Ventrax Mowers Cancel The title field is required!

1. Christopher Boldreghini

   

   0 posts
   
   6/18/2015 11:06 AM

   Is anyone using the ventrax mowers on their golf course? I would like to hear some pros and cons of these machines.
   
   Charlie Boldreghini
   Course Superintendent
   Old Kinderhook

   
   
   
   
2. John Vice

   

   7 posts
   
   6/19/2015 10:06 AM

   We looked at one for this coming fiscal year, but was put on the back burner. 1 of our 3 courses here has some very hilly terrain and the stiener that we currently have holds the hills nicely and stripes, but it's almost 12 years old now. The ventrac would do the same and the attachments woudl greatly help other areas. Hopefully we can add that to the list of much needed equipment next yr.
   
   Bryan Vice
   Superintendent of The Willows
   The Golf Courses of Kenton Co.
   Independence, KY

   
   
   
   
3. Scott Rose

   

   0 posts
   
   6/19/2015 10:06 AM

   We have two that are in their third season of operation and we love them. We have the 8 wheel model with the turbo diesel engine. Very versatile machine with lots of options for attachments and they are easily changed. I recommend the Contour Deck for daily mowing. It has great traction when using it on slopes and doesn't tear up turf even when it's wet. One negative that I have heard from guys that have the gasoline models is that it burns a lot of gas.

   
   
   
   
4. Michael Sullivan

   

   5 posts
   
   6/23/2015 10:06 AM

   In our first full season with our Ventrax and love it. Municipal/Sate bid so I could get it a little cheaper. However, bout it with a mowing deck, stump grinder, trencher and plow. Have use all of the attachment successfully. If at a Larger course, would definitely by another. Hoping to get the cab and snowblower attachments next.
   
   Michael Sullivan
   Golf Course Supt.
   Brennan Golf
   Stamford, CT

   
   
   
   
5. Christopher Johnson_3

   

   0 posts
   
   6/23/2015 2:06 PM

   Had two older units at my previous course. Did great on the hills and the attachments were nice. Only complaint I have is the hydrauilic lines run through the middle where it articulates and takes some time to access those for replacement. We replaced both units with one Toro 4300d with improved mowing time and quality. The ventrac had a 72" deck so it didn't contour well. The hills might not be as steep there and the ventrac 8 wheel is great for hills.

   
   
   
   
6. Jason Knuutila

   

   0 posts
   
   6/24/2015 7:06 PM

   At an extremely hilly course. Has almost eliminated weed eater usage. 3rd year with the 32 hp turbo diesel. Axle shaft sheared today. Just like what used to happen to the old Steiner. We are out of warranty period by 6 months. Ventral was nice enough to warranty the parts and has drop shipped all 4 shafts. Hmmmmm....problems? They will not warranty the labor so now my Equipment Tech will be miserable for a few weeks.
   
   Seriously I'd buy another, as long as the shaft issue is resolved. The 84" contour deck will not scalp, but using a lot of HP to operate. Will not buy a gas, but wonder if I could buy the diesel, then add a turbo. Damn Tier 4!

   
   
   
   
7. Joshua Sawyer

   

   0 posts
   
   6/27/2015 10:06 AM

   I have had an 8 wheel turbo diesel model for a few years with a contour deck and a 'tough cut' (bush hog deck). Fantastic on hills that would be hand work otherwise, save a ton of labor in the off season underbrushing, can decrease weed eating by taking the contour deck on creek edges, and I have yet to see an attachment I didn't want. The trencher option is a lot stronger than you would expect, I have seen another course running the turbine blowers from fairway through bunkers and out again, and there is an aerifier/seeder combo that is perfect for seeding natives on slopes nothing else can get to. Great unit for versatility.