I currently have a 2305 Deere with 62" mower and 47" snowblower. I am entertaining the thoughts of trading it for a 3223 diesel with mower and snowblower. Who has one that can share some first hand experience, in and outs, and possibly current pricing. I only know of one dealer close that is about 1.5 hours away from where I live in Iowa. The Deere is paid off and I would like to think that I wouldn't have to give too much to step into the little diesel Ventrac. The 4000 series is way to big for my use. Mow about 2-3 acres and blow snow on 2-3 cement driveways. Don't know too much about side discharge vs rear. Been watching about every video on Youtube out there. Travel a lot so will try and see the dealers out there in my travels to physically see one. Thanks and I look forward to your responses.
3223 owners
- Thread starter Iowa2305
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American Bulldog
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Sorry I only know the 4000 series. Even though they are bigger, they do scale down with motor sizes and options. If cost is a factor, the gas ones are less expensive, and may better suit your needs. I had a gas VT and I would probably prefer it in the winter if I was doing snow blowing with it.
Best of luck in your search.
Best of luck in your search.
I don't personally have a 3223, but my buddy does and I must say, it is a sweet machine! I have a larger 4000 series.
He has the 60" side discharge deck, snow blower, and 60" blade.
If I had a less acreage and smaller hills, I would probably get the 3223. Riding his, it takes a 25 degree hill like a champ and it does amazing with snow. He usually just uses the blade with the poly edge on it and flies down his cement drive with it. Get the knobby tires though if you want to push snow, they give a lot better grip. Quick and easy but when we get 1-2ft of snow, he puts on the snow blower to throw the snow farther so it doesn't stack up by the drive. I like the out-front view of it a lot. It does not have all of the attachments the larger one has, but it sounds perfect for what you are describing and has most everything anyone will ever need. As far as maintenance, I think he has just done the regular oil changes and has had zero issues. It also starts very well in the cold winter, very impressed!
I think you would be thrilled with the 3223, Ventrac is a great company, family owned and operated and made in the USA!!! :thumbsup:
Thanks for the info. Still have to get the Mrs. on board with decision. Really like the 2305 but don't have any 3 point attachments that would dictate that I keep it. Really want only a great mower and snowblower. Slip scoop would be great too. If you wouldn't mind, could you ask your friend ball park he paid for it with those attachments? Thanks again.
He said he would double check, but from what he remembers, he got the tractor, mower deck and blade, for the cost of the tractor retail (which is something like $13,500 roughly)
So that was a good deal, then he received a $200 rebate towards another attachment from the factory and then got the snowblower for around $3200.
Everything was new, I don't think there are many tractors that are used that are available for sale, but some dealers may have at least the attachments used and you could get a good deal on those.
All of the Ventrac attachments are built very heavy and should last you a lifetime so I would not shy away from getting a used attachment or two if they are available. If you can find a used 3223, as long as the previous owner maintained it, you could get a sweet deal on that too!
Best thing though, see if your dealer can give you a good deal on a bundle, they are much more willing to work on the price :thumbsup:
Not sure if the Mrs. likes to drive tractors, but the 3223 is a fun little unit to ride and feels very comfortable for inexperienced operators. Take her along to a demo and have her take a ride. Maybe she'll start taking your mowing job :laughing: My wife likes my friends 3223, wants me to get one for her to use
Hello Ventrac owners
I had some time this morning and wanted to post the equipment I have and some of the mods I have made. Someone asked about some forks I made a long time ago and I never got back to him. The forks are gone but they worked well around the yard and are easy to fabricate. I used some 1 inch square bar and welded brackets to the top which slid over the front arms on the ventrac lift. They worked well for picking up logs but I wanted something flatter I could use as a make shift forklift. What I have now is the 2 in 1 and I welded a plate of steel across the bottom. I probably could have made it cheaper but the 2 in 1 is sure put together well. please see attached photo.
With one of the other pictures I am trying to show some wings I made for my plow. The plow already had holes but I could not find plow wings anywhere. I bent up some angle iron and formed some plate steel. The black piece you see if a 1 inch think piece of rubber bolted to the wing. It helps to scrape the snow and funnel it to the center of the plow. I will post better pictures before the snow flys.
I also posted a picture of the stump grinder.
Keep the posts coming.
One thing I am a little sad about is that the 3000 series power attachments do not go on the 4000 series. I would love to upgrade to the 4000 series but hate to give up the attachments.
I had some time this morning and wanted to post the equipment I have and some of the mods I have made. Someone asked about some forks I made a long time ago and I never got back to him. The forks are gone but they worked well around the yard and are easy to fabricate. I used some 1 inch square bar and welded brackets to the top which slid over the front arms on the ventrac lift. They worked well for picking up logs but I wanted something flatter I could use as a make shift forklift. What I have now is the 2 in 1 and I welded a plate of steel across the bottom. I probably could have made it cheaper but the 2 in 1 is sure put together well. please see attached photo.
With one of the other pictures I am trying to show some wings I made for my plow. The plow already had holes but I could not find plow wings anywhere. I bent up some angle iron and formed some plate steel. The black piece you see if a 1 inch think piece of rubber bolted to the wing. It helps to scrape the snow and funnel it to the center of the plow. I will post better pictures before the snow flys.
I also posted a picture of the stump grinder.
Keep the posts coming.
One thing I am a little sad about is that the 3000 series power attachments do not go on the 4000 series. I would love to upgrade to the 4000 series but hate to give up the attachments.
Attachments
Hello Ventrac owners
I had some time this morning and wanted to post the equipment I have and some of the mods I have made. Someone asked about some forks I made a long time ago and I never got back to him. The forks are gone but they worked well around the yard and are easy to fabricate. I used some 1 inch square bar and welded brackets to the top which slid over the front arms on the ventrac lift. They worked well for picking up logs but I wanted something flatter I could use as a make shift forklift. What I have now is the 2 in 1 and I welded a plate of steel across the bottom. I probably could have made it cheaper but the 2 in 1 is sure put together well. please see attached photo.
With one of the other pictures I am trying to show some wings I made for my plow. The plow already had holes but I could not find plow wings anywhere. I bent up some angle iron and formed some plate steel. The black piece you see if a 1 inch think piece of rubber bolted to the wing. It helps to scrape the snow and funnel it to the center of the plow. I will post better pictures before the snow flys.
I also posted a picture of the stump grinder.
Keep the posts coming.
One thing I am a little sad about is that the 3000 series power attachments do not go on the 4000 series. I would love to upgrade to the 4000 series but hate to give up the attachments.
Nice pictures and cool mods! :licking: I wish I was a little bit more handy/motivated :laughing: My friend loves his 3200 as well. It is a bummer about the 3000 series attachments not fitting on the 4000 series. The blade and the 2-N-1 are universal, but the stump grinder and deck aren't. I am sure if you upgrade to the 4000 series you can get a good trade in value or sell for a pretty good price. I see a lot of people looking for used 3000's and they are hard to come by. Anyways great little tractor and glad you enjoy it! I love my 4100, Ventrac makes some great product :thumbsup:
I had a hard time convincing my wife the ventrac was a good idea but 2 years later I think she is convinced. I lost money on ATV trade INS smaller tractors etc and finally bought the Ventrac. I wish I would have just done this in the first place. you can not go wrong. Good luck
Thought I would post a picture of My Ventrac with the plow on it.
My driveway is pretty steep and with any ice traction can be an issue. I think I will add some weight this year to the rear of the tractor. I would like to add some wheel weights but not having any luck finding them.
Anyone else adding weight to their 3000 series for traction?
Thanks
My driveway is pretty steep and with any ice traction can be an issue. I think I will add some weight this year to the rear of the tractor. I would like to add some wheel weights but not having any luck finding them.
Anyone else adding weight to their 3000 series for traction?
Thanks
Attachments
I hope to purchase a 3223D with 60"mower and V-blade once I sell my 2210. The dealer stated rear weights were not necessary with the diesel unit due to the added weight. I don't have much to contend with in terms of steep slopes for plowing. Is the 3223D run a plow fairly well as far as snow removal goes? I do plan to upgrade to the knobby tires. I currently plow with turf tires on my 2210 and it does well enough to meet my needs 95% of the time.
Any known "gotchas" with the 3223D? I test drove an older 3000 unit with over 1000 hours on it the other day. Love the maneuverability and controls even though the unit was obviously well-broken in and a little "loose." Seemed odd the new 3000 series on the showroom floor did not have a fuel gauge though.
I also drove a 4200 series, but it is honestly too much machine for me with slightly less than one acre of mostly mowing, light material transport and plowing in the winter. It is also over my budget.
Any known "gotchas" with the 3223D? I test drove an older 3000 unit with over 1000 hours on it the other day. Love the maneuverability and controls even though the unit was obviously well-broken in and a little "loose." Seemed odd the new 3000 series on the showroom floor did not have a fuel gauge though.
I also drove a 4200 series, but it is honestly too much machine for me with slightly less than one acre of mostly mowing, light material transport and plowing in the winter. It is also over my budget.
With the knobby tires I think the traction is pretty good. Only if it is really icey have I had problems.
I hear you on the budget issue for the 4000 series. I just priced out a 4227 with the 27 horsepower liquid Kawasaki, 17,300. I knew they were pricey but that was more than I realized. Would love to have one though.
There are no known issues with this unit I am aware of. I have pushed some pretty heavy snow piles and it is a tank. I also am amazed how fuel efficient it is with the diesel. I do not have any real good data but it seems like a tank full lasts me a long time. I used to have a 18 horsepower Kohler Command in a Toro 5xi and I swear it used twice the gas. Great garden tractor though.
Let us know how you like the unit.:thumbsup:
I hear you on the budget issue for the 4000 series. I just priced out a 4227 with the 27 horsepower liquid Kawasaki, 17,300. I knew they were pricey but that was more than I realized. Would love to have one though.
There are no known issues with this unit I am aware of. I have pushed some pretty heavy snow piles and it is a tank. I also am amazed how fuel efficient it is with the diesel. I do not have any real good data but it seems like a tank full lasts me a long time. I used to have a 18 horsepower Kohler Command in a Toro 5xi and I swear it used twice the gas. Great garden tractor though.
Let us know how you like the unit.:thumbsup:
Nice pic toro5xi, but I am not ready for the white stuff to fall :laughing:
I have no issues with traction on my 4131 where my friend with the 3223D might have slight traction problems when really icy, but he rarely has traction issues.
@marnett...Your dealer is most likely correct on the diesel unit as the engine is much heavier than the gas engine (guessing 200-250 extra lbs?). The option is there to add the rear weights, but aren't necessary for the 3223D imo.
What my friend did, rather than adding more weight to the back, was add weight at the front. Don't know if he simply bought some extra suitcase weights from Ventrac and hung them right at the top where your toes would be or if he actually welded a bar to hang them on at that point. That way the weight is still right over the front axle and you have solid contact on all 4 tires. I haven't used it on icy ground since he did that little mod, but he says it has helped enough that any spots where he may have had a small traction issue, it is now gone. Just an option if you are experiencing traction issues, but I think it is unnecessary 99% of the time as the 4WD and traction of the Ventracs is superb and they can push a lot of snow!
Also to note, I am sure your traction on the front end is variable to the weight of the operator lol My buddy is smaller and only weighs 130lbs. Get a larger operator on there and you might not need any extra weights :laughing:
Both the 4000 and 3000 series Ventracs are a blast to plow snow with! :thumbsup:
I have no issues with traction on my 4131 where my friend with the 3223D might have slight traction problems when really icy, but he rarely has traction issues.
@marnett...Your dealer is most likely correct on the diesel unit as the engine is much heavier than the gas engine (guessing 200-250 extra lbs?). The option is there to add the rear weights, but aren't necessary for the 3223D imo.
What my friend did, rather than adding more weight to the back, was add weight at the front. Don't know if he simply bought some extra suitcase weights from Ventrac and hung them right at the top where your toes would be or if he actually welded a bar to hang them on at that point. That way the weight is still right over the front axle and you have solid contact on all 4 tires. I haven't used it on icy ground since he did that little mod, but he says it has helped enough that any spots where he may have had a small traction issue, it is now gone. Just an option if you are experiencing traction issues, but I think it is unnecessary 99% of the time as the 4WD and traction of the Ventracs is superb and they can push a lot of snow!
Also to note, I am sure your traction on the front end is variable to the weight of the operator lol My buddy is smaller and only weighs 130lbs. Get a larger operator on there and you might not need any extra weights :laughing:
Both the 4000 and 3000 series Ventracs are a blast to plow snow with! :thumbsup:
I agree plowing is alot of fun with the 3000 series. The visibility is so good that I never worry about getting close to doors cars etc. I have found the manuverability is so good when the snow is real deep I will push side to side to avoid huge piles at the end of the driveway.
I have never used a 4000 series but was curious if the visibility is hurt at all by the front mounted engine.
I have never used a 4000 series but was curious if the visibility is hurt at all by the front mounted engine.
I agree plowing is alot of fun with the 3000 series. The visibility is so good that I never worry about getting close to doors cars etc. I have found the manuverability is so good when the snow is real deep I will push side to side to avoid huge piles at the end of the driveway.
I have never used a 4000 series but was curious if the visibility is hurt at all by the front mounted engine.
I guess I never think about visibility too much. It is definitely less than the 3000 especially for plowing. Mowing is not a problem and you get used to it with the plow and scoop. In the end they are both different experiences but they are both very enjoyable and each take a bit of getting used to. If I was in tight spaces and needed maximum visibility, the 3000 is the way to go. But for larger areas, the 4000 series has a little more weight and pushing power and still has plenty of visibility.
My neighbor has to back up on his Kubota with the blade on the 3pt, so I'm not complaining about visibility :laughing:
Have you done anything for weights yet on your 3200? I have a early model, 3000 and I made a "weight box" to hang weights on the back. I'll try to post pics soon.
Do you like the rear discharge mower deck? Do you have trouble with the grass clumping when it gets too long?
A friend of mine had some 50 pound weights they would use to test large scales. They are almost a perfect square shape. I used 2 of these the other day and they worked pretty well.
The rear discharge deck never gets clogged even when wet. I put a mulching kit on it and I do have to clean out the bottom of the deck occassionally when it is wet.
The rear discharge deck never gets clogged even when wet. I put a mulching kit on it and I do have to clean out the bottom of the deck occassionally when it is wet.
Here are some similar links:
Comparison
Help me decide...?
