There was a buzz of excitement around the office when our copies of the March 2012 Landscape Contractor magazine arrived.  We were thrilled to be on the cover, right there front and center, with our Ventrac tractor and Aera-Vator in action! The feature article in this issue addresses Mowing, Aerating and Top Dressing Turf Fields and more specifically,  how to get the best value from a piece of equipment.

The Ventrac Aera-Vator

Many landscape contractors are discovering the value of using Ventrac in their business. They find they can offer new and specialized services to reach more customers with the wide variety of attachments available with a Ventrac.  The Aera-Vator featured on the magazine cover is the perfect example. We have customers who use their Ventrac equipment for adding aeration services to their current business offerings or they do aeration only as a full time business, and do a phenomenal job with it.  And still other landscape contractors expand their business by offering a more specific service such as stump grinding, like this Ventrac owner did. The possibilities are endless.

If you are a landscape contractor and want to learn more,  you can read how current Ventrac owners are using their equipment in many different ways.   Watch for our next blog post featuring our newest video on Why Landscape Contractors Need Ventrac.

Want to read the entire Landscape Contractor article?  You can read it here. 

Every fall the course shuts down for 5 days to perform what Apple calls “aggressive agronomic practices.”  This short window of time allows the maintenance team to take that extra step to nurture and care for the greens they have worked hard all year to maintain. They use this time to aerate, top dress and mow down native fescue grasses. Every part of the course will get taken care of from the tees, greens, bank grasses and fairways. Located on steep inclines and sloping terrain, most of the course’s native grass areas only get mowed down a couple times a year and they rely on the Ventrac Tough Cut mower deck and tractor, equipped with dual wheels, to handle the job nicely. The Ventrac Aera-Vator helps out with the aeration process on the rough while core cleanup is easy with the Turbine Blower.  It takes many machines to care for a course this size but they depend on their Ventrac tractors to make the process run like a well-oiled machine.

Watch the video for the full story and see why Ventrac is such an important piece to the puzzle of golf course maintenance. No matter how perfect a golf course, the team at the Pete Dye Course at French Lick always strive for a better one.  Great work guys!

The Weight Transfer System can be used in several different ways, depending on the front attachment being used.  Its most important benefit is found when mowing steep slopes.  In fact, use of the Weight Transfer System is KEY to the outstanding ability of Ventrac to operate safely on slopes.  On slopes, it provides the tractor with increased traction, increased braking, and increased resistance to slipping sideways.  It can also be used to minimize the down force on scraping edges such as blades and snow blowers to reduce the tendency to scratch paved surfaces or gouge gravel driveways.  In a similar fashion, it can be used to minimize the wheel contact forces on a Blower to minimize potential turf damage.  Finally, it can be used to increase the lift capacity of the hitch when using the Slip Scoop or Excavator.

All of these situations are illustrated in the new video.  Take a look now:

An additional entry has caught my attention, as he appears to be our oldest entry to date. (Although, old is not the term he chooses to embrace.) Charles “Chick” Bittner is an amazing 96 years of age and he uses his Ventrac weekly, if not daily. Chick displays a “young at heart” attitude and gets tons of enjoyment from his Ventrac.  Charles “Chick” Bittner, along with his long-time friend, Scott Shookman recently visited the Ventrac manufacturing plant where, as Scott says, “Charles couldn’t sleep last night from 3 am on as he was that excited to finally meet Ryan and tour the plant from engineering to final assembly.”

The video below follows Quinten, our youngest fan,  during a typical day in his life and how he LOVES Ventrac, or “Entrac” as Quinten says!

Here is Chick’s amazing story:

If you own a Ventrac and you think you are a bigger fan of Ventrac than Quinten or Chick, post your own video response here for your chance to win a model Ventrac like Quin’s.   Or go to  http://my.ventrac.com/submit.php and fill out the Top Fan Story Submission.  Entries must be received by 4/30/2012. See more competition details at: http://ventrac.com/topfan.

Entries are starting to come in, so don’t miss your chance to win this!

[Show as slideshow]

Vincent Giumenti started VG Lawn Service three years ago at the age of seven.  Vincent is now 10 years old and has turned his passion for mowing lawns into a business he loves.  Although Vincent’s father acts as an on-sight supervisor, Vincent takes care of all the physical aspects of mowing, cleanup and care of the lawns he is contracted to maintain.   Vincent’s father said Vincent was attracted to mowers at the very young age of two.  Vincent would sit on the front steps and watch as his father mowed the lawn.   After his father was done,  his chance came to push the mower back and forth on the sidewalk, which was shut-off, of course.  When Vincent grew older, his father’s gently used White mower helped start the business.

Over the years, Vincent made several upgrades to his lawn mowing equipment and would like to add snow removal services to his business.  The first time Vincent saw a Ventrac, he knew that he wanted one… he was hooked.  Vincent dreams of having a Ventrac…or two…. in his future business plans.    Even at 10 years old, his eye for quality and appreciation for equipment is striking.    He displays a remarkable knowledge of how Ventrac tractors operate.  Vincent even has memorized the model numbers for all the Ventrac attachments!

Before his visit to tour the Ventrac factory, Vincent said, “Last night I could barely get any sleep, because I wanted to come here so bad.”    It was a pleasure to meet Vincent and his parents and we were happy to show them how Ventrac tractors are manufactured.

Watch our interview with this young business owner and be inspired by his story and dreams.

Keep up the great work Vincent!   You will go far!

Three years ago, Ventrac purchased its first Cincinnati press brake and has now made room for the arrival of a second press.  This state of the art, Maxform  90MX8 press will help Ventrac make many advances in the metal fabrication department.

Weeks of prior preparation were required as plans were set in place to bring this new piece into the shop.  The new press arrived, taking the place of an older Amada model, which needed removed in the process.  Out with the old, in with the new!  With the crane ready, forklifts engaged and manpower in place, the new press was set in place to begin its job.

Ventrac is always searching for ways to improve lean manufacturing.   With the many advanced elements and multiple automation features, the new press will reform how many operations are done.  The precision accuracy, high speeds and quick tool setup will allow Ventrac to meet the higher demands of production.

More complex parts can be created in shorter periods of time.  The graphic screen visually displays each step required for the operator while the press automatically clamps and self seats.   The new press will allow for one-piece items to be quickly fabricated for the R & D department and offline programming will help technicians keep ahead of production.

Ventrac chose the Cincinnati press, not only for its capabilities, but because they are manufactured here in Ohio, and supporting local and US companies is something we continue to aim for.

Ventrac is committed to producing high quality tractors and attachments and we are excited to add this new technologically advanced tool  for creating the best parts possible in our manufacturing.

Visit www.ventrac.com for more information on our compact tractors and attachments.

What started as a general farm and hardware store in Hartville, Ohio, has evolved into a remarkable destination shopping spot.  After 39 years of serving the community, Hartville Hardware is still taking care of customers the way the family owned and operated business has always done.  As a “complete home center” they are all about customers and being responsive to what they want and need.  They are not a “Big Box” store chain. You can expect a friendly smile, helpful service and no sales pressure.  And if they don’t have something you need, they will find it for you.

Ventrac Adds Diversity 

Hartville Hardware recently expanded their outdoor power equipment center by adding Ventrac to their lineup.  They felt Ventrac could provide customers with a diverse tractor with the 30 commercial grade attachments available.   The range of capabilities that Ventrac offers will add a heightened dimension of flexibility to end-users who require a tractor that does much more than mow grass.  It will solve many challenges for customers – the ability to maneuver on 30 degree slopes, remove snow quickly, mow tall grass or saplings, trench, grind stumps and more. Ventrac will be on sale alongside their current John Deere, Stihl, Honda and MTD lines.

Jerry Miller and Zach Coblentz of Hartville Hardware's Power Equipment Center

Retail Superstars

Featured in the 2009 publication, “Retail Superstars,” by George Whalin, Hartville Hardware is one of the author’s top 25 independent stores in America.   In his book, the author steps inside his favorite top stores to uncover their secrets to success in the retail industry.  Much of the hardware’s success lies in their customer service excellence.  Maintaining that customer service with a friendly, knowledgeable staff is a top focus and customers get the specialty attention they need – before, during and after the sale.

Parts and Service

A skilled staff is on hand for parts, service and repair on everything they sell and even equipment they don’t sell.  Not only do their services include mower repair and blade sharpening, they also include chain saw sharpening and repairs and service on hand-held outdoor power tools.  The hardware also carries over 1,800 items in their extensive parts department for many makes and models, including hard-to-find specialty parts.

A Shopping Experience

Hartville Hardware is an unforgettable shopping experience.  Set apart from the competition, their staff and first-rate service, along with the unique atmosphere make the store a rare find.  It is like shopping multiple stores under one roof.  You can find everything for the home, yard or shop.  From garden and outdoor living, home décor, hardware, housewares, appliances and clothing to outdoor power equipment, complete kitchens, tools and building supplies.  A rental center is also handy for items needed to complete a home project or put on a super party or event.

State of the Art Expansion

Scheduled to open the first quarter of 2012, is Hartville Hardware’s new two level, state-of-the-art 245,000 square foot building featuring a drive thru lumber building.  The move will be an exciting venture and they look forward to serving future generations built on the same customer service that was started years ago.

Visit Hartville Hardware yourself and find out why their family values, deep-rooted history and faith make the difference.  The store is located at 940 W. Maple St. in Hartville, Ohio.  Shopping hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm.  They are closed Sunday.  They can also be found online at www.hartvillehardware.com.

To find a Ventrac dealer closest to you, visit www.ventrac.com/locator. 

Since 1999, Ventrac has explored and grown in the world of exports. Expanding worldwide to locations in Europe, Asia, Canada, Africa,  South America and the UK, Ventrac has proven that exports can be an important and stable part of business.  With tools available through the Small Business Administration, Ventrac is able to better understand how to choose the strongest candidates to partner with abroad.

Export Video Contest

Ventrac recently entered a video contest sponsored by the SBA and Visa.  Video entries are to inform other small businesses of the advantages of exporting and to highlight their personal success stories.  The entries are also to increase awareness of the government assistance available from the SBA and to explain how exports have successfully grown or maintained a healthy business.

Our video entry features Dallas Steiner, President and CEO of Ventrac, and describes how Ventrac’s export market has helped create a secure and profitable company.  Strong exports helped Ventrac weather the recession and  the world of international sales continues to grow today.

Sweden’s 1000^th Tractor Sold

Ventrac’s export division continues to expand with many success stories along the way.  One distributor across the seas , LAPAB of Sweden, has done a phenomenal job with Ventrac.  It is exciting to see how they have grown with Ventrac.  LAPAB specializes in the Ventrac 3000 series tractors and distribute quite a few.  Just how many?   Well…in April, 2011, LAPAB helped deliver the 1000^th tractor to a very happy and satisfied customer.  Anders Pettersson and Peter Karlsson from LAPAB, along with Parkmaskiner (one of LAPAB’s dealers) made the delivery to FaBo Falkenbergs Bostader.  This new unit is one of ten Ventrac machines this customer owns!

The 1000th Ventrac Tractor Sold In Sweden

Ventrac knows that exports can provide stability to any growing business.   For more information about Ventrac tractors and where to find, visit www.ventrac.com.

We would like to welcome our newest International Distributor to the Ventrac family, Asia Turfquip Supplies, in Singapore.  ATS is a diversified company that provides quality turf products and the latest innovations in turf management practices.   Their locations  serve Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia and they are a key industry player, serving golf courses, public parks, recreation facilities and water management.    Having just received their first shipment of Ventrac equipment as a new distributor, they were aimed and ready to focus on training and operation.

Ventrac President, Dallas Steiner,  recently flew to Asia Turfquip Supplies to conduct equipment training and demonstrations on golf courses throughout Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.  The first trip was to Juara-Juara KGPA golf course.  Dallas instructed staff from ATS, as well as golf course staff, on the safe operations of Ventrac and several potential customers were also on hand to run the equipment as well.   They took to the hills of the course to test out the abilities of Ventrac with the MJ contour deck and MR reel mower.

The next day was focused at the Palm Garden Golf Course.  Personnel from the course and ATS staff were on hand to learn what Ventrac could do on some of the 30 degree slopes.   It was an impressive demonstration of Ventrac’s slope mowing in action.  The next couple days were filled with demos on the Nilai Spring Golf Club and Laguna National.   Both courses boasted some 25 -30 degree slopes where Ventrac blew away any question of its ability to perform on the hills.   Those in attendance displayed their excitement about the performance of Ventrac with an all thumbs-up review.

Watch video from all 4 courses to get a feel for what kind of terrain they deal with and just how well Ventrac can stick to those slopes.

Ventrac is pleased to have partnered with Asia Turfquip Supplies.   Welcome to the Ventrac family!

Enjoy the slideshow of scenes from the golf courses and beautiful shots of the city of Malaysia.

Retired NFL Super Bowl Champ Jeff Hostetler Loves His Ventrac

To be a professional athlete, it takes hard work and dedication.  It takes toughness and durability to reach peak performance.  Preparation requires research and study to stay on top of the game.   Former New York Giants Super Bowl XXV Quarterback, Jeff Hostetler, knows all about what it takes.   We recently spoke with Jeff at his home, where he talked with us about his professional career and how he maintains his home and property with a Ventrac tractor.

Owning and maintaining a sloping hillside property in West Virginia can be quite a challenge for many homeowners.   But for Jeff Hostetler, things got a whole lot easier when he found Ventrac.   His home in Morgantown sits elevated atop a 40 acre property of rolling hillsides and a steep landscape that looks almost impossible to maintain.  The panoramic view is striking, but one might wonder how he tends to such an extreme incline.   Jeff found Ventrac to be the professional equipment that was vital for his property needs.

When Jeff  first spotted a Ventrac, it was at a nearby dealer.  What caught his attention was the tractor sitting on a hillside…wondering how it got there.   Wanting more information on this unique find, Jeff contacted the dealer for a demonstration to see what it could do on his steep property.   And as they say, the rest is history.  Jeff fell in love with the Ventrac, not only for how well it performed and handled on the slopes, but how well it was built.  It did everything he needed it to do and more.   Today, his Ventrac is still performing like the first day he got it.

Jeff uses his Ventrac to mow steep inclines around his home and horse barn as well as many other areas around his property.   He finds the leaf blower saves him days of work in the fall, clearing leaves, and the Power Rake keeps the horse riding arena free of grass and weeds.    Jeff also puts the Power Rake to good use when preparing seed beds on some of the construction projects for his Hoss Foundation.

Jeff sees many similarities in what it takes to be a professional athlete and what goes in to a  professional piece of equipment like Ventrac.   Hear what Jeff has to say in his own words about what Ventrac means for him.   More video on slope mowing can be found on the Ventrac YouTube Channel.