Ventrac 4500Z vs Power Trac

plowhog · Sep 13, 2017

I had a recent demo of a Ventrac 4500Z. Worked well on my slopes, using a brush cutter and dual wheel kit.

What might the closest reasonable equivalent be with Power Trac? I have larger tractors, etc for bigger tasks. I'm mostly focused on mowing on slopes and under the canopy of trees.

woodlandfarms · Sep 13, 2017

Ventracs are not a bad machine. That version you looked at is rates at 30 degrees side slope. What was the price they quoted?

My gut goes to the 14XX Series...

plowhog · Sep 27, 2017

Mid-$30k with brush cutter and stump grinder. Yikes. I just saw the link you posted to the used Power Trac. Very tempting.

mmancuso13 · Sep 27, 2017

I looked at both Ventrac and PowerTrac before I finally went with a Bobcat Toolcat. For me they ranked in that order in terms of capability (and unfortunately cost as well!)

I think it all comes down to what you need to do now and in the future and your desired comfort level. In my case I did not want to boil in the summer OR freeze in the winter so I went full can bobcat.

The Ventrac you can cab for winter plowing/blowing but the powertrac you cannot (at least I have not seen a cab solution for the PT)

They are all good machines and each has its pros and cons so you will have to pick based on your needs.

Good luck!

woodlandfarms · Sep 27, 2017

I forgot about the Bobcat Toolcat. Great machine..

Plowhog, all of these machines are expensive. Buying used is a big saviour. One other machine I really have a crush on is the Antonio Carraro. you can find them used in the PNW as they are heavily used in the orchard / winery business.

plowhog · Sep 28, 2017

Fortunately, this time, my needs are very specific. Brush hog mowing on slopes, mowing in tight spots between trees, and mowing under the canopy of trees.

My cabbed MF 1758 does a great job in the wide open spaces of pasture. It's the fringe areas with all the trees that I can't easily get to, and the slopes are too steep to operate safely on.

The Bobcat Toolcat looks great if I wanted an all-around machine, but I don't. The Ventrac unquestionably handles the job as was demonstrated at my property with a Ventrac unit. But I don't really understand the Power Trac products. Visiting their site, I see T8 and T12, while people instead talk "1850" or whatever. And separate from all of that, they offer a slope mower, which I believe is more expensive than Ventrac?

I'd be curious to learn what Power Trac is recommended for equivalent brush mowing tasks, such as 30 degree slopes? If I delete a stump grinder option with the Ventrac, a new one with brush cutter comes in about $30k. Can one of the standard PT units be upgraded to dual wheels to provide a similar capability, or do you need to start with their slope mower?

woodlandfarms · Sep 28, 2017

Hmmm...

Yeah, I believe the T symbol is generally for attachments reference. Yeah, its a bit confusing but the product line is so small you don't have much to review.

I beleive that any of the 14XX series tractors are 30 degree rated. Remember slope is not only a factor of the machines traction, but also the ability of the engine to lubricate. And of course the 18XX Series are 40 and 45 degree rated.

Just FYI the 24XX series are NOT 30 degree rated, at least as far as I know.

As for adding tires, probably not on the 14XX series but no need for it either. PTs are handmade in the USA and some customizing can happen but I think the wheel motor upgrades have been off the list. Something you could do on your own I am sure.

Does that help? PT is all about customer service (as they have no dealers). A call to them directly will get you a ton of answers. BUT DO NOT EMAIL THEM. They seem to be in the 70s in terms of that technology.

Marks481 · Sep 28, 2017

plowhog said:
Visiting their site, I see T8 and T12, while people instead talk "1850" or whatever.

That essentially relates to the size of the quick attachment plate (and the corresponding lift capacity of teh tractor). T8 implements do not fit a T12 tractor. But... T8 implements do fit the PT422 (which is "H" class). And PT-422 attachments do not fit the PT-180 (the other "H" class). Go figure.

mmancuso13 · Sep 29, 2017

Given that you have your large tractor something like a Be trac may be just the ticket. You probably don’t need another machine with all of the lift capability of your larger tractor.

What about used? I see used Be tractor and Steiner’s all the time for less than half of your $30k with attachments?

I would try for one with the FI engine which has better fuel & lube capabilities for your slopes.

All Ventrak or Steiner’s can add the second wheel for even greater slope handling