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If you have steep hills , there is nothing better than either a Ventrac, Steiner or the Bobcat AT450. They are articulating and oscillating and if you get dual wheels they are extremely safe. They wont do everything a traditional tractor will do but they do hillside mowing better than anything.

Good point, that is one reason I included TYM on my list. Their 55 hp tractors are less expensive than other brands, 50 and 47 hp models.

Is that true for both the TYM models and the "branson" models? also, is it safe to say the tym and branson are of equal quality, and that the tym models have a few more options?

I dont have any LS dealers near me so I dont really know much about them. I do have a case dealer near me and I believe those compact tractors are LS but they are more expensive than the non rebranded LS.

You read my mind completely. Thanks very much.

Thanks for the quick reply jeff9366. I grew up on a cattle and chicken farm so I have operated them in the past and currently have a 25 hp subcompact tractor for slope mowing and wet ground mowing. My job list would mainly include pulling bushog for pasture mowing and using a land plane for...

I am looking at compact tractors in the 50-60 hp range. I have used internet reviews and this forum to narrow down my choices to four manufacturers. I think they are all quality tractors so I probably won't go wrong with any of them. A couple have dealers very close to me and the others are...

Anyone out there using a Woods BW12? This is a 12 ft batwing made for compact and utility tractors. I know nothing about any of their products so please share your experience.

I have a HST Steiner and it is not advisable to tow if you have issues in the field with it as it can damage the transmission. Maybe that is another advantage to the IHMT since it does indeed have a neutral and would be safer to tow in case of a breakdown.

I am sure this subject has been beaten to death here, and I have read a rather lengthy and detailed explanation of the IHMT transmission, but it is still clear as mud to me. From what I read their trans. works just like a HST trans. except you are using hand lever instead of foot pedal. I also...

Do you have any issues with the industrial tires when working in the fields and mowing?

I am not familiar with either brand but I do know that the Branson brand was absorbed and rebranded as TYM, so TYM essentially has two brands they sell (Branson and TYM). From what I can tell the 4820 CH and the 5520 CH are Branson and the 494 and 574 are TYM tractors. Most of the people I...

What implements are you using on your tractor? Have you tried any non Ventrac implements? I have wondered if it would pull a small landplane to recondition a gravel driveway.

For slopes and wet areas, the Ventrac or Steiner with dual wheels cannot be beaten. I would recommend the dual wheels. I would look at the dealer network near you and pick the brand that you can get to service the tractor. Remember that Bobcat purchased Steiner and has rebranded their tractor...

Thanks for the info. Definitely a good idea to wait until after first of year for the better interest rates.

You may be right. I am sure there are dealers on this forum, it would be nice if some of them would chime in on topics like this. While I have no experience with the LS line of tractors, I am leery of them based on what I have heard and seen. I think consumers should know who makes their...

I just wanted to pass along some info I received. I reached out to both Case and LS to find out which tractors LS makes for Case. The Case folks could not or would not tell me (they wanted me to reach out to a dealer) but the LS person says that they make larger utility tractors for them...

Thanks everyone. The Case website does show a 50C model as well as the 45 and 55 hp models. I would be using the tractor mostly for bush hog work. I think my biggest concern is whether they are LS Tractors. Those tractors are not very well known in my area and I have not read a whole lot of...

I posted this a few days ago in the Case forum but got no responses so I am reposting here. What is the good, bad and ugly(if any) about the Farmall C series tractors. I am looking for a 50 Hp, hydro transmission and cab. My local dealer is a Case dealer so I am starting there. Other options...

Good evening, I am interested in a 50 HP, hydrostatic with cab tractor. Most of the use would be for bushogging farm land and some land plane use on gravel drives. My closest dealer is a Case dealer and I think dealer support is as important as brand therefore Case is at the top of my list. I...

My 440 is in the shop and has been for the last 50 weeks. I dropped it off last year on Labor Day. My main issue was with the steering and acceleration. My dealer tried three times to fix it but each time I had to send it straight back to them because the problem was not resolved. I finally...

I saw your post last night and was planning on reaching out to you today. That is an awesome machine. It will probably bush hog/mow any area you need to get to especially since it has the dual wheels. If money was no object I might have to have one myself. Even though the 4400 model I have...

Thanks for the grasshopper info. I was afraid you would say that. I may be forced to keep the steiner but I sure dont want to. I really like your mini truck, how do you like it. I have looked at some used ones as a replacement for a side by side.

Please update on me with any positives or negatives. I have talked to the dealer about the 5800 models and the 4400 model. I am leaning toward the 4400 model even though it has less horsepower because it does have HST transmission. If I get one I think I would forgo the FEL. I spoke to a...

I currently own Steiner which is pretty much identical to ventrac. It has been an absolute disaster of a machine to own. They really are great on hills and in wet areas but mine has been the most undependable machine I have ever owned. I plan on getting a traditional tractor for bushhogging...

Does anyone here own one. I am looking to find a solution to mow on slopes and wet areas. I am gonna be in the market for a new zero turn anyway and this may kill two birds with one stone. Videos I have seen look promising but I would like to hear from someone who uses them. Any info on them...

Thanks Hay Dude. Nice to hear from someone who has extensively used both. I will have trees etc I will need to back up under but the largest acreage is open pasture. I am trying to balance safety and performance. The tractor may be more stable on hills with the flail but I am not really sure...

Can I ask what brand flail mower you have. Also, is the flail quicker or slower than the brush hog for "normal" mowing (cutting pastures a few times during the summer).

I am sure this question has been asked a million times but when I did a search I did not see any discussions on it, but, can a flail mower on a compact (50hp) tractor do the same job as a rotary mower. I would like something in the 6' size. The main advantage I see is the safety (less thrown...

I will. I am trying to consider as many options as possible. They include getting a similar machine (another Steiner or a Ventrac), getting a traditional tractor (probably will not get to all the areas on my property I need to cut), and getting something like the Italian specialty tractors...

Thanks for the info. That helps a lot. I think I am looking for the Antonio Carraro brand. There are a couple of dealers in the Southeastern US but they dont sell many of them. I am gonna continue to do some research.

Does anyone here own one? I am looking for something to mow hills with. I am sure they are great at that. But I would also like to add a front end loader. Can I do that? Can I get it with dual tires or wide tires so I can also cut in low wet areas? How are they for dependability and...

I agree 100% on the importance of a good dealer and a good service department. It is probably as important or more important than the machine itself. To have a dependable, trustworthy machine you need two things...a competent machine and a competent service department to keep said machine...

Thanks, your example is kinda exactly where I am. It becomes a money issue but also a stress issue.

Not being pissy, just don't understand your comment. If the dealership cannot fix it and I cannot fix it, then for all intents and purposes it is unfixable. They are the ones trained, they are the ones I have already paid for the repair work. At some point, it is time to move on from a...

I agree 100%. Steiner has a dealer network and have used a Steiner dealer to repair it. They can't do it for some reason.

I don't understand your reasoning. I think having a tractor that does not work is the perfect reason to look for a different tractor. What other choice do you have when the dealer cannot fix the problems with your tractor. I have had these issues for 5 years. So your suggestion would be to...

I have spoken to some people about the Ferrari and Carraro tractors. They are top notch but they are not cheap and dealers are few and far between. I am talking to New Holland dealers near me now about their specialty tractor but they don't really know much about it and I am not expecting much...

Right now it is hydraulic issues but it has been one thing after another for 5 years. The model I own is widely known in Steiner and Ventrac circles as the absolute worst model they ever made. I have posted about it in the Ventrac forum in years past.

It has been in the shop since labor day of 2021. In 2020 it was in the shop for almost three months. The curreny problems (hydraulic) have taken the dealer four tries to fix and it is still not fixed. In 2020 it took them three tries to fix it. Before that, I had lift problems and I also...

25 HP diesel engine, dual wheels, rough cut mower and ventrac power rake. I have looked at those and also at Carrero tractors, they are very similar. They come in much higher HP than the steiner or ventracs but the problem is the dealer network. They are pricier than my tractor, but they are...

I have been on the forum recently asking some questions about compact tractors. My search for a new tractor came about because I am so unhappy with my current tractor, a Steiner 440. If you are not familiar with these, they are a niche tractor, similar to a Ventrac. They are great at mowing...

I have seen that video and another one that did help. I have spoken to a dealer and am gonna get a quote from them at least to see how they stack up price wise.

Thanks , that helps a lot. It seems more complicated and I worry about the reliability of it even though I have really heard nothing but good things about Yanmar. I wiil be mowing on some hills and my major reason for wanting HST is that it seems a little safer to me...take foot off pedal and...

Can someone explain the HMT transmission on this tractor. From what I understand it is not the same as an HST and it delivers more HP than the HST. I have asked a couple of people at Yanmar and have looked for some videos but I cannot figure out how it actually operates compared to a shuttle...

Does anyone here have any experience with this tractor. It is a specialty tractor that is lower but also narrower. I have seen similar tractors that are marketed as safer for using on hillsides. I also wonder if they will accept a front end loader. Thanks

I could probably get away with a little less. I want to pull a 6ft bush hog. I may need to move a round hay bale. I would just rather have a little more tractor than I need rather than not enough. The Kioti comes in a 50Hp which is still plenty for me and it may be a little less expensive...

I have researched the LS tractors some but there are no dealers anywhere near me.

This is the OP. Thanks for all the good advice. Based on the dealers near me I think I have narrowed it down to Kubota, Kioti and Massey Ferguson. I still want the HST option and I want R1 tires instead of R4 tires (which seem to be standard on some of these tractors), so it is probably gonna...

That is what I am thinking. R1 tires will be the best for my situation I think. My biggest worry is that the used Kubotas I see seem to have the other tires and I doubt I can afford to replace perfectly good tires.

Thanks for the R14 link. I will try to find the other link but the tires I am seeing in a lot of pictures looks like the industrial tire option. I am really afraid that the industrial tire is gonna slide on hills and cake up with mud in wet areas. I have looked at some kioti info on the web...

I am looking at the MX series with 4wd and HST. The image on the kubota website shows a tire that I would not consider an ag tire. It looks more like a mix between an ag tire and a turf tire. Most of the work I will be doing will be bush hogging pasture, some hills and some low areas that may...

I have not drive the shuttle shift, my local MF dealer has one but I have not been on the tractor. I will take a look at the dealers you mentioned. I have dealt with AgPro (john deere) and am pretty disgusted with their service.

My thoughts exactly, I know you probably lose a little power with the HST but I am not getting any younger so the simpler controls are important for me.

Thanks, I will be getting a loader for the tractor and I am trying to use the specs of the MX series as my basis for any other tractors I look at. Availability is the biggest question right now. I did a little more research last night and it looks like Kioti may be a contender also. JD makes...

Thanks, my first choice is Kubota. I will do some research on Yanmar and Kioti.

Looking to get a 55 hp or so tractor with loader. I want 4WD and HST. Use will mainly be bushhogging and box blade/land plane work. Dealers near me include Kubota, JD, Case and Massey Ferguson. Availability will probably be an issue as Case dealer will have no more for quite a while. MF may...

I am a member here and also on several facebook forums for Ventrac and Steiner. One of the most asked questions is whether a new owner should get a Ventrac or Steiner. I just wanted to voice my experience with my Steiner 440 Diesel. I have owned it for 5 summers and have yet to make it thru...

I am sure you know how to run a tractor, i wasnt implying that you couldnt. I was simply trying to understand your statement. I have lived on a farm my whole life also, but I have never driven a ventrac or steiner with the rear attachments. Sorry if you felt insulted or something.

Thanks Jim, do you mean you could not physically turn around while seated to see what you were doing or the tractor had issues turning with the rear attachment?

Good morning, I am considering adding the three point hitch and slip scoop (bucket) to my Steiner 440. I have seen lots of videos of Ventrac with bucket on back but not many of Steiner. Is there any difference in the two machines as far as rear attachments go? I am planning on running the...

You need to look at either a Steiner or Ventrac, either one with dual wheels. They are not cheap but I would think they are the safest tractor on slopes. They have a low center of gravity and with the dual wheel kit attached they can be used on slopes up to 30 degrees. I have a steiner with...

I have a Steiner 440 and a Ventrac power rake which I use on my gravel drive. I have a few people that want me to work on their drive. I am considering getting the three point hitch so I can add either a slip scoop or box blade to keep on the rear of the tractor. The scoop would allow me to...

I have a Steiner 440 that is about 4 years old. It has the foot pedals for forward and reverse. Normally, the forward speed is about twice the backward speed but right now the forward acceleration is very low and when i hit the reverse it almost throw me out of my seat. Almost feels like it...

Good evening. I currently have the power rake which i love, i use it to recondition my driveway and to level small area and to even plow up garden. I was considering using it to work on other peoples gravel drives but figured that the bucket would be handy to move loose gravel around. I...

Due to thorns, etc I seem to keep a flat tire on my Steiner. I saw a video at Ventrac about liquid filled tires. Anyone used this product or has anyone installed solid tires on their unit. Ventrac warns that solid tires may cause problems to the tractor eventually. Thanks.

How often do you change/sharpen you blades on a rough cut/tough cut mower? I am sure you should replace blades sooner on a finishing mower but was wondering what you do with a brush mower.

I have a Steiner 440 with mower and a Ventrac power rake. I am currently using the power rake and I notice that it is easy to steer to turn right but difficult to steer when turning left, also the unit does not seem to be picking up the rake as quickly as it used to. Any thoughts? Thanks

I currently have a Steiner 440 tractor with Steiner rough cut mower and a Ventrac power rake. I am looking into getting a finishing mower and have three questions 1 Steiner or Ventrac mower, is quality or features better one of the brands 2 Side discharge or rear discharge 3 Off set mower or...

Does anyone here specialize in slope mowing? If so, how do you price your services?

Anyone out there used a sprayer with a Ventrac or Steiner? If so, front mounted or pull behind? Thanks

Has anyone here ever used a pull behind hydraulic powered mower with a ventrac 4500 or steiner 440. I am trying to find something that will mow tall grass and weeds but not throw the chaff, etc back on me. Maybe a rear pull mower would help with this problem.

I have a Steiner 440 that i need to tow out of a field to my house. I know i need to have transaxles in neutral so as not to damage the tractor. They say to rock the tractor to get it to drop into neutral but doing so is tough since i cannot start the machine right now. Any suggestions? How...

What are the advantages of the side discharge versus rear discharge mowers? Also, are ventrac mowers better, same or worse than steiner mowers? FYI I use a steiner 440 with steiner rough cut mower and a ventrac power rake. I am considering adding a finishing mower.

There is a 2" x 3/8" clevis pin that attaches the hydraulic arm that lifts the front attached implements that I am constantly breaking. It is not from misuse, the replacement pins I purchased from tractor supply just are not the right strength for what I need. Is there a certain pin spec I...

I finally broke down and bought a Ventrac power rake. I used it for the first time today on my gravel driveway and am thrilled with the results. I would have probably spent $1000 on new gravel to get it to look this good. The only issue I have is the shift handle that determines the whether...

Is hydraulic fluid and hydrostatic fluid the same thing? I had to order some hydraulic fluid for my Steiner 440 and the label says "formulated for hydrostatic systems". I was under the belief that the hydrostatic drive system is separate and different from the hydraulic lift system. Please...

I am considering buying a harley rake (power rake) mainly to improve my gravel driveway and level out other areas on farm. My son deer hunts and I was wondering if anyone uses one to prepare a food plot. I know a disc harrow or tiller is ideal, but will the harley rake do a decent job to help...

Has anyone here ever installed a 12 volt outlet kit on a Ventrac or Steiner? If so, how difficult is it to do? Thanks

Has anyone here used the John Deere pull behind land plane for compact tractors with the actuator. I think it is Model LP10 and comes in 48 and 60 inch widths. I need something to grade gravel driveway and do not have anything able to use 3 pt hitch attachments.

I have been on the forum before asking if anyone has pulled small land plane with a Steiner or Ventrac. I did not get a lot of positive feedback on it so I am now looking at a power rake. I dont know if I can justify the cost of one but it is probably the best solution for my needs. I mainly...

I have Steiner 440 25 hp diesel and would like to add a land plane. Has anyone here had any experience with one on a Ventrac or Steiner? I am wondering about possibility of custom built plane to attach to front of tractor or buying the Steiner 3 pt hitch and getting a small land plane. I am...

I own a 2015 Steiner 440. I am considering adding the three point hitch but I cannot find lift capacity specs anywhere on their website. I do see that the Ventrac 4500 three point hitch has a 750 lb capacity. Is it fair to assume that the Steiner would be the same? Thanks.

Has anyone used a Steiner or Ventrac with the three point hitch to pull a land plane or a disc harrow? I have a gravel driveway that needs leveling and would like to harrow up some land to plant a deer plot.

I have a 25 hp diesel liquid cooled with rough cut mower. The radiator continues to get clogged with material. Today i had to stop every 10 minutes to blow out radiator. Would an air cooled engine solve this problem? Thanks

Anyone have a custom built front mount land plane/land leveler for ventrac or steiner? I am trying to figure a way to level my gravel drive without having to purchase the three point hitch. Thanks. If you have one or have ever used one, how did it work for you?

Does everyone out there insure their tractor and implements? I am making my first purchase (about $20,000), will be used strictly for farm use. My dad farmed all his life but I don't think he ever insured his stuff. Thanks

can anyone give me an idea as to cost of three point hitch for steiner or ventrac? does anyone use them to pull small disc harrows or blades? thanks

Anyone out there own a recent model 440 Steiner, if so what engine, anything in particular like or dislike about it or any attachments.

I have read that a lower hp diesel engine has virtually the same power as a higher hp gas engine. Is that true? What are major advantages of either? I know most large tractors are diesel, most zero turn mowers seem to be gas. I am looking at a 25 hp diesel compared to a 32 hp gas, both...

Any thoughts on a used Ventrac model 4100 gas, air cooled? I found one at a dealer but do not know much about it. Any problems with that particular model and is air cooled better or worse that liquid cooled engine? Thanks

Any advice out there on new 2015 Steiner 440 models. I have seen old threads when the 440 was just introduced but nothing about newer models. It sounds like the 440 is easier to use than the 430 models and is more similar to the Ventrac 4500 models. From the info I am finding the current...

I have found a couple of used Steiner 440 tractors, a 2014 440 Kohler air cooled 40 hp and a 2015 Kubota liquid cooled 32 hp. Anyone out their with thoughts on these two, any problems specific to these models? Any thoughts on these versus similar Ventrac models. Thanks for your help.

I live on a farm with 100+ acres of pasture. We had cattle in past but not anymore so we have to cut some of the pasture. Most folks here used "traditional" tractors with bush hog attachments. I would like something with front end mounted mower though and have done some research on Ventrac...