did not work...
  95. P

    The sickle bar mower ...

    ... is expensive. The closest dealer quotes about 14,000 with additional cast weights, second front hydraulic set-up plus WV tax. That is way more than the contour mower, my current most spendy attachment. I believe the MSRP is over 14 grand without the weights and second hydraulic or tax...
  96. P

    FIRST vENTRAC SNOW EXPERIENCE

    This is my first season with attachment for snow removal with Ventrac, the big broom. It did a great job yesterday, clean to the pavement and quick too. It was only a light snow, about 1"+ a tad bit and I typically did not mess with it unless more than that when I was using a grader blade on...
  97. P

    Getting ready for winter.

    This will be my first winter where I will be prepared to use the 4500 for snow removal. I have the rotary broom now and this has done well in clearing chestnut burs from my long driveway and today I brushed the leaves over the far bank (the wind may put them right back). I have always used my...
  98. P

    New boom arm sickle mower for 2018.

    Looks extraordinarly expensive, but wonderful! I have long ditchlines and road banks and bad back too. prs
  99. P

    JackIL or others - ?change gear oil in contour mower?

    Not so much "if", but how? How does one go about draining and replacing the gear oil in the box. In the parts diagrams I see no provision for a drain on the bottom of the box and I see no access to a drain from under the center deck even if there was one there. Do we use a hoist to stand the...
  100. P

    I should have known, but I did not. Belts on these things are ...

    ... pretty much standard. I noticed the parts lists for my Ventrac and implements list a Ventrac part number and they also give a shorter number such as B45. I search for B45 belt and get a great variety of brands, most with the same specification for dimensions. All of the belts for the...
  101. P

    Winter formula windshield wash, ?corrosive?

    Probably not, but just in case I will ask; is windshield washer fluid corrosive when used as wheel ballast IF the wheel is NOT filled to where the fluid covers ALL of the steel wheel? Right now, my wheels are filled to where the rim is just barely submerged in the ballast. But, I am...
  102. P

    Locks for trailers, how do you keep them free and working smoothly.

    I use pad locks and chain to keep ramps and tailgates from walking off. I use the locking pins on receiver hitches and also on the ball couplers of smaller trailers. But, kept outside and not used over winter, in spring the locks are bound-up with corrosion. The pad locks not so much, but...
  103. P

    Camera for seeing the hitch as it couples

    I recall a thread several months to a year ago on the topic of rigging a hook-up camera. Maybe this one would do: iBallhitchcam.com - iBall Wireless Trailer Hitch Camera prs
  104. P

    New Ventrac Video RE greasing

    I noticed a new YouTube video from VT. The Ventrac employee shows or sorta shows (you really can not see if he really was successful or not) accessing the front Zerk of the drive shaft from the RIGHT side. More power to him, if he really did get it that way. I have success getting it from the...
  105. P

    LONGER GREASE GUN HOSE

    DeWalt makes a super powered rechargeable battery powered grease gun, 10,000# max pressure! Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! ;-) But that is overkill and it comes with a hefty price tag. The main feature I notice that could help those of us with the 4500 is the 42" hose. Now, that would get us in there...
  106. P

    This ole boy would break an anvil!

    Not sure just how I managed to mangle this wheel yoke on my rough cut. Was cutting multi-flora rose and autumn olive tangle to reclaim invaded field along old fence rows. Noticed drag marks in the dirt and on inspection this bent heavy steel yoke. Set me back over $50.00 to replace. prs
  107. P

    Annual coolant change.

    Not meaning to complain too much, just thinking out loud and besides, there has been little activity here to discuss of late. The manual that came with my 4500Z and the several since then revisions on line call for an annual drain/flush/ and refill of coolant. Mine was delivered to me with the...
  108. P

    VENTRAC OWNERS' MANUAL REVISIONS

    In another thread mention was made of revisions to the manuals for 4500 series tractors. I noticed today, that as of 01/29/2016 the manual is again revised. prs
  109. P

    Hydraulic Filter sources.

    I see that Raw Dodge has mentioned options for his Steiner for hydraulic filter. What about the filters on the 4500 Ventrac. I probably need to take a close look at the filters on my power unit to see if the manufacturer is listed or not. Wix does not list any for the application, thus NAPA...
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    JD 650 convert from generator and rectifier to alternator.

    This tractor has always been murder on rectifiers when using the front electro-magnet clutch. For the past 10 or more years I have had the charge circuit disconnected and use a combination start/deep cycle battery instead; putting that on a Deltran Tender when finished for the day. But, I...
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    Gad zerks!

    I greased the Ventrac and checked everything out. I tried to figure out a way to access the drive shaft zerks from the right, but although Houdini might have success, my mitts are too large to fit in that way. But, from the left it is not difficult. I used the start motor to "bump" the shaft...
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    Small tractor 3pt hitch hydraulics, ?just up or down?

    I was watching "Everything Attachments" videos and noticed the spokesman mentioned that some compact tractors have Cat 1 3pt hitch that only raises fully or lowers fully; i.e. will not hold and return to a particular mid position. REALLY!?!?! Why would the makers do such a foolish thing? If I...
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    mower leaves uncut leaves

    :-) Apologies to wdwurker for stealing his post title; well sort of. I have a lot of new grass freshly germinated a few weeks back over several acres. I also have lots of oak and chestnut trees that drop their leaves rather late and over an extended time. Our recent warm and clam weather has...
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    I wonder if my glow plug or pre-heat system is really working.

    My 33 year-old JD 650 just keeps on keeping on. In the distant past I was able to hear a little "pop" in the manifold when the glow plug activated some fuel, but past few years that "pop" has been absent. So, in beginning my winter prep yesterday ahead of snow season, I decided to trouble...
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    Mine seems to prefer premium fuel.

    With crude prices down so relatively low, the rumor around here is that the refiners are skimping on the ethyl and that premium grade is currently alcohol free or nearly so. I don't know about that, but I can usually detect the ethyl by its odor in fuel and I did not notice it in the premium...
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    Cleaning mower decks.

    Until recently, its been a snap. Long handled curved tire spoon ( I was going to post a link, but WOW have those gotten expensive - just cut a 3/8" strip off of a piece of framing lumber) made short work of it before. But, now the grass seems to have a lot of sugar in it. It matts and sets-up...
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    Time (expereince) heals (almost) all wounds.

    I want to thank all you folks for helping me along. THANKS! I have posted about a lot of issues: The "squeak"? No big deal, just greased the right places (where ever those are). ;-) Getting hung-up on down hill side guy wires? Sure was glad to know I was not the only one. So far, so...
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    Break'n da roolz............

    First the set-up for why. Its rained a lot this year. The ground is soft and my land is sloped. So, a couple of weeks ago I was mowing with 10 to 15 slope to my right and a telephone guy wire to my right. I tucked the contour mower around the wire's base getting nice and close, then backed a...
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    I have this old tiller implement

    I a 4' PTO tiller that has worked great even though it is greatly worn. I have misplaced the female end of the PTO shaft, the end that attached to the tractor. I need to search for parts, but to save me I can not recall how to SPELL the maker's name. It is something like KARONE or CARONE or...
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    The infamous Ventrac squeek.

    My new 4500Z is beginning to squeak and squeal when turning at slow speeds. RawDodge posted a link to an aerosol product that is supposed to be THE cure. Trouble is, even if I had that magic potion, where would I douse the Ventac 4500? Both pivots have Zerk fittings and even though I am well...
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    4500Z engine RPM at fast idle is lower than spec,

    According to the on dash tachometer the Kubota gas engine is about 250 RPMs below spec. Engine manual says to get that corrected, but the machine seems to be running fine. Then again, some of my work should be done at wide open throttle due to weight of implement and slope and thickness of...
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    Weight transfer sacking-out?

    Model 4500Z running tough cut and contour finish mower. Only about 35 hours now. When I first began using it the weight transfer operated fairly easily from lowest setting to highest. Now, the lever that operates the transfer will not engage the lowest setting, the one all the way forward (be...
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    My Slope Guage lies.

    Sitting on a level garage floor, the little ball in the viscous liquid may be 5 degrees one way or the other. Mowing across steep slopes I saw it reporting about 10 to 15 degrees the OTHER way, hit a bump and it went to "0" and hit another and it was between 25 and 30 in the correct direction...
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    Lookimg for tough cut mower.

    I find myself yearning for a tough cut mower for my 4500. A good used one would be nice, but there are none to be found locally. I will ask my dealer and his competitors, but do you guys/gals have any leads? prs
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    Slip slide'n away

    I tackled the wet meadow that had grown pretty tall with fescue, timothy, and orchard grass. The running water had drained away, the ground was soft; but I did not make too much of a mess of the ground taking great care to baby the Ventrac. The tractor held to the bank of a driveway that...
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    My Ventrac dealer in the news tonight.

    Mark Connel of Connel Power Equipment in Barboursville, WV was dragged and apparently run over by a thief escaping in a car from Mark's store with a new top end Stihl brush cutter. Mark was well enough for an interview, but had plenty of road rash. He said this is the third such theft and...
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    Yesterday's work.

    I mowed my yard and a large field for about 8 or 9 acres total. About 7 gallons of gasoline through the Kubota "Z" engine. All with the 82" contour mower (my only implement for the VT so far). The large lawn is a piece of cake, especially with the ROPS down so as not to crash into limbs of...
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    Another New Bee issue?

    I fail to notice any adjustment for this in manual, but my front hydraulic lift raises the implement's right side before and higher than the left side. I wonder if this is the tractor or the implement (contour mower). I need to check that out first, but just wondering if there is some...
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    Quick, but fuel thirsty.

    I mowed about 6 1/2 acres of rolling field today. The grass was heavy fescue and orchard grass, wet with dew as well as soggy or succulent with internal water. The under turf ground is very wet. Mowing quality was good, no problems with the clippings fouling the rollers or under deck of the...
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    NewBee issues

    I mowed about 3 acres this morning with the 4500Z and contour mower. Wide open throttle, full on weight transfer. 10 to 30 degree and no problem with that stability wise. But, with the SDLA Assist "off" the hydraulic flow rate to the motors still fades to neutral in only a moment or so...
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    Ventrac branded oil and fluid

    We all now Ventrac does not operate a refinery, so their proprietary motor oil and hydraulic oil are rebranded from some supplier; maybe Texaco or XOM or Valvoline/Marathon? My dealer was pretty open about that and said any top quality motor oil that meets the grade and spec would be fine, but...
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    Cocked, unlocked, and trigger pressed -- my next tractor is.........

    Ventrac 4500V with duels and 7' contour mower. Delivery to me is to be a few days to a week since the mower deck was not in stock. You good folks were a lot of help. Thanks! Rooster
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    Need cross reference for "grey market" Yanmar, JD-650

    I own a JD 650 I have had since new in 1982. Runs well, but parts are getting difficult to find with Deere John telling me my baby is obsolete. Maybe I am obsolete too. Any way, I think Yanmar marketed a twin to the JD version. If so, which model? Any great source for parts? prs
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    Steiner? Ventrack? What is the relationship?

    They are similar. So similar that Steiner is discussed only on this Ventrack forum. Apparently similar enough that some proprietary attachments seem to interchange. Right? So, is this a Ford/Mercury or Plymouth/Dodge kind of thing? Or are they truly different with maybe a little interesting...
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    What is the additional maintainence is needed with final tier 4 emmissions systems?

    Considering B3350 series. What is the extent of the additional service due to the emissions system? I do all of my own work. Rooster
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    How long should we expect parts to be stocked by manufacturer?

    Like the title says. Given parts availability, I could keep my 32 year-old JD 650 going like new for another 32 years; well except I will never make it that long. I purchased it in part because it is just what I needed and need, plus JD had a great rep for parts. But, when I order now I often...
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    Kubota B3350 with mid mount operaton

    I am considering this new model as my first Kubota. Kubota's description of the 72"mower, well, even the 60" center mount raises a question. The online literature remarks that the height setting for their mowers is adjusted by setting the height of the mower's wheels. On other center mount...
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    BUsh Hog PT5 sickle bar for ditch and bank cutting?

    I did not have much luck with the search feature, can you tell me about the quality, efficiency, of the Bush Hog PT5 sickle bar mower. I have quite a bit of road bank and ditch line that I currently hand clear with commercial grade string trimmers. Getting a little too old and lazy, I guess. prs
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    Brand Specific Forums?????

    There is a sticky at the top of this forum reminding us to post brand specific topics in the appropriate brand specific forum. OK, but where are the brand specific forums? prs
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    Kubota B3350HSD and mid mount mower

    My first post here. My Deere 650 compact is getting long in the tooth with regular use since 1982, although it runs well excepting the charging system that was never much good. I have been "shopping" for a few years, but have found nothing that appears to be as foot sure on these WV hills as...
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