Toro Sidewinder vs Ventrac Cancel The title field is required!

1. Dustin Riley

   

   8 posts
   
   2/18/2020 11:02 AM

   I currently HAND rotary mow all green banks, tee banks and around bunkers.  This is very labor intensive and the quality is awesome.  By hand mowing, conditions do not have to be ideal and wear and tear to turf is little to none.
   
   That said, I am dissecting my operations and am considering introducing a riding machine to reduce the hand mowing.  Due to bunker design and proximity to key playing areas, some hand work would still be required.  But, I could reduce my labor costs.
   
   The terrain surrounding greens, tees or bunkers aren't overly sloped or undulated.  However, I do have several areas that are and would require us to continue hand mowing or possibly introduce a Ventrac.
   
   I have plenty of experience with Toro Sidewinders and know they would perform well on the vast majority of our banks.  But I'm looking for opinions on how the Ventrac works on slopes and for general mowing?  I am a heavy clay property, so tire tracking would be a concern during wet and rainy periods (like 2018 & 2019).  Having both machines would be ideal, but not likely feasible.
   I'd appreciate any and all experience and advice. 
   
   Toro Sidewinder vs Ventrac 4000 series w/Contour mower + wheel kit (8 tires)
   
   Thanks in advance
   

   
   
   
   
2. Dennis Kaminski

   

   1 posts
   
   2/25/2020 1:02 PM

   Dustin, We have Ventrac and it is much more stable on steep banks due to width of machine.Also leaves very little footprint in very wet areas. Also brush cutter attachment is great for steep areas that make you nervous on tractor.

   
   
   
   
3. Conly Stephenson

   

   1 posts
   
   3/2/2020 1:03 PM

   We have a Ventrac withe contour deck. Good quality of cut and the machine will go almost anywhere. Also with the attachments available would be a good purchase.

   
   
   
   
4. Tony Feheregyhazi

   

   7 posts
   
   3/25/2020 12:03 PM

   Purchased a Ventrac with contour deck last season and to be honest with you the main reason was cost, with the Ventrac being much cheaper (close to 20 grand). After a year my observations would be that it has performed above expectations on all slopes with very little wear and slipping. It stripes great and is a little wider than the sidewinder. Also clipping dispersal in thick rough was never really an issue like the sidewinder is in the early morning dews. The cons for us is you need a good operator as there is a learning curve to be efficient and is completely different feeling to drive.  And I'm concerned if it will not last the worry free 3000 hours I have out of my sidewinder. Don't regert the purchase but the jury is still out for us.
   
   Tony Feheregyhazi
   Bridges Golf Course
   Winnipeg, Canada

   
   
   
   
5. Dustin Riley

   

   8 posts
   
   3/26/2020 9:03 AM in reply to Tony Feheregyhazi

   Thanks Tony for your feedback.  Could you share which tire tread you chose?  I was originally thought about going with the most turf sensitive tread.  However, I've heard the all terrain tires are gentle enough, yet tougher when brush cutting with the Tough Cut mower attachment.

   
   
   
   
6. Tony Feheregyhazi

   

   7 posts
   
   3/26/2020 9:03 AM in reply to Dustin Riley

   We purchased with the all-terrain tires and think that would be the way to go. They perform well in all conditions, especially the sharp corners on tee boxes. The addition of tough cut mower is well worth it and I hear the snowblower is a beast as well. Also not sure if you heard but Toro just bought the company!
   
   Tony
   
   

   
   
   
   
7. Mike Petersen

   

   13 posts
   
   12/17/2020 9:12 AM in reply to Dustin Riley

   I agree with Dennis on the stability we use the machine around bunkers and have reduced our fly mowing substantially. we also picked up the rough cut head and use it to maintain our native in the landing areas to help speed up play.