Concerns about buying a used JD Gator XUV 620i

[Tim13]

I found a good looking 2007 Gator for sale and am very interested but also a little hesitant. I talked with the dealer today. He said the previous owner was an older man that just drove around, never really used it for hauling or carrying anything and usually left the engine running which ran the meter up to 1300. From the photos it looks great. The seats have been replaced. So, when I go check it out, what (if anything) can I check to see if the hours are from use or idling? And, should I be concerned about the hours?

[rockshaft]

I found a good looking 2007 Gator for sale and am very interested but also a little hesitant. I talked with the dealer today. He said the previous owner was an older man that just drove around, never really used it for hauling or carrying anything and usually left the engine running which ran the meter up to 1300. From the photos it looks great. The seats have been replaced. So, when I go check it out, what (if anything) can I check to see if the hours are from use or idling? And, should I be concerned about the hours?

Yeah, I'd look it over real close and hopefully someone who has one will chime in with what specifically to look for. I *would* be hesitant too, IME these machines often get abused (enjoyed pretty hard!). And 1300hrs is no small amount of use. I would think looking at the front joints to see what condition the boots are in. Any dings to the skid plates would indicate more aggressive use off road too. Shocks could be compared to a newer machine- but I would expect some softness comparatively.

[Agent Blue]

Kind of like the car with 200k , highway miles !!! I haven't seen too many cars off road so I assume anything with cars is driven on highways. I am surprised a little old ladie didn't use it to go to the mall.. stories, stories.
The only feature I didn't like about gators is the snowmobile drive system... unless the new ones are hydrostatic. I know they don't work well in snow. Ask the dealer about a warranty. That should show how well they back their brand.

[MrChris]

Some of the 620s were noted for getting gas in the oil. I would pull the oil dipstick. If its overfull and smells like gas you will know. This occurs most often with lots of idling rather than working the machine to proper operating temperature.

[timswi]

I found a good looking 2007 Gator for sale and am very interested but also a little hesitant. I talked with the dealer today. He said the previous owner was an older man that just drove around, never really used it for hauling or carrying anything and usually left the engine running which ran the meter up to 1300. From the photos it looks great. The seats have been replaced. So, when I go check it out, what (if anything) can I check to see if the hours are from use or idling? And, should I be concerned about the hours?

That's a ton of idling, if true...I'd be concerned about carbon buildup and general heat.

I'm trying to imagine 1300 hours of idling...I really can't...Not saying it could be true..260 avg hours per year sitting there running..Was he napping?

[jcmseven]

I would bet the man did not idle as much as suggested. My truck has 1780 hours on it and 77,000 miles so I view 1300 hours on a Gator as similar to a truck hauling loads and riding about 60,000 miles or so. The only problem is the Kawasaki engines have about a 100,000 "mile" lifespan equating to cars based on their common max hours before overhaul. These are not automotive powerplants and just do not last equivalently as long, though they are good. I would say a couple things based on my ownership of two of these machines: They have NO power. The Gator weighs about 1500#dry and these lower HP Kawasaki engines do not have enough power to operate them. Yes they will pull in low range, but many time when pulling my small utility trailer to the local creek to get rocks for my rock wall I felt as though I could get out of the machine and walk home faster when loaded. It never ceased to complete the project but there were some questionable instances. This is the only thing I would really worry about as it is directly associated with satisfaction. Also, the Gators are bulletproof. Very little ever happens to them and they give great service, so choose wisely as the machine you get will likely be one you will keep for a while.

John M

[Tim13]

Thanks for the good feedback. I'll be using it mainly as a way to get projects done in a timely manner. I have 15 acres and can't always get my truck where I need to work. Mostly will be used to haul me, my chainsaw and my supplies for the day to areas around the farm. I'll leave any hauling for my CUT.

Right now it is priced at $7295. I've seen machines with 100 hours go for $7500 and some with 1000 hours go for the similar.

[JimRB]

Is that a great price? The JD flier I got in the mail shows a XUV 825i for $10,899. I guess it is almost $4,000 less which is better than $11k.

[Tim13]

Is that a great price? The JD flier I got in the mail shows a XUV 825i for $10,899. I guess it is almost $4,000 less which is better than $11k.

Average price: $7,341 (auction) $9,080 (listed sale price)
Source: TractorHouse.com as of 4/11/12