jcmseven
Veteran Member
Lewis,
I have had both a gasoline and diesel Gator and my parents' next door neighbor in Ashe County has a Mule. He likes the Mule; I have no experience with it. As for the Gator, personally I like the diesel a lot better than the gas. It is no faster but will hold its speed well on our steep hills and when pulling up long grades. I have pulled some major loads up long hills around my place, and the diesel really outperforms here. For just driving around, it is NOT worth the extra money, unless you just like a diesel, which I do. If you are pulling or planning ever to haul heavy loads, go with the diesel. It is also a lot more fuel efficient. The Kawasaki has a nice reputation, but like you, I just do not think they look as good, and also like you, my JD dealer is a champ and I wanted to support his business. One thing I will note: there has been a goodly amount of talk about the off road capability of the JD and others. I personally think that the Polaris and the Yamaha are the better "off-roaders" due to their suspension travel. The down side to the JD is that the frame is quite stiff and the suspension has limited travel. This means one has to lock the rear diff or use four wheel drive when the other two brands might not, BUT there is nothing to me that will haul a heavy load like the Gator. With nearly 700# of stuff in the back, my Gator runs like it does empty and will climb/negotiate almost anything. These machines really are meant to haul loads and are at their best when doing so.
John M
I have had both a gasoline and diesel Gator and my parents' next door neighbor in Ashe County has a Mule. He likes the Mule; I have no experience with it. As for the Gator, personally I like the diesel a lot better than the gas. It is no faster but will hold its speed well on our steep hills and when pulling up long grades. I have pulled some major loads up long hills around my place, and the diesel really outperforms here. For just driving around, it is NOT worth the extra money, unless you just like a diesel, which I do. If you are pulling or planning ever to haul heavy loads, go with the diesel. It is also a lot more fuel efficient. The Kawasaki has a nice reputation, but like you, I just do not think they look as good, and also like you, my JD dealer is a champ and I wanted to support his business. One thing I will note: there has been a goodly amount of talk about the off road capability of the JD and others. I personally think that the Polaris and the Yamaha are the better "off-roaders" due to their suspension travel. The down side to the JD is that the frame is quite stiff and the suspension has limited travel. This means one has to lock the rear diff or use four wheel drive when the other two brands might not, BUT there is nothing to me that will haul a heavy load like the Gator. With nearly 700# of stuff in the back, my Gator runs like it does empty and will climb/negotiate almost anything. These machines really are meant to haul loads and are at their best when doing so.
John M
