Local JD dealership held a Gator Demo day at the local motocross track ten days ago. I was allowed to drive the new RSX, and various XUV models. The RSX is fun and fast but has more vibration and noise and less utility than I need. The XUV 855D was a bit too sluggish for my tastes, and was also a bit louder than the 825i. So I ended up liking the 825i with power steering, IMO the best of the JD line. A friend has recently taken delivery on a Polaris 900 Ranger 2013 model, and is less than delighted with the vibration and creaking in that chassis. The 800 Polaris might be a better choice until they get the new 900 perfected. For me however, the Polaris and others suffer from an over-restrictive entry and exit to the seats. Even if you leave the protective nets at home, the distance between the dash and steering wheel and the bar along the seat, is too close and really slows you down, getting out especially. I know it is for safety and is a good feature, but I am leaning away from anything that will eventually become a problem as people get older and their mobility gets lower.
So I am pretty much set on a JD 825i. I have one at my house on-loan from the dealership which has 22 hours on it, and they are searching for a unit that has the right stuff on it. There are no 2013 models available yet, and they cannot be ordered yet, and they are no longer building 2012 models, so you have to dealer locate what you want at this point. On a bright note, there are massive incentives to dealers to move remaining 2012 inventory, something like $1800 on an XUV. My dealer is presently quoting me a price that is 22% off JD list price, which would make it the best JD deal I have ever made (comparing to four tractor deals).
To each his own, and i will not spend time convincing anyone that one brand is better than others, etc. Just saying "John Deere doesn't build any crap" and I expect the Gator to last a long time. Everything I look at certainly reinforces this confidence.
825 features that convinced me, in random order:
3-cyl 12-valve DOHC FI Engine design certainly smoother than any other I have heard run or operated.
JD reputation of quality and my personal experience with them.
Easier than others' access into and out of seating area.
Smooth ride & rattle-free chassis, no rattles from engine vibe nor from terrain flexing (22 hrs on this machine).
Comfort in seats, ergonomics in cab, nice quality in switches and controls, not built like a toy.
Capacity for load and haul is higher than Polaris, and is still sporty enough to meet the play mission.
Quiet enough to talk while driving, even without a windshield.
Good value for the price, compared to others, especially with current incentives.
USA built, with internationally source components of course.
Longest warrantee, twice as long as most brand such as Polaris', equal to Honda.
Enough options availble to make it somewhat personalized to better meet our mission, and add some fun.
