8:44 If you search 'ventrac slope gauge calibration' on youtube they have a quick video on how to edit the slope gauge settings including the level it is set to beep at (both in terms of volume and slope).
Thanks! I saw in the owners manual that one side is a touch sensor to setup the beep but I am more visual and a quick video would be nice. Until I can use the Ventrac again I am just letting it sit because I do not want to do any damage so waiting to hear from the dealership repair shop.
I'm sorry to see this, man. People ask me all the time how reliable a Ventrac is. For the many thousands of hours I have on my two machines, the reliability has been exceptional. I also spend a lot of time making sure they're properly looked after. One solution to ensure that each tractor leaves the factory in good running order may be as simple as running them hard for a few hours as the final step of quality control
You and me both brother! But, things have been getting better. I still wonder about is this a case of "new model" issues? At work we always say "never install a .0 release." In other words when a vendor first comes out with something new give it a little time to bake, make sure it rises properly before you invest. Even with these issues I would do it again due to how the customer service of Ventrac as a company has been to me, a nobody out in the sticks with a single unit.
Exact same issue here. Got 4520p unit Monday, hydro oil gushing out of that same compartment after about 30 mins of use, all over lawn. My dealer is great. Tech was out here Tues, tightened fitting. Another 45 mins of use on weds and gushed again all over driveway. Picking it up today. Apparently my dealer has heard of one other unit having this problem. Something definitely up at the factory.
Wow! I was hoping I was a one-off. But, this is exactly why I am sharing, so we can see what is going on around these machines. I do have a video which should be out today that shows what I think was "fixed" by my dealership. It would be interesting to know if what I think was fixed is the same as what you had going on. Keep an eye out, that should be posted today!
Not the same here, but similar. Two weeks ago, after 7 hours on my 4520z, I pulled out one day and noticed a 4" diameter pool of oil on the garage floor. I didn't drive it for a week after seeing that until the dealer came out and filed up the fluid which was half a quart low. I called ventrac and they said my particular issue could happen when the hydraulic fluid is too low. I have since driven another 7 his without issue. Ventrac also told me to keep the hydraulic fluid on the low end.
@@tlchomestead I think it was the middle. That area was a little wet with hydraulic oil...... seemed to be coming from the black hydraulic vent hose. The front was dry and the back as well. I am going to try and take that cover plate off to look at the hydraulic pump this evening. I have a 70s British roadster that I rebuilt that doesn't leak oil, so this brand new machine shouldn't either....... granted I do not know much about hydraulics, but still.
Have you wiggled all the lines I have not worked on a Ventrac so can’t say if your fitting is o-ring face or jic if you have a wrench try checking hose fittings
Here is something to remember, when checking the hyd oil, make sure the front hitch arms all the way UP, and if you have a 3pt, it needs to be all the way down. I have several attachments, I usually unhitch the front attachment when done so I can leave the arms up.
I have been told about the front (retract piston so oil is pushed back into the tanks) but did not think on the 3pt. I do not have a 3pt but that is a good point. I like the tip about removing attachments when done. That would make it easier to check before you start the day.
I can understand the frustration, but even NASA has had trouble with "O" rings ;-) It will most likely be corrected while you wait at the shop, tighten a fittting or such.
Agreed and I have follow up vids where I talked about how this was, at the time, a new model (4520 vs 4500) so maybe some assembly line QA issues. It ended up being a simple fix and thus would have been a simple check during assembly. This had to be an assembly issue due to new line. At least that is what I am sticking with :)
My unit (4520Z) was low on oil after my dealer (terrible buying experience with the dealer) installed some stuff before I took delivery. I managed to find a premium hydraulic fluid with the same specs at a local auto parts store. I keep it in the middle of the H-L since I know swapping attachments is going to lose oil overtime and Ventrac is proud of their fluid (costs). Maybe get a gallon and fill it up to the sight tube is at the correct level, clean fittings you pointed to and run the unit with the cover removed and steer left and right, the leak should be seen. Tighten up the fitting if you can and move on with using it. I am at 49Hrs and with just a handful of issues I have had to fix myself (cant rely on my dealer), it overall has been a great machine. I didnt get the digital meter because of the beeping.
When my 4520z was delivered the oil was smack in the middle of the H-L range. This is one of my quick checks (oil/oil/gas/air filters) before my other tractor is ran. I did notice some leaking at the conenctors as I swapped between the Power Rake and the Tough Cut so I agree that keeping in the middile is probably where I'll land once this is resolved. Part of me really wants to put a wrench on that bottom host fitting but I have no idea of the torque setting, or even if that is the issue but I also like your idea to put oil in and leave the cover off. Town is a good 30min each way for me to even try and find some of the correct fluid. Plus, as much as these machines cost (you know dealer is making a profit) it should not have an issue with 4.0 hours. I do however, fully understand why you take the fix it yourself approach. My Ventrac has been down four days so far and they are picking it up tomorrow to haul away. Cannot use it while it is gone! Put all that in a pot and stir around - I am going to test the official repair process. See if this issue gets resolved quickly and easily. To me that is good information to share. After all, when you buy a tractor the sales department is NOT who we will spend the majority of our time with. A good point I heard before I bought my first tractor was "Skip the sales department, walk over to the parts and service area. Have a cup of coffee with them and see if you get along because that is where you will spend your time once the tractor leaves the lot." Not for Public sharing, I have been careful to not mention who I used up to this point, but I wonder if your dealership is the same as the one I used. The purchasing process could have gone smoother in several areas for sure.
@@tlchomestead I do all those checks each morning too. My "dealer" has branches in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Tulsa and Kansas City areas. The only reason I think they carry them is because Ventrac is part of the Toro group now and that is what they sell most. I knew more about them than the Dealer sales rep did but since I couldn't buy direct from Ventrac is was my only logical option. Keep me updated if you can about the outcome. I have a 50hr review coming out when I get around to editing it.
@Insight Land Care I think we used the same dealer and a lot of what you said above I agree with :) I have been watching @Ventrac for years before finally investing into a machine. When the Toro deal was announced I had mixed feelings. At my day job I have seen things like this typically really mess up the smaller company but i was also hoping the Toro dealerships would allow me to use a dealer closer to me since the closest two dealers are both over 3hr away from me. So far it seems like no change in either area and time will tell how it pans out. As for updates on the repair I have been updating the comments of the original video and once I get the machine back I'll make a new video on it. They called 2x yesterday and if they stand true to their word a guy is on the road this very minute to pick it up today.
Yeah you were told to keep it on the low side, then when you talk to someone else at the company, they will tell you no you were supposed to keep it at the top of the hash marks, you voided your warrenty, been there had that happen to me.
I am sure there are many ways to void a warrenty and I will say that, while going through this issue has not been fun, it has been educational and overall good. I have spoken with two folks directly at Ventrac since I first noticed the leak and both have been awesome to deal with. I was going to make an update video about everything I have gone through thus far but got to talking to the neighbors and it got too late :)
I agree there should not be any issues and I also stand by my comments that Ventrac as a company has stood behind their machines more than any company I have ever dealt with :)
I have a new 4520Z that won't won't run for more the 5 minutes. It feels like a fuel problem, but after draining the tank, clearing the lines, vent, and changing the filer and pump, same issue. Now back at the dealer, and they are struggling to figure it out. Maybe a carberator issue, possibly electrical. I have to say, I'm annoyed that in 2022 we still have engines with chokes and carberators. All my zero turns are fuel injected, and have no problems. When it did run, it seemed underpowered, even with the most powerful engine offered (could not go more the 2 mph cutting 3" of grass on a 10° slope). There are two speed settings, low which is painfully slow and high, which is too high to mow (and I was told not to use high for mowing). I'm hoping that when the stalling issue is resolved, it will have more power. If anyone has experienced something similar, LMK. Update: Got the tractor back, have used it now for a week or so, runs much better, however, it still stalls on occasion on an angled slope, so back to the dealer again. What I'm actually most annoyed at is the fact that I have a really expensive tractor that still uses a god damn carburetor! Don't get me wrong, I love the tractor and everything about it, but the engine (the most powerful one they offer) is woefully underpowered and unreliable. I would gladly pay extra for a more powerful diesel, or a fuel injected motor w/ adequate horsepower. I previously had a Ferris mower w/ a 37hp Vanguard engine w/ fuel injection, it was 100% reliable and had plenty of power. My Ventrac cannot mow at more than 2mph up a 10 degree grade. Perhaps that has something to do w/ the ongoing carburetor issue, not sure because this is the first Ventrac I have owned, so I have nothing to compare to. On the good side, the cut quality is second to none, and the brush hog is fantastic. Hopefully will get this engine running right some day. (Machine has les than 100 hours on it).
Wow, you are having a hard time. I would hope the dealer can help you get that figured out. For me Ventrac as a company has stood behind their product and made sure things got resolved. I do believe there is one EFI model but it does not have the most HP so I, like you, skipped that option. I have the 4520z which on paper has the most HP and tourque. I did struggle over that choice because I prefer diesel but they are limited on HP due to DEF right? Well I do know that I have two main areas I been mowing with the 4520z: 1) 10ish acer pasture that is mostly flat. Fescue is THICK and tall, over the height of the hood. I basically live in low gear due to slopes, beeping is basically the norm. I was running between 2.5 and 3.5mph just fine. I have a few videos to edit and share on some of this last mowing up there. 2) 7ish acer hillside that ranges from 15 to >30 degrees. Fescue, weeds and shrubs are almost as tall as the hood. On that one I limit myself to 1.5mph up and 2mph down. The Ventrac might be able to go faster but I do not want to go any faster on that hill. I am currently recording videos on the second pass mowing this hillside. I am starting to call it "The Beeping Hillside" :)
@@tlchomestead The dealer just called me a couple minutes ago, said they had to disassemble the carburetor two or three times and finally got it to run right. In the end, they actually did not find anything wrong with it, but after the third reassembly of the carburetor they said it finally ran, a wait and see what happens this week.
I am hoping for the best. My initial 'break-in' period with the 4520z was painful. I know, currently with only 48hrs I am still inside a break-in window but that initial out of the gate ... it hurt. The last 30+ hours have been solid.Keep us in the loop how the week goes. From what I have seen you should be able to mow 3" grass on a flat, for me 10 degrees may as well be flat, area in high w/o even looking back!
My 4500 had to have new front and rear axel housings right off the bat because of machining issues. My maintenance is always an issue always has been. Terrible. Toro will get ventrac whipped in to shape!! 😂😂
That sounds like a major issue! I hope Ventrac stood behind the machine? I would have thought the testing at the factory would have caught something like that. At a tad over 60 hours (as of a couple days ago) use since they fixed the leak my issue has not come back. Good luck!
They already picked the machine up and I got a call today that it is fixed. So no need to deal with battery at this point. Now, there is a quick battery disconnect battery disconnect switch that would be good for storage when tyhe maintainer is on there.
More than I would have expected. I am positive that some are user inflicted and some are due to a new machine. Ventrac had a backlog of orders due to 'supply chain issues' and that makes me ponder over things like, did their suppliers rush and skimp on quality control, did Ventrac maybe rush on the assembly line more than they should have? Who knows, but since the last repair this unit has been rock solid for 30ish hours!
I have put about 60-65 hours on the machine since they fixed it. I feel pretty good it was indeed a lose fitting they got tightened up. Now, I have a video I need to edit where the dealer proactivity reached out to me for a Ventrac initiated "rework" service. After talking to the repair guy who drove out to me to do the work he said Ventrac does this - tracks the machines and sends parts kits to the dealership to reach out to us to just come do the work. It was free. I like that level of service!
8:44 If you search 'ventrac slope gauge calibration' on youtube they have a quick video on how to edit the slope gauge settings including the level it is set to beep at (both in terms of volume and slope).
Thanks! I saw in the owners manual that one side is a touch sensor to setup the beep but I am more visual and a quick video would be nice. Until I can use the Ventrac again I am just letting it sit because I do not want to do any damage so waiting to hear from the dealership repair shop.
Or get the type I've been using for years. I can't stand the electronic slope gauge, but that's just me
I'm sorry to see this, man. People ask me all the time how reliable a Ventrac is. For the many thousands of hours I have on my two machines, the reliability has been exceptional. I also spend a lot of time making sure they're properly looked after. One solution to ensure that each tractor leaves the factory in good running order may be as simple as running them hard for a few hours as the final step of quality control
You and me both brother! But, things have been getting better. I still wonder about is this a case of "new model" issues? At work we always say "never install a .0 release." In other words when a vendor first comes out with something new give it a little time to bake, make sure it rises properly before you invest. Even with these issues I would do it again due to how the customer service of Ventrac as a company has been to me, a nobody out in the sticks with a single unit.
Ventrac does run them a bit and a little hard on the factory floor.
Exact same issue here. Got 4520p unit Monday, hydro oil gushing out of that same compartment after about 30 mins of use, all over lawn. My dealer is great. Tech was out here Tues, tightened fitting. Another 45 mins of use on weds and gushed again all over driveway. Picking it up today. Apparently my dealer has heard of one other unit having this problem. Something definitely up at the factory.
Wow! I was hoping I was a one-off. But, this is exactly why I am sharing, so we can see what is going on around these machines. I do have a video which should be out today that shows what I think was "fixed" by my dealership. It would be interesting to know if what I think was fixed is the same as what you had going on.
Keep an eye out, that should be posted today!
Oh no ….. I hope they get you fixed up …. You deserve better!
Ventrac actually did a really good job making sure things were taken care of. It all worked out in the end :)
Not the same here, but similar. Two weeks ago, after 7 hours on my 4520z, I pulled out one day and noticed a 4" diameter pool of oil on the garage floor. I didn't drive it for a week after seeing that until the dealer came out and filed up the fluid which was half a quart low. I called ventrac and they said my particular issue could happen when the hydraulic fluid is too low. I have since driven another 7 his without issue. Ventrac also told me to keep the hydraulic fluid on the low end.
You know where under the machine the pool of oil was? Front? Middle? Rear?
@@tlchomestead I think it was the middle. That area was a little wet with hydraulic oil...... seemed to be coming from the black hydraulic vent hose. The front was dry and the back as well. I am going to try and take that cover plate off to look at the hydraulic pump this evening. I have a 70s British roadster that I rebuilt that doesn't leak oil, so this brand new machine shouldn't either....... granted I do not know much about hydraulics, but still.
Have you wiggled all the lines I have not worked on a Ventrac so can’t say if your fitting is o-ring face or jic if you have a wrench try checking hose fittings
I did not think to wiggle the connections! That would have been a simple check, doh!
Here is something to remember, when checking the hyd oil, make sure the front hitch arms all the way UP, and if you have a 3pt, it needs to be all the way down. I have several attachments, I usually unhitch the front attachment when done so I can leave the arms up.
I have been told about the front (retract piston so oil is pushed back into the tanks) but did not think on the 3pt. I do not have a 3pt but that is a good point. I like the tip about removing attachments when done. That would make it easier to check before you start the day.
I can understand the frustration, but even NASA has had trouble with "O" rings ;-) It will most likely be corrected while you wait at the shop, tighten a fittting or such.
Agreed and I have follow up vids where I talked about how this was, at the time, a new model (4520 vs 4500) so maybe some assembly line QA issues. It ended up being a simple fix and thus would have been a simple check during assembly. This had to be an assembly issue due to new line. At least that is what I am sticking with :)
My unit (4520Z) was low on oil after my dealer (terrible buying experience with the dealer) installed some stuff before I took delivery. I managed to find a premium hydraulic fluid with the same specs at a local auto parts store. I keep it in the middle of the H-L since I know swapping attachments is going to lose oil overtime and Ventrac is proud of their fluid (costs). Maybe get a gallon and fill it up to the sight tube is at the correct level, clean fittings you pointed to and run the unit with the cover removed and steer left and right, the leak should be seen. Tighten up the fitting if you can and move on with using it. I am at 49Hrs and with just a handful of issues I have had to fix myself (cant rely on my dealer), it overall has been a great machine. I didnt get the digital meter because of the beeping.
When my 4520z was delivered the oil was smack in the middle of the H-L range. This is one of my quick checks (oil/oil/gas/air filters) before my other tractor is ran. I did notice some leaking at the conenctors as I swapped between the Power Rake and the Tough Cut so I agree that keeping in the middile is probably where I'll land once this is resolved. Part of me really wants to put a wrench on that bottom host fitting but I have no idea of the torque setting, or even if that is the issue but I also like your idea to put oil in and leave the cover off. Town is a good 30min each way for me to even try and find some of the correct fluid. Plus, as much as these machines cost (you know dealer is making a profit) it should not have an issue with 4.0 hours. I do however, fully understand why you take the fix it yourself approach. My Ventrac has been down four days so far and they are picking it up tomorrow to haul away. Cannot use it while it is gone!
Put all that in a pot and stir around - I am going to test the official repair process. See if this issue gets resolved quickly and easily. To me that is good information to share. After all, when you buy a tractor the sales department is NOT who we will spend the majority of our time with. A good point I heard before I bought my first tractor was "Skip the sales department, walk over to the parts and service area. Have a cup of coffee with them and see if you get along because that is where you will spend your time once the tractor leaves the lot."
Not for Public sharing, I have been careful to not mention who I used up to this point, but I wonder if your dealership is the same as the one I used. The purchasing process could have gone smoother in several areas for sure.
@@tlchomestead I do all those checks each morning too.
My "dealer" has branches in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Tulsa and Kansas City areas. The only reason I think they carry them is because Ventrac is part of the Toro group now and that is what they sell most. I knew more about them than the Dealer sales rep did but since I couldn't buy direct from Ventrac is was my only logical option.
Keep me updated if you can about the outcome. I have a 50hr review coming out when I get around to editing it.
@Insight Land Care I think we used the same dealer and a lot of what you said above I agree with :)
I have been watching @Ventrac for years before finally investing into a machine. When the Toro deal was announced I had mixed feelings. At my day job I have seen things like this typically really mess up the smaller company but i was also hoping the Toro dealerships would allow me to use a dealer closer to me since the closest two dealers are both over 3hr away from me. So far it seems like no change in either area and time will tell how it pans out.
As for updates on the repair I have been updating the comments of the original video and once I get the machine back I'll make a new video on it. They called 2x yesterday and if they stand true to their word a guy is on the road this very minute to pick it up today.
Yeah you were told to keep it on the low side, then when you talk to someone else at the company, they will tell you no you were supposed to keep it at the top of the hash marks, you voided your warrenty, been there had that happen to me.
I am sure there are many ways to void a warrenty and I will say that, while going through this issue has not been fun, it has been educational and overall good. I have spoken with two folks directly at Ventrac since I first noticed the leak and both have been awesome to deal with. I was going to make an update video about everything I have gone through thus far but got to talking to the neighbors and it got too late :)
If the dealer needs to take the machine, ask for a loaner or demo machine till you get yours back.
That would have been a good idea!
For the cost of a ventrac tractor there shouldn't be any problems and the parts should be easy to deal with this seems to be over engineered
I agree there should not be any issues and I also stand by my comments that Ventrac as a company has stood behind their machines more than any company I have ever dealt with :)
I have a new 4520Z that won't won't run for more the 5 minutes. It feels like a fuel problem, but after draining the tank, clearing the lines, vent, and changing the filer and pump, same issue. Now back at the dealer, and they are struggling to figure it out. Maybe a carberator issue, possibly electrical. I have to say, I'm annoyed that in 2022 we still have engines with chokes and carberators. All my zero turns are fuel injected, and have no problems. When it did run, it seemed underpowered, even with the most powerful engine offered (could not go more the 2 mph cutting 3" of grass on a 10° slope). There are two speed settings, low which is painfully slow and high, which is too high to mow (and I was told not to use high for mowing). I'm hoping that when the stalling issue is resolved, it will have more power. If anyone has experienced something similar, LMK.
Update: Got the tractor back, have used it now for a week or so, runs much better, however, it still stalls on occasion on an angled slope, so back to the dealer again. What I'm actually most annoyed at is the fact that I have a really expensive tractor that still uses a god damn carburetor! Don't get me wrong, I love the tractor and everything about it, but the engine (the most powerful one they offer) is woefully underpowered and unreliable. I would gladly pay extra for a more powerful diesel, or a fuel injected motor w/ adequate horsepower. I previously had a Ferris mower w/ a 37hp Vanguard engine w/ fuel injection, it was 100% reliable and had plenty of power. My Ventrac cannot mow at more than 2mph up a 10 degree grade. Perhaps that has something to do w/ the ongoing carburetor issue, not sure because this is the first Ventrac I have owned, so I have nothing to compare to. On the good side, the cut quality is second to none, and the brush hog is fantastic. Hopefully will get this engine running right some day. (Machine has les than 100 hours on it).
Wow, you are having a hard time. I would hope the dealer can help you get that figured out. For me Ventrac as a company has stood behind their product and made sure things got resolved. I do believe there is one EFI model but it does not have the most HP so I, like you, skipped that option.
I have the 4520z which on paper has the most HP and tourque. I did struggle over that choice because I prefer diesel but they are limited on HP due to DEF right? Well I do know that I have two main areas I been mowing with the 4520z:
1) 10ish acer pasture that is mostly flat. Fescue is THICK and tall, over the height of the hood. I basically live in low gear due to slopes, beeping is basically the norm. I was running between 2.5 and 3.5mph just fine. I have a few videos to edit and share on some of this last mowing up there.
2) 7ish acer hillside that ranges from 15 to >30 degrees. Fescue, weeds and shrubs are almost as tall as the hood. On that one I limit myself to 1.5mph up and 2mph down. The Ventrac might be able to go faster but I do not want to go any faster on that hill. I am currently recording videos on the second pass mowing this hillside. I am starting to call it "The Beeping Hillside" :)
@@tlchomestead The dealer just called me a couple minutes ago, said they had to disassemble the carburetor two or three times and finally got it to run right. In the end, they actually did not find anything wrong with it, but after the third reassembly of the carburetor they said it finally ran, a wait and see what happens this week.
I am hoping for the best. My initial 'break-in' period with the 4520z was painful. I know, currently with only 48hrs I am still inside a break-in window but that initial out of the gate ... it hurt. The last 30+ hours have been solid.Keep us in the loop how the week goes. From what I have seen you should be able to mow 3" grass on a flat, for me 10 degrees may as well be flat, area in high w/o even looking back!
@@bert1450 Cleaned the fuel tank again, and it's running good.
My 4500 had to have new front and rear axel housings right off the bat because of machining issues. My maintenance is always an issue always has been. Terrible. Toro will get ventrac whipped in to shape!! 😂😂
That sounds like a major issue! I hope Ventrac stood behind the machine? I would have thought the testing at the factory would have caught something like that. At a tad over 60 hours (as of a couple days ago) use since they fixed the leak my issue has not come back. Good luck!
I would disconnect the battery till you get it fixed.
They already picked the machine up and I got a call today that it is fixed. So no need to deal with battery at this point. Now, there is a quick battery disconnect battery disconnect switch that would be good for storage when tyhe maintainer is on there.
You seem to be having a lot of issues with this unit...
More than I would have expected. I am positive that some are user inflicted and some are due to a new machine. Ventrac had a backlog of orders due to 'supply chain issues' and that makes me ponder over things like, did their suppliers rush and skimp on quality control, did Ventrac maybe rush on the assembly line more than they should have? Who knows, but since the last repair this unit has been rock solid for 30ish hours!
Not Good T Not your Fault!!!
I have put about 60-65 hours on the machine since they fixed it. I feel pretty good it was indeed a lose fitting they got tightened up.
Now, I have a video I need to edit where the dealer proactivity reached out to me for a Ventrac initiated "rework" service. After talking to the repair guy who drove out to me to do the work he said Ventrac does this - tracks the machines and sends parts kits to the dealership to reach out to us to just come do the work. It was free. I like that level of service!