Ventrac for home use?

[skcuf]

I've been looking at getting a sub compact or Ventrac for about a year now and can't make up my mind. I really like the concept of the Ventrac and could use a lot of the implements, but I can't find a way to justify the cost. My total land is just under 10 acres with about a 70/30 split of field+yard/woods. For mowing needs I've currently got a Scag Turf Tiger that I've been using on both my yard and my field. There are some areas I can't mow with the Scag due to it being wet as there are some areas of my land that are pretty swampy most of the year. I found the Ventrac because of this as the previous owner created some giant ruts with their tractor in these swampy areas so now it's a burden to mow as I need to be careful to not have issues with those ruts. I don't have much of a hill, but my neighbor did roll his Kubota sub compact shortly after purchasing it as he was driving sideways on a hill. I know better, but I also know that the hill we live on provides some extra risk.

I guess my question is mainly, "Can a Ventrac purchase be justified for a home acreage use instead of commercial?" I look at the price tag and choke a little as the base tractor is about 25k and some of the attachments I would want are upwards of 8k. I think my initial purchase would be under 30k, but that's just for a bucket and brush hog + tractor. It's hard to justify that when I've seen a Kubota would be half that with bucket. My neighbors both have Kubota tractors, so they seem serviceable here for sure, but they also don't have the wet field that I do.

In addition to the field maintenance, I'm hoping to be able to build a small pond in the field and turn a portion of it into a small farm/large garden. I also have the obvious projects around the woods like moving logs and clearing brush around fence lines. Does anyone have any advice for me in this area? I didn't realize this was going to be such a difficult decision when I started researching the topic...

 

[ericm979]

I considered a Ventrac as our land is on quite a slope (avg 33% from the high end to the low end). But the attachments are limited and did not completely match my needs. One of the main needs was running a PTO chipper for brush and tree tops. I don't think the Ventrac would be good for that. Instead I got a regular CUT. There are a lot of places on the land where I can't drive it but most of those the Ventrac woudn't handle either- too steep and too many trees. A Ventrac would be great if most of my use was mowing steep-ish ground. But that's maybe 20% of my use. So far I have been able to do most of the rough mowing with the tractor and a rotary cutter, carefully, and the small parts that are too steep with a brush cutter.

I did get my tractor with slightly smaller wheels and tires from a lower HP model, rear spacers and filled tires. It's far more stable on slopes than my last tractor.

I use the tractor to move IBC totes full of firewood (~2200 lbs), mount a backhoe, and run a forestry winch. I don't think the Ventrac can do those.

While tractors are best at pulling the have become versatile devices that can do a lot of things even if they're not the best at many of them.

 

[Gee Ray]

I know the Ventrac is good for a lot of things. I know I would like the mower out front and the ability to mow the banks. My questions would be about the ground clearance. And I am sure it would not be very good for digging a pond. Their ability to climb is due to their low center of gravity but it hurts the ground clearance. Their dual wheels will allow them to go across some soft ground.

They are pricey and you are limited to Ventrac implements that are also pricey.

An L series Kubota or larger tractor would be more in order. Look on youtube at the videos. You can get R14 tire that will give you better floatation and still allow you to do some ground work, ie a front end loader, box blade and tillers for example. I purchased a L2501 with R4 tires. If they had the R14 I would have gotten them. Check to see if the rear rims are adjustable for the R14 tires. You my not want to load the tires due to your wet lands. On the other hand you may need to load the tires and add wheel weights to make the tractor dig. The L2501 also does not need to regen nor does it have any type of computer. Both big pluses to me. KISS for tractors is a good thing.

 

[skcuf]

I know the Ventrac is good for a lot of things. I know I would like the mower out front and the ability to mow the banks. My questions would be about the ground clearance. And I am sure it would not be very good for digging a pond. Their ability to climb is due to their low center of gravity but it hurts the ground clearance. Their dual wheels will allow them to go across some soft ground.

They are pricey and you are limited to Ventrac implements that are also pricey.

An L series Kubota or larger tractor would be more in order. Look on youtube at the videos. You can get R14 tire that will give you better floatation and still allow you to do some ground work, ie a front end loader, box blade and tillers for example. I purchased a L2501 with R4 tires. If they had the R14 I would have gotten them. Check to see if the rear rims are adjustable for the R14 tires. You my not want to load the tires due to your wet lands. On the other hand you may need to load the tires and add wheel weights to make the tractor dig. The L2501 also does not need to regen nor does it have any type of computer. Both big pluses to me. KISS for tractors is a good thing.

I'm not planning on digging the pond using this tractor. I'll either outsource the task or rent a proper digging machine.

Any other brands you recommend beyond Kubota? I've got a Kioti dealer right around the corner and I believe a Deere dealership a few miles down the road.

 

[coobie]

What state are you in?

 

[skcuf]

What state are you in?

Virginia

 

[Otgaugres]

I’ve recently purchased a new Ventrac 4520Z. Actually had ordered a 4500Z just prior to the new 4520 announcement and as it worked out, i ended up with the 4520…albeit at a little more cost. Still waiting on a few add ons before taking delivery. Just as well since it won’t be used till spring.

To the OP’s question, for me it was worth it. I’m not a professional, but i maintain 3 different properties totaling several hundred acres. I’m fortunate to have several pieces of equipment, including a JD4066R, Skag Zero turn, mini-ex, and compact track loader. I’ve got some steep hillsides to maintain that i just can’t manage with any other of my equipment. It’s either do them by hand, hire them done, or get something like the Ventrac. in my area there is just no one for hire that has Ventrac or similar equipment. My wife and I plan on sharing mowing at our primary residence with one on the ZTR and one on the Ventrac. 2022 will be a telling year…the ZTR and/or the JD may go after i see how the Ventrac performs Across the board. I’m getting the tough-cut, 72” finish mower, power bucket, and aerovator. With the Ventrac I‘m sure I’ll no longer have use for the JD at my residence and will move it semi-permanently to my hunting property.

They are expensive for sure, but they are versatile. If you‘ve got slopes to maintain they are a game changer. Good luck with your decision.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

This one is in va. He’s on TBN.

 

[fishhead]

Since you are in Virginia maybe you should check out power trac- they are in some ways similar to a ventrac but simpler, a bit cruder, versatile etc
there's a forum on here and member Mossroad posts a lot about them - they have a range of machines and attachments

Power Trac

Compact Tractors, Slope Mowers, Articulated Tractors, Tractor Attachments, Trailer Packages

www.power-trac.com

 

[GC090]

I have owned a Ventrac for the last 3 years and I think it very much justifies use in a home environment. I had a John Deere previously. Agree it is really good for slopes but with just a finishing/contour deck and a power bucket it greatly increases productivity. I have since bought another 4 more attachement. It really is a year round tractor wither it is for leaf clearing, terraforming, snow removal, turf maintenance etc … Very easy to self maintain and very confortable. It is the Range Rover of tractors.