Goodbye Steiner, Hello Ventrac. Why I Chose Ventrac. A Honest Review.

This is my Ventrac 4500Y I just purchased. I sold off my Steiner tractor and attachments and went with Ventrac. I was looking at lots of different tractor brands and types for a few years now and still always went back to the Ventrac so I finally got one. This is a honest review of why I chose this brand. There are many more videos to come so stay tuned.
www.ventrac.com/

[@nbragtop]

Excellent video! You explained in a down to earth practical way. A month a go I purchased a new 4500Z with a power bucket/grapple, a tough cut mower and a power rake.. Sold my excellent Kubota L2501 4x4 with loader and bush hog. Like you said, " I haven't looked back since". I have some dangerous steep hills. Looking forward to all of your videos. Thanks!!

[@williamfromky8109]

We have a diesel Ventrac at work with 4400 hours on it. it's used for mowing parks and maintaining baseball fields. A great machine!

[@williamschuster4756]

Most important thing is customer service, ya just cant beat it. Jeremy in the service department is excellent, so knowledgeable. Hell he even gave me his cell phone number, who does that lol? I have the 4500Z and had a issue with the machine bucking in transport, i was stumped. Called jeremy and he knew exactly what happened, high low shift cable broke so the front end was stuck in low range while the rear was still in high. warranty no questions asked. They stand behind their product. Ventrac all day long!!

[@hinaenvironmentalsolutions5616]

I bought my 4500z 3 years ago for my 155 acres. I have the tough cut, finish mower, grapple bucket, aieavator with seed box, power rake, landscape rake. Love them all.

[@steiger256]

You pretty much have the complete setup of perfect attachments. The power rake and aieavator are great.

[@ArtOfHealth]

Hi Hina. Was that complete package around $75,000? Since you hit the three year mark, would you say you made your money back and then some? I need to get out of retirement. Thanks for your future feedback!

[@hinaenvironmentalsolutions5616]

@@ArtOfHealth yes, that was the cost. I have not tried to make money with it. So far I just use it to keep up my woods and fields.

[@kdegraa]

$75k. That is a lot of money for such a machine. However if it does the job then it’s worth it.

[@stevenwingate8988]

Congrats. Welcome to the family.

[@steiger256]

Thank you. Been waiting a while for this day.

[@rooster3019]

You are going to LOVE the 4500 and 72 mower. I have the Kubota gasser and that 72" has been no strain on the maim PTO or mower PTO belt in three season of tough high grass.

[@firstratelawnservice]

I got one a little over a year ago, and it's already paid for itself. I own a small landscaping business with a lot of Condominiums, And HOA common areas. In years past it has taken 4-5 men to aerate seed 35 to 40 acres. This year I did it all by myself in less time one man one ventrac one aera-vator. With better results. I don't see price as a downside, I guess it all depends on what you're trying to compare it to. To me there's nothing out there, that is like a ventrac. Other than a Steiner but their based the same price. So when people always tell me that it's too expensive, I will always come back and say compared to what.

[@steiger256]

I agree with having a business a Ventrac will pay for it self in no time. Not only does Ventrac make so many attachments, But the ease of changing from one to another in a minute makes it a landscapers dream.

[@JoeTheFarmer]

Great video brother!!! We love our 4500 and can't think of a machine that is more fun to operate. 👍 -JTF

[@jimmcknight3021]

Messick's sells the Steiners in their large tractor dealerships in PA area. He was saying on his video that a lot of the attachments, but not all of them, can be interchanged between the two brands since they have common roots. We have a number of hills with steep slopes that would have to be brush cut. I can only go up so high on a compact tractor. Granted, it's an older two-wheel drive compact tractor, but experience tells me that the lower center of gravity on these articulating tractors of Steiner and ventrac are going to be more stable and will contour to the rough parts of the ground easier than a four-wheel drive compact tractor.

[@steiger256]

He is correct. Most of the attachments are interchangeable. If you are looking for a machine for hillside use you can't beat these.

[@unclelala4216]

Congrats! It really looks like top notch build! If you think its expensive there try pricing it in Canada. A dealer gave me a ball park figure a few months back and i nearly fell off my chair!

[@steiger256]

Never knew they were that much more in Canada. Thats sucks.

[@silentgamer4368]

My workplace traded in my old, beat up Ventrac 4500z for a Steiner 450 and I feel like a pissed off cat. I went from an awesome machine to an unsafe knock off that mows for shit and has a contour deck that is absolute ass as well. Ventrac is superior hands down.

[@mystuff7895]

Curious where in ohio. I am a southwestern ohioian. I just got my 4500z this year with many attachments. Lovin it so far. Power rake and aeravator my favorite so far.

[@steiger256]

Northeast Ohio. I would love a power rake.

[@gregglouis2969]

Canal Fulton here. Love that ventrac is right down the road

[@emrythompson]

Orrville, Wayne County

[@BillCoSmith]

From Navarre

[@LouCFur90]

Slick rig. Congratulations!

[@steiger256]

Thanks

[@jimzimmerline7779]

What are your thoughts on having the diesel engine over the gas?

[@mentholman3201]

I love your vids man. You seem very honest, so i trust what you have to say. If you dont mind me asking, do you own a lawn care type of business or is this for your personal property? How many acres will you be using this on? Thanks

[@steiger256]

Thank you. I use this on personal property. I maintain 10 acres and use it to clear snow on roughly 1200 feet of driveway. I help out friends as well with projects like tough cut, moving material, And aerating. The nice advantages of this type of machine is I can easily switch from one attachment to another quickly depending on what I want to do that day.

[@kdegraa]

I thought Ventrac attachments will fit on a Steiner tractor & vice versa. I’d like a Ventrac however in Australia Ventracs cost around $40k. For this price one can buy a 50hp diesel tractor with a loader. I have an old Iseki SF mower. It’s mower deck is out the front. It’s so much better & more logical to mow out the front. The Iseki is diesel powered & 4wd so it can get around fine but is not a patch on the Ventrac. However I bought it second hand for a tenth of the cost of a new Ventrac. It’s a risk buying second hand but so far so good.

[@steiger256]

Yes Steiner and Ventrac attachments are interchange. I do agree buying used is a gamble.

[@JohnDiMartino]

A 50 hp tractor can’t do what a Ventrac can , it can’t hold the hills or work in a soft area . There’s no use trying to compare them there is no comparison they are different machines in different classes.

[@BillCoSmith]

Wow you head is above the rops

[@BillCoSmith]

Buy the best you can, cry once In this case every time you buy attachments too

[@MikeL-vu7jo]

awesome machine i don't care what it cost thanks

[@John1911]

Interesting video. We are considering a Ventrac 4520. I was wondering why not a Steiner?

[@steiger256]

I had Steiner in the past. I loved my old 430. My dad had Steiners for over 30 years 420s and 430s. I do not like the 440 or 450 Steiner at all. I fell in love with the 4500 Ventrac when it was released in 2011. I plan on doing a video Steiner vs Ventrac someday. Some people like the 450, But I do not like it at all. I always tell people go demo a 450 then demo a now 4520 and see for yourself. I have always been told they chose the Ventrac. The ease of use with the S.D.L.A. lever alone is a big thing on the two. The Steiner seems long and the controls are strange. I do not like the dash panel on the 450 either. The Ventrac offers way more options that are plug and play. Lights ect. Ventrac keeps coming out with new equipment also. I just feel there was way more thought that went into the Ventrac. Thats just my opinion tho. Test them both and then see what machine is right for you. I feel you will choose the Ventrac.

[@davidgoberishjr9259]

I own a new Steiner 450 it’s a great machine I looked at Ventrac and being in northeast Ohio I was going to buy one being made in Ohio bottom line the Steiner was $2500 cheaper and it’s backed by bobcat

[@steiger256]

There are a lot of people who like there 450s. I loved my 430, It was a great machine. Im not saying the new Steiner machines are bad, For me I just really love the controls on the Ventrac with the S.D.L.A. lever.

[@JohnDiMartino]

Just remember it’s $2500 cheaper for a reason, I owned two Steiners and now I have 2 Ventrac’s. It’s more than just a machine it’s the entire ownership experience,Have you seen the resale difference between a 4500 Ventrac and a 450 Steiner? There’s more than $2500 difference in resale. I wish you luck with your 450 if it’s anything like my Steiners you’re definitely gonna need that warranty.

[@JoeFidler]

@@JohnDiMartino I’m looking at Steiner and Ventrac right now and have been looking at the Ventracs since last year. The price on the Ventrac with what I’d like to get was $40k last summer and is now $50k. For similar attachments on and the Steiner it’s $35k. I’ve demoed a Ventrac and loved it but the price just keeps killing me. Should’ve bought last year. Good to know you like your Ventrac more than the Steiner though. Seems to be a common theme. Might just need to bite the bullet.

[@str8upn0l1fe6]

No offense but I see a lawn tractor that has front and back duals a roll over bar and a front mowing deck

[@larrydiman1007]

Curious, did you consider Power-Trac? All the pluses with a usable FEL.

[@scbane]

Does the ROPS extend? Because your head is taller than the Rops.

[@steiger256]

It is fully extended. It looks like I am really taller than the ROPS, But its the angle of how I am sitting. The camera makes it look worse. If I was sitting back I may be just a little taller or even.

[@lynnhecht4948]

My concerns.... Dealers are few and far between, who will repair it?, we are never told what they cost.

[@steiger256]

I am pretty lucky here in Ohio. I have a 3 dealers all around a hour drive. I agree for some dealers are pretty far. As for cost I cant really say. The prices go up here and there, And it all depends on the engine you choose and options.

[@_P0tat07_]

My absolute biggest complaint with the ventrac is the lack of power. 25hp just isn’t enough. And it’s not necessarily ventracs fault, it’s our asshole politicians and their emission restrictions. Our toro 3500 will go up a hill at full speed through thick grass with no bogging down. I really love the ventrac machine but it’s underpowered as hell.

[@steiger256]

They do make bigger engines with more power, But they are gas instead of diesel. I wish they could put a larger diesel in one, But I would rather have the 25 hp over a 40 hp with all the emissions on them. As soon as tier 5 comes in all diesel engines no matter what hp will have to have regen systems. Tier 5 will more than likely be here in next few years. So far I have been really impressed with the diesel so far. It has handled everything I have thrown at it no problem. When I start to use the tough cut will be a good test for it.

[@yoderkl]

put a turbo on it. will give you all the power you need

[@JoeFidler]

Are Steiner and Ventrac attachments interchangeably? Could you have kept your Steiner stuff and it worked on the new Ventrac?

[@steiger256]

For the most part they are. The Steiner rough cut has a tough time connecting to the Ventrac. I wanted a 72 inch blade so that is why i sold my 60 inch. I like the Ventrac tough cut over the Steiner. I was going to get a Ventrac finish mower and tough cut for my Steiner if I kept it. The reason i got a Ventrac power bucket was I want a grapple and the bucket is bigger than my Steiner. You can interchange them, But there are things I likeed better on the Ventrac.

[@JoeFidler]

@@steiger256 cool. I’m having such a dilemma trying to figure out if I spend the extra money on the Ventrac and also trying to find a diesel, the dealer in my area said they won’t be in til late summer. Just feels like diesel is a smarter option for fuel storage and other reasons. Great videos!

[@steiger256]

@@JoeFidler I understand. I loved my 430. It was pretty tough to sell it because I really did like it so much. The Ventrac just opens more options for me. Larger, more comfort, And more attachment options. I enjoy every second that I am on the Ventrac. It is strange i was at my dealer a month ago and they said the diesel is selling out like crazy now. It used to be the Kubota gas was the hard one to get. I love my diesel. It was a hard decision to make, But I am glad I went the diesel route. It works perfect for everything I do.

[@nealeberly4325]

​@@steiger256can't say that I blame you on your choice

[@mooiman9]

Add a turbo to your Ventrac I did made a big difference to keep up the rpm 👍

[@travisteeter5072]

Yup, the new small 25 horse kubota diesel is a turd to the old 31.5 horse turbo

[@calebalt1557]

luckkyyyyyyyy, god they are awesome machines

[@zacharystephens786]

I understand choosing ventrac over another compact tractor, but did you compare the ventrac with Steiner’s new 450? I’m about to make the purchase as well but dealers for ventrac are few and far between in Oklahoma. I just recently stumbled upon Steiner and I’ve researched the companies history. A large chain dealer close to where I live sells Steiner turf products and that’s the only reason I considered switching. That and his in stock prices are thousands less than what the closest ventrac dealer “ half way across the state” could order one for. Through all the product research I’ve done about the new Steiner, they seem very comparable to the ventrac. The only down fall I can see would be fewer attachments, but the fact that Doosan owns Steiner now makes me think that will change soon. I’d love to have your opinion. Thanks for your time.

[@steiger256]

Well let's say this. I have been around Steiner for almost 30 years now. I grew up and still live in Ohio where Steiners were made. My dad bought a Steiner in late 80s early 90s and he still owns a 430 till this day. He is planning on getting a Ventrac very soon. I grew up on a Steiner plus owned one for 15 years. I loved my 430 Steiner, But when it comes to the newer tractors I do not like Steiner at all. I love the Ventrac. The Steiner family who built the original Steiner now build Ventrac. I hate to be negative on a product because that is not what my channel is about, But Steiner is not keeping up with the times. My opinion would be go to the Ventrac website and hit the dealer locater. Gave a Steiner and a Ventrac brought out to your property. Demo both, use them, mow with them ect. I guarantee at the end you will choose the Ventrac. Once you drive one compared to the other you will see. Let me know if you do. Im curious on your thoughts.

[@williamschuster4756]

Toro recently acquired ventrac so its only going to get better from here for them as well. Toro spends a lot of time testing their equipment as far as quality of cut and I would be surprised if they didnt start doing that with ventrac decks. Toros reputation in the turf industry is way above the competition. not sure if you have any toro dealers close to you but they might be available at more dealers now or sometime soon.

[@emrythompson]

We got a demo for A Ventrac and Steiner, the Steiner was harder to control, steering felt schloopy, and it just didn’t have enough power. The Ventrac was far more superior in all ways, and much easier to maintain/ get parts for. Bought a 2004 Ventrac 4231 turbo diesel and haven’t regretted anything.

[@t.conner4798]

Is the hood decal really crooked?

[@steiger256]

No its on there the right way

[@jasontcolson]

For the price they charge, LEDs should be standard.

[@steiger256]

They now come standard with 4 LED headlights on the 4520.

[@edwardbarrick7069]

not breaking down all the time!?!?!?! we got this same exact tractor and I have it in the shop working on it as much as its in the field being used. I hope they dont buy another one of these!!

[@steiger256]

That is strange. What kind of problems are yhey having. I know quite a few people that have never had any issues at all. A frind of mine has the same model I got with over 900 hard hours on it. He is really rough on his equipment and never had any issues yet. I know all things mechanical can and will break, Just curious on what is failing on it.

[@edwardbarrick7069]

@@steiger256 well lets see, the computer box was replaced TWICE now, the heavy cable for the alternator has broken THREE times (Ventrac knows this is a problem), the dash cluster has had to be replaced as it stopped working, the rpm sensor on the driveshaft (which is a Bastard to get to) has had to be replaced. With the attachments I've had several different problems because bolts weren't tightened properly at the factory and came loose, Oh and this is all with less then 400 hours on the machine!!!

[@edwardbarrick7069]

oh and with Toro now owning Ventrac, that is NOT a good thing. Toro are WAYYYYY overpriced. I'm not trying to be a D**k here. Its just Ive been an equipment mechanic for over 35 years and this thing just isnt holding up. Maybe we got a lemon it happens, but I can say other than the versatility of all the attachments I'm not impressed (and what good are attachments if the machine itself is constantly broke down?)

[@steiger256]

@@edwardbarrick7069 I have heard there were some issues with the dash cluster, But I also heard Ventrac was very good about replacing them. Pretty simple to plug new one in. I will keep an eye on mine for the cable. So far I am very pleased with mine. Like I said I know quite a few people that have had no issues at all. I do understand it is frustrating when equipment breaks down.

[@dieselking6812]

They are both the same just a little different

[@lemnjelokid1229]

Blasphemy

[@emrythompson]

You get what you pay for

[@HughHansel]

Bad Audio.

[@steiger256]

Sorry. I have gotten a better microphone now.