Found ;2014 Ventrac 4500Y

jpmurf · Jan 19, 2021

I found a 2014 Ventrac 4500Y with two attachments, about 500hrs for sale. $20000. What should I look for? Any big differences in it and a newer tractor?

johara1 · Jan 20, 2021

I would be the most concerned about if they greased it and changed the oil and filters and check for play at the center pin....... does it have the books with it ....... jim

MountainBuck · Jan 20, 2021

I downloaded your picture and enlarged it and see several red flags.

First, why is the bucket attached and lifted off of the ground but the locking lugs (front hitch lock) not engaged? This is a big mistake and makes me wonder about the seller/operator driving the tractor in a dangerous way. Are the locking lugs frozen? Are they bent?

Also the hood latch is unlatched. So I admit that I don't always latch that, but why is it unlatched if you are trying to sell it.

Another big issue for me is the hydraulic hoses to the bucket. They are plumbed in such a way from the factory to not stick straight up like they appear in this picture. They are supposed to tuck neatly into the "keeper" on the side of the Ventrac. They cannot physically stick up like that unless something was changed at the "T" fitting on the bucket.

Next is the bucket has seen a whole lot of action. The actuator on the side of the bucket has been scraped up on more than one occasion. But yet these tires and rims look clean and new. This doesn't look correct at all. Can the seller explain that?

johara1 · Jan 21, 2021

Things get used get marks no big deal, That is an older bucket and digs way better than the new one. If that model has the little carrier on the side for the hoses you can loosen the connection and turn them down to fit it. He may have the weight transfer on and it looks like it and put it in float and it will come up. Make sure it was greased and oil was changed. is the big ones see how loose it is underneath on the joints ... If it has a mower see how worn it is..... jim

MountainBuck · Jan 21, 2021

What is the second attachment that comes with it?

jpmurf · Jan 21, 2021

MountainBuck said:
What is the second attachment that comes with it?

60" mower deck

MountainBuck · Jan 21, 2021

That mower looks new, adding to the mystery of where are the 500 hours. The bucket looks like it has seen far more than 500 hours but the wheels and tires of the 4500 don't look like anywhere near 500 hours.

johara1 · Jan 22, 2021

I would like to see the roller and the under side and the blades. Mine doesn't look that nice but I don't worry about looking new just so it is greased and kept up...... jim

MountainBuck · Jan 24, 2021

So jpmurf, did you make the purchase?

Did the seller give any explanations?

Was it greased?

jpmurf · Jan 24, 2021

MountainBuck said:
So jpmurf, did you make the purchase?

Did the seller give any explanations?

Was it greased?

no never contacted him, its three stats away, and my 5518 Honda wont quit

(big money is an issue also) its listed in Ohio on Facebook if anyone is interested

I guess I'm dreaming at this point.

Industrial Toys · Jan 24, 2021

Ventrac and Steiner are both good machines. Although in a class of their own and can't be compared with any other compact.

I would focus more on the Engine options. Seems to me, that in all these machines, in hindsight, there have been great engines and some not so much. Also, some Turbo issues (I believe) with certain Ventrac models.

fried1765 · Jan 24, 2021

Industrial Toys said:
Ventrac and Steiner are both good machines. Although in a class of their own and can't be compared with any other compact.

I would focus more on the Engine options. Seems to me, that in all these machines, in hindsight, there have been great engines and some not so much. Also, some Turbo issues (I believe) with certain Ventrac models.

Is $20,000 a fair price for that particular 500 hour used machine?

MowMN · Jan 25, 2021

You can pick up the two included attachments, the slip scoop and deck, on the used market for roughly 3-4k total. So essentially they are asking ~16-17k for the tractor. Assuming that there aren't additional upgrades to the unit, ie added front hydraulics, 12V, 3 pt, etc, that price seems a bit high. In comparison, if you search online through the used dealer inventory you can find newer units with the same or less hours in that price range, possibly even cheaper if you can find a local deal through a private seller.

OP, what type of work did you want to do with the tractor? You can also look for older Ventrac 4100/4200 models as well as the Steiner 420/430 tractors. You can find them for quite a bit less $$$ and they are still great machines depending upon what you want to do with them.

Industrial Toys · Jan 25, 2021

It's hard to say. The dollar becomes worthless, and the price of equipment just astounds me. The price does seem a bit high, but sometimes it's best to pay a little more for a really nice machine. You will forget about the price difference soon anyway. A slip scoop does not add much to the value. Steiner and Ventrac mowers are ALWAY out there it seems. I bought my low hour Steiner 430 Diesel ten or so years ago and got a lot of high dollar attahments basically for free, as the guy asked a dealer what they would give him (very little) and I just had to better that.

Buying used. It's all about knowing EXACTLY what you want, watching vigilently, having the cash in hand and truck ready at a moments notice. Good deals NEVER last long. Not even days.