Blue Cord Precision Grading
Blue Cord Precision Grading
We do amazing things with our incredible equipment.
You're here because you either love this kind of stuff,
or you've heard of the awesome work that we do!
We specialize in precision grading and leveling,
brush cutting and land reclamation,
Field and Meadow maintenance,
Aeration and Seeding,
among other highly specialized services.
On this channel you'll find videos pertaining to these services
and our unique capabilities that set us apart from everyone else.
You also get a close look at the precision Ventrac machines that we use
and how we perform much of our own maintenance on them.
We would ABSOLUTELY LOVE it you would subscribe to our channel,
making sure to hit that notifications button so you won't miss any
new videos! Thanks so much!
***I receive no compensation from Ventrac. I simply show you our equipment
up close for maintenance and in action getting real work done with equipment in
which I have so much faith!
Пікірлер
What kind of mower are you using?
Catherine, that is a Ventrac 4500Z with an HQ680 Tough Cut mower
Seem to have lost drive in all but one wheel, front right is all that’s spinning in low or high range. Can’t find anything in the manual. Any ideas. My dealer is closed for the long 4th weekend. Thanks Mike
Mike I have a very good idea what has happened but I won't try to text here. You can give me a call. at 484-796-1586. I do charge a consultation but talking with me will make your life a whole lot easier
Yeah, its clear this guy buys these as a collection and not practicality. Don't ever mix the two if your attempting to get something done at a reasonable price.
In point of fact I buy them because they are VERY practical from my perspective. Ventrac isn't for everyone but I give a lot of food for thought in this video based on how I use them and the return I get on the investment. How much would it cost to buy standalone equipment that would replace everything I can do with my Ventrac and attachments? That's the big question
I want to justify one of these but can't even come close. From my perspective not having operated one it appears these do well on hills but that's about it. The attachments are very very expensive and only work on these machines. If your on flat ground I just don't see the point. I really like the idea of a standard 3 point hitch that will fit many many attachments no matter the brand. Your going to be 75k into one of these machines with typical attachments that your going to need. Its the attachments that kill you.
It's true that I have a lot of money invested in these. Two Ventracs and 19 attachments is a small fortune but I look at the capabilities I have, the relative light footprint of the machine and it's a combination that my customers really love, knowing that I can do specialized work without damaging their beautiful lawn
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 Hey if you can be profitable in a specialized area then great. This machine is very specialized and when trying to justify it in a regular application it just doesn't pan out, all least that's how I see it.
@@petebusch9069 I agree in that you shouldn't buy a Rolls Royce to try and compete with guys using Camry's
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 Not sure about that and would be willing to bet if I was in the Camry and you were in the RR I would kick your butt all day long on the track. Money doesn't buy skill.
@@petebusch9069 Money doesn't buy skill, that's right. A good race car driver can still drive a regular car beyond what any average person can, but give him a race car and he's even better! In the same way a craftsman or an artist can do good work with average tools but give them a GREAT tool and their work will be unsurpassed. That's me, I'm an artist, with wood, with painting, charcoal, etc. I also sculp landscapes, mainly precision grading projects such transforming bumpy, ugly yards into something so nice that the customer is afraid to walk on it at first. It's not just bringing in new topsoil, raking it over and covering up a bumpy problem like any other equipment with a bucket. That cannot be done nearly as nicely as I can with the Ventrac and the skillful operation of the Power Rake.
even if the ventrac was worth the money , you have the problem that nothing fits it and you have to buy very expensive implements !
I don't have an issue with that. I have nearly 20 attachments for it and they do a phenomenal job
how about one "center groove/or channel" then use a screw driver or impact screw driver...when I got my machine I took the covers off and put "Anti-sieze" on all fasteners..thanks for video!
Slotted hardware is not very good. Torx is better than Allen but a hex head fastener gives great torque with little force compared to the other styles
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 I was saying to "remove"..,BUT yes I like your upgrade for sure be well sir
@@martinmoffitt4702All the new Ventracs now come with these fasteners
Awesome guy awesome job and throwing out some great knowledge
@josephworple8272 thanks, brother
Worst video ever!
With the right tech, it's actually enjoyable to look around wherever you want but it's not for everyone. I have a lot of other brush cutting videos that are edited and I hope that you enjoy those
Man, that looks like you were having fun! I was impressed with setting a couple of logs out to lay that tree down on and will tuck that trick away in case I need it in the future. I wondered how you were going to get those trees down without damaging the turf. I spent the day on my Ventrac mowing and also transporting/spreading 4+ yards of topsoil around creation. This makes me want to get back out there 😆
It's even more fun when a customer realizes you're worth more because you do a better job. Too many are looking for cheap but there are still some that are willing to pay for quality
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 Absolutely. I am glad there are still some fantastic customers out there who are willing to pay to get a job done right!
@@carlinatkinson5288 Unfortunately this poor economy is dwindling the number of these good customers
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 Yes, sad but true. Hopefully things will turn around before too long.
Great job and video Bradley
Thanks!
Bradley, have done a very similar job here with giant black and red oak; but no chipper. Had to grapple carry the logs about an eight mile uphill into the wooks. I would suggest a round with the aerovater when the ground dries a bit.
My customer is aware of all the great stuff that I offer! The last tree crew that was in there left a LOT of ruts in his yard and he want's me to fix them!
Looking good. I was wondering if lift arms on ventrac ever bend or are they plenty strong. Thanks
The won't bend. It would take more than even the full weight of the tractor to bend those things
I noticed my tough cut leaves a strip of uncut grass when I’m mowing slopes. Any idea what it could be? The tractor doesn’t bog down, my main drive belt isn’t slipping, and my blades are in good condition. It seems like it happens to both sides of the deck, but usually the downhill side
Hmmm...I really don't know without seeing the deck and the conditions that caused this
Wow! Your looking very healthy and spry since a year ago. Hope all is well with your health!
Thanks but it's not great. At least I'm still vertical. I rarely even feel like recording video anymore but when I do, I'm having a pretty good day
hi handsome, beautiful video, ending musical is beautiful. ❤ God bless you. please don't forget to invest in crypto, XRP,XDC,XLM.
thanks
what if it shuts down after you release the brake and now won't move
Reset the park brake and start the engine. The point of the test is that the tractor will not move either in hi or low range if the engine is stopped. The only thing that can cause a runaway would be the transfer case selector is in neutral. Do not attempt to switch the transfer case on a slope
Brenna's going to learn quickly how good her life is about to be, and what a great family she's in. In return you won't need to fill the propane tank for winter anymore. Just call up requisite # of Elkies for whatever warmth level is required!
We have a few extra BTUs here :)
Love your puppy
That's why I like you
Did the gun help you get out of the mud?
Dan, you and I clearly have very different backgrounds. You've made numerous comments about my sidearm which you clearly have a problem with. The fact that you call it a "gun" indicates that you have little to no experience or training with them. I would love to hear what your background is and why you have such a disdain for firearms. I'm assuming that you live in a free country. If you live in the US like I do then you should know that it is the greatest, most equitable, most generous country that has ever existed in all of world history. That kind of freedom isn't free and comes at a high cost and people like me have helped pay for it. There are some really bad people that want to hurt good people. I made an oath to this great nation and that oath is a lifelong commitment
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 this is where the problem lies. Thinking that the US is the greatest country in the world is the exact problem. The perception, or reality that you require a gun to be free and safe is the problem at the core of your society.
@@danbskyguy says the guy who won't even say what country he's from. If you don't like my videos, why do you watch them? I have worked with other soldiers in nearly EVERY NATO and allied country, probably yours as well, and they all love America. It's generally the civilians who've never served that have a dislike for the US
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 I enjoy your videos because I like Ventrac content. I also support robust debate about topics, such as guns. I’m in NZ and have no issue with the military. It is a necessary requirement. What I do have an issue with is civilians being armed in public. That is completely unnecessary and creates further problems to an already fragile system, no matter where in the world you are. I enjoy visiting the US and travel there frequently, but there are serious societal issues at it’s core. More so that many other places in the world. The fact that you feel the “need” to be able to defend yourself with deadly force to be “free” is shocking, which makes the whole foundation of the country very shaky. How a group of citizens could vote someone like Trump in displays a complete disregard for reality.
@@danbskyguy I think we can actually agree on a few things. I agree there is a problem but what politicians and the media tend to label as "gun violence" is simply violence. It's not the gun, it's the person committing the crime and most gun violence is gang related. Evil cannot be regulated nor eliminated by laws alone. What is to stop a would be criminal from orchestrating violence on others? The law? The police? A prison sentence if they get caught and sentenced? No, that's not enough. I have a lot of respect for the police and their level of training and proficiency but criminal know that they have time to do what they wish before the cops ever get there. Then there are former miliary like me who are far more highly trained and capable. I've lost one cousin (a retired Air Force fighter pilot and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross) and two close friends in Northern Maine to homicide. My cousin was murdered in his rural back yard by a career criminal and my friends Mike and Heidi were shot by a home invader then their house set on fire. Heidi was still alive after being shot and died from severe burns and smoke inhalation. Bad things happen to good people. I refuse to be a victim and my background demands that I'm always ready
A shovel
I've only gotten the Ventrac stuck 3 times, twice on the same job in a muddy sheep pasture and once during the Spring Thaw in Northern Maine
That's a ton of mud. I know the duals give you the best advantages all around but have you ever thought about using just the Ventrac wider stance spacers when you are not in such extreme conditions?
The dual wheel kit does a lot more for me that excelling in extreme conditions. For grading, I prefer the duals for the extra stability across terrain and the nice appearance the tread leaves on the final grade
A shovel
Where did you get the Blade pully with the grease fitting on the center shaft? I have to get under mine to grease it.
Mike, I'm not sure what you're asking. Adjust the cut height to the lowest setting to get the most clearance to access the fittings
Would a high density foam ring between the wheels keep the mud out?
Possibly. For years I have been thinking of ways to mitigate this issue
Hello do You have link for that item and thanks for sharing
Here you go...dualwheeltool.com/
Thanks! I’ve never run duals on mine.
I keep them on most of the time
Awesome, my 4500 y seems to have a fuel leak. So, I’ll be exposing tank too. It seems the tank cover seams should be designed so that debris, rain, mud do not have ability to enter along the top outer edge. If the top folded over the outside wall it would be a much nicer seam is seems to me. Not to mention less sharp when getting on and off machine at angles. Thinking it may be the tank has worn through on the bottom as I seem to have fuel endlessly coating the rear fender/ mud flap below tail light. Going to tear into that today since the PTO clutch just blew and I’ll be waiting for parts for what usually is 10-14 days out here in Ca. I’ve consistently tried to work with Turf Star and Ventrac to reduce that time, but they have a difficult time sending me parts from Ventrac to me directly. They love sending to Sacramento to dealer first then dealer sending to me in Santa Rosa. Hoping that we can improve the system to make more customers happy and be better than competition and increase Ventrac use out here in the west! I know Avant tractors are trying VERY HARD TO CONVERT ME FROM VENTRAC. Even though I just ordered a new stump grinder, 72” side discharge finish deck and the soil cultivator … we shall see how this PTO. CLUTCH replacement goes. Bradley have you Done one Of those repairs before? If so [email protected] is my direct email love some pointers if you have any. Thank you, Warmly Aragorn
Aragorn, yes, I have replaced an Ogura PTO before in my old 4200. It's not hard but need to take a few things apart to access it. Probably better over a phone call
@bernardmccann7676 Leave ya gun in the cabinet This was a comment in one of your previous video’s , and you said You could do video’s on questions but that one was 1 yr ago so I posted It in this one so I could get you to see it. This is my comment below. I am starting a stump grinding business with the purchase of my own 4520Z. I am very interested in this due to the fact that I live outside of Memphis TN area and may have jobs in the city. I am very concerned for my and others safety especially the influx of Illegal's into the country. I am a retired 20 yr Navy Veteran. Im thinking of the Conceal carry though. Wondering how the hole cutter does when getting on and off the tractor. I would hope you could do a full video on this subject if you can? and remember dont say the G*n word it will get demonetized by KZread. If you have already made a video on this subject can you point me to it. Thanks for the great content.
I never use the G word as it is forbidden in the Army :) I replied to your other comment and am not sure exactly what you're asking about the cutter and getting on and off the tractor...
@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 yeah hole puncher and cutter mean just another way of saying the G word I was hoping you could make a video of some of reasons why you carry if you maybe had some incidences where it prevented an incident because you were protected
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 I was asking if you could make a video on how it is maybe more difficult or not so difficult carrying while you're working on and off the ventrac
@@wdckellogg Ah, ok. I don't really have much difficulty with the paddle holster getting in the way, however, my backup ankle holster can get bumped. It all comes down to feeling comfortable with how you carry and what you can do regarding every day activities whether it's a hindrance or not
Thank you for the comment you have a very informative Channel
Hi from Donald ,I was considering small compact tractor with front end loader and claw, belly mower, Okay cash wise i be getting really close to Ventrac in Cost, but one thing Ventrac out do is 6 wheels - all wheel drive thats big difference in stability and not tearing up grass and area, but what like too see is small back- hoe attachment on it. My thought it will work with it one lever at time, comment back on this to me.
Ventrac tried this years ago and felt that their prototype didn't perform well enough to market but some guys have fitted backhoes to fit their machine
Thank you for the tip about how to fix the blocked grease fitting! I have this terrible squeak when turning my 4500P. I suspect it’s the central pivot, because it’s the only fitting I haven’t been able to get grease in. Now I have a path forward!
I'm glad my videos are helping
After doing a complete hydraulic oil change how much hydraulic oil does it take to fill it back to full for operations again?
I believe the front is 3 gallons and the rear is 1 gallon
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 thanks, I don't know why I can not find that information anywhere
@@medlinlandmaintenancellc I'm not sure if it's in the manual but that's what I remember for the 4500. I'm not sure about the 4520
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 thank you, hope all is well with you!
@@medlinlandmaintenancellc I'm slowing way down...
Our backyard is mildly sloped and we have a bunch of deep holes up to 4ft deep from tree removals over the years. What is the best way to fill the holes and at the same time level out the land? We want to get the work done so the kids can play safely and to set up an above ground pool. Would appreciate any input you have. Thank you.
I actually provide professional consultations for projects like this and have provided great advice for people all over the world. It's much better to be able to have a conversation where I can answer all of your questions in real time
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 wouldn't mind a phone consult, is there a fee? I'm on a tight budget 😔
You can get in touch with me and we can set something up if you'd like...www.bluecordpropertycare.com/contactus.php
Enjoyed the video and the comedy!! :D Glad you got it figured out! I had a similar issue with my fuel system and finally was able to resolve it by draining my tank and flushing it out. The fuel line is on the bottom of the tank on my older Ventrac and there was some debris that would occasionally float over the fuel line inlet. Crazy.
My 4200 had a fuel issue many years ago when I was still in Northern Maine. I didn't get any video but I did get a few photos. I completely removed the fuel tank, cleaned it out and the fuel line but that wasn't the problem. That's actually when I relocated the fuel pump to the lowest point in the tunnel. It used to be near the engine. After talking with Ventrac about it, the relocated the fuel pump to the tunnel in the 4500! I wound up taking the entire coolant system out, radiator and all, then the carb to get to the fuel shutoff solenoid which had shorted out!
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 Wow, sounds like you had your entire tractor in pieces! I bet that was a fun project though!
@@carlinatkinson5288 super fun on the stone floor of my old barn haha!
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 Oof! Maybe not so fun in that case 😂
Did the gun help you make the repair and keep you safe from the fuel tank in your closed garage?
Dan, we clearly have very different backgrounds. Would you harass an off duty cop for wearing his sidearm? No way. What about a former Tier 3 Operator? I was never a cop, but I was the latter in my former life and I've seen a lot of bad stuff. I never take it off
Much respect for your service! I always laugh at gun Guys who never have it on them! You’re one of very few who have it and never don’t! That is the only way a gun Works for you, if it’s at easy reach ALWAYS! It’s part of you, and I love that! I’ve studied martial arts For nearly two decades and my knives are like your side arm, always there! Yet, I may be the guy with a knife in a gun fight, in fact I have been that guy 2 times now. Yet, I’m here now and that is all that matters. Much respect Bradley !
Well happy you resolved that issue relatively quickly.
Ventrac was very responsive in helping with some suggestions Cancel Reply
BTW Bradley, the pic you are using for this video shows the boom arm mower in a reversed image. The sickle bar should be on the right side. Or is that something different?
just a stock photo for attention
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
thanks
Glad to see you were able to get some answers on what the problem was and got it back up and running to 100%! 👍
Yeah, they were very proactive in giving me suggestions
Fine video thanks for sharing
Thanks!
Great video Bradley. The comedic editing is always fun to watch
I try to make it as fun as I can. I'm actually way more fun in person though
Bradley, I and some others, experienced this on the 4500Z. I used a bore scope to search the emptied fuel tank to see if I could find some debris. Having failed to find such, I removed the fuel line from the tank side of the filter and blew the line back into tank. Still not able to see whatever the debris was. This happened three times over a year or two. The fuel tank would be near full, but the filter empty. Same searches and same results and same remedy. Finally, I did what you did and removed the tank and flushed it over a screen. Voila! A dime sized round disc of soft and clear silicone had been floating at probable neutral bouyancy and occasionally getting pulled against the fuel line entry in the tank, The little stuff is handled in the fuel filter and tossed with replacements, but the bigger stuff is trouble. Similar symptom another time when fuel pump crapped-out. Easy replacement with common aftermarket pump from NAPA, and a spare in my trappings kit, Thnk you for your video work! Rooster
I had the ENTIRE fuel system out of my 4200, including removing and cleaning the tank, years ago trying to find a similar issue. It turned out to be the fuel shut off solenoid that had shorted which required removing the radiator and cooling system to get to it in addition to the carburetor.
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 That is life with compact equipment. Its crowded in there! Step number one in doing the most basic service with my Gold Wing is "Disassemble motorcycle".
Hi I am looking for those extended foot pedals where did you get them ??
They're the old foot pedal for the 4500. I'm sure some dealers still have them
I have the 4500 I will have to call around thx
How much can you charge for this type of work do you charge by the acre or the length of the grass if anyone can give me a general idea it would be helpful
James, I also offer professional consultations to help business owners, or those thinking about starting a business, to get the most out of their investment
Right now I’m trying to decide between a ventrac and a small Kubota for my little homestead. I could justify the cost if I started a small side business but I have a friend that does that and I don’t want to step on his toes.
The Ventrac is way more capable than a conventional tractor by a longshot
Where did yo get the slope gauge and bracket from?
Gendron's sells them
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks!
Super cool video, Bradley! Enjoyed the 360 view. First time I've seen a 360 degree video from the seat of a Ventrac :D
Glad you like it! Some people hate it
@@bluecordprecisiongrading2504 Always worth trying something new :D
The 360 mode just replays video in one direction off into space when using a browser and I refuse to play the video in the KZread app just to be bombarded with advertisements.
When using a browser you can actually change the direction manually and look wherever you want. As far as the ads, as annoying as commercials can be, they generate income for video creators like myself. Since I have a KZread premium account, no commercials will play on any video that I watch
not so sure on the 360 angles, like trying to watch 3D without the glasses, i tried watch from 420s speed fight up to 4k the only no blurry shots were when you were under the trees and you use the 360 it was only as things were close that they were in focus. Sorry gave up watching after 5 minutes.
You need to watch in 4K for best clarity. I know this type of video isn't for everyone, but a lot of people like to be able to look around at things that otherwise would be hidden
Hi Bradley! Is this the third time you have worked this site? Be nice if the owners would have you seed it with a rough/tough grass such as KY31. Then set your mower up a couple of inches to allow the grass to over-take the soft weeds and brambles. KY-31 likes to be cut at 4" to 5" and looks more than just decent that way. Take care!
I go there twice a year for the last several years
32 wtf
My neighbor's zero turn slipped and went careening down the 35 degree embankment. I cover the rescue in another video. Luckily he had no serious injuries!