Ventrac; Multiple mowers, one traction unit
Lush, late spring and early summer grass growth can be a challenging time for those operators trying to keep on top of their mowing cycle, not to mention a challenge for the mowers themselves.
Buying job or condition specific mowers is now a financial challenge for many as higher horsepower emission legislation has increased the price of traditional out-front rotary & fairway mowers over 25hp. These require digital fuel injection and more sophisticated exhaust after-treatment. Ventrac has found hundreds of customers in the UK willing to try something different. The 4520 18.6kW (25hp) traction unit can accept eight different mower attachments, each specifically designed to utilize Ventrac’s quick mount system allowing an operator to change from one mower to another in two minutes.
When grass growth starts to get away from you, a rotary or fine turf flail mower can be a good solution. As the season progresses a more refined cut from a reel mower or a fine-cut rotary, closely following the contours of the areas you need to maintain, could be better. Traditionally, this would necessitate several, job specific power units, optimized to complete specific mowing jobs. The Ventrac 4520 can complete all these tasks utilizing one power unit.
James Pickless, Head Greenkeeper at Chelmsford Golf Course has two 4520’s, with Triplex Reels, a Contour Deck and Tough Cut mower attachments to cope with all his grass conditions. James notes that “specialized grass machinery is increasingly expensive. The appeal of Ventrac was its ability to perform two, four or even ten different jobs, offering more value for money and making it a worthwhile club investment.”
BIGGA Chairman, Steve Lloyd, is Course Manager at The Worcestershire Golf Club. He acquired his Ventrac package in 2023. The multiple attachments, low ground pressure and traction capabilities were attributes Steve was attracted to on the predominantly heavy clay based course, where grass grows quickly. Steve says “We bought the Ventrac to try and do more than one thing with the power unit. A machine dedicated to one task is becoming more and more difficult to justify to the club.” He also says “We bought a Contour Deck …. which just gives us flexibility in heavy spring growth. We can send a guy out there just to stay on top of those things…” Steve and his team have found the wide footprint of the Ventrac, compared to a dedicated machine, invaluable on some of the steeper areas of the course. The Ventrac has a 30 degree slope capability and low ground pressure.
