Have been looking at the 3223D to replace a recently sold JD 2210 tractor with 62" mower and FEL. Primary use will be to mow, move snow and assist in landscaping project on a 1 acre residential property. Was also considering the 4000 series units even though they are definitely more than I need. Truthfully, the 3223D is more than I need, but I like my tractors!
I am looking at the following attachments/accessories:
60" mower
48" slip scoop
either a 60" blade or the V-blade for snow
possibly a blower or rotary broom unit
ROPS/knobby tires
I have settled on a dealer who has been very good and fair to me. They are a short drive from the Ventrac factory and are very knowledgeable on Ventracs (and Steiners). A big plus is the fact they had a 3100 and 3223D in stock. Too many dealers don't stock the unit, which is a shame in my opinion. In fairness, most said they could get one within a couple days.
I like the maneuverability and visibility of the 3223D unit, but was having a little doubt after hearing some dealers relate it was not a very popular unit. I realize the 3000 series was likely intended to fill a slightly different primary role (in a different part of the world perhaps), but in my opinion there is significant overlap in the functionality between the 3000/4000 series with the obvious edge going to the 4000 series for heavier duty use and loader/trencher use with the 3000 series shining in tighter quarters.
I'll admit my confidence in the 3000 series was almost undermined by the trouble I had trying to find video footage of the 3000 series plowing serious snow. Most Ventrac videos show a single snippet of a 3000 series unit plowing maybe 1-2" inches of snow with a v-blade while the 4000 series is shown moving all kinds of snow. I finally found a short snippet on a overseas website of the a 3000 unit plowing some serious snow. Before seeing that. I was wondering what the unit was really capable of.
Can 3000 series owners give me some feedback on their experiences with their units?
Any concerns plowing 6-10" of snow? I think I have reasonable expectations and certainly do not expect the performance of a 4000 series turbo diesel. Still, the 3223D seems like a pretty scrappy unit.
Any issues with ground clearance or the unit's articulating center joint? I am a little leery of the lower link's clearance, though I cannot foresee having an issue on my property.
Any performance issues with the slip scoop moving typical landscaping materials?
Any experiences with the blower or broom unit? Was hoping to use the broom for cleaner pavement than a plow on lighter snow removal applications.
I am assuming this unit has been fairly reliable as they seem to sell well overseas. It is unfortunate more people do not look at them as an alternative to traditional tractors. I loved my JD 2210, but it was too much work to switch implements back and forth, and JD is too proud of their products in some cases. The Ventrac blade puts my old JD 54" blade to shame. No comparison when it comes to build quality.
Thanks for any and all input.
I am looking at the following attachments/accessories:
60" mower
48" slip scoop
either a 60" blade or the V-blade for snow
possibly a blower or rotary broom unit
ROPS/knobby tires
I have settled on a dealer who has been very good and fair to me. They are a short drive from the Ventrac factory and are very knowledgeable on Ventracs (and Steiners). A big plus is the fact they had a 3100 and 3223D in stock. Too many dealers don't stock the unit, which is a shame in my opinion. In fairness, most said they could get one within a couple days.
I like the maneuverability and visibility of the 3223D unit, but was having a little doubt after hearing some dealers relate it was not a very popular unit. I realize the 3000 series was likely intended to fill a slightly different primary role (in a different part of the world perhaps), but in my opinion there is significant overlap in the functionality between the 3000/4000 series with the obvious edge going to the 4000 series for heavier duty use and loader/trencher use with the 3000 series shining in tighter quarters.
I'll admit my confidence in the 3000 series was almost undermined by the trouble I had trying to find video footage of the 3000 series plowing serious snow. Most Ventrac videos show a single snippet of a 3000 series unit plowing maybe 1-2" inches of snow with a v-blade while the 4000 series is shown moving all kinds of snow. I finally found a short snippet on a overseas website of the a 3000 unit plowing some serious snow. Before seeing that. I was wondering what the unit was really capable of.
Can 3000 series owners give me some feedback on their experiences with their units?
Any concerns plowing 6-10" of snow? I think I have reasonable expectations and certainly do not expect the performance of a 4000 series turbo diesel. Still, the 3223D seems like a pretty scrappy unit.
Any issues with ground clearance or the unit's articulating center joint? I am a little leery of the lower link's clearance, though I cannot foresee having an issue on my property.
Any performance issues with the slip scoop moving typical landscaping materials?
Any experiences with the blower or broom unit? Was hoping to use the broom for cleaner pavement than a plow on lighter snow removal applications.
I am assuming this unit has been fairly reliable as they seem to sell well overseas. It is unfortunate more people do not look at them as an alternative to traditional tractors. I loved my JD 2210, but it was too much work to switch implements back and forth, and JD is too proud of their products in some cases. The Ventrac blade puts my old JD 54" blade to shame. No comparison when it comes to build quality.
Thanks for any and all input.