Gator 855D

[kwbretired]

Wow, thanks for all the input.

I was thinking about the same thing about an enclosed cab being hot without air conditioning. I would for sure go with the glass windshield. I will test drive both the 825i & the 855d before I buy. Do the dealers get upset if you put them to a real test ride when comparing?

I haven't looked at anything but the John Deere Gator & the Kabota 900 & 1100 RTV. I didn't like the Kabota due to weight & turning radius. I will be using whatever I buy on 175 acres in Arkansas which is mostly woods & ridges. It is located on a gravel road so the wife & I can go riding around on the gravel road without having to worry about traffic. But I will also be using it for work around the place - repair fencing - tending a few cows - hailing fire wood etc.

 

[cre10]

Wow, thanks for all the input.

I was thinking about the same thing about an enclosed cab being hot without air conditioning. I would for sure go with the glass windshield. I will test drive both the 825i & the 855d before I buy. Do the dealers get upset if you put them to a real test ride when comparing?

I haven't looked at anything but the John Deere Gator & the Kabota 900 & 1100 RTV. I didn't like the Kabota due to weight & turning radius. I will be using whatever I buy on 175 acres in Arkansas which is mostly woods & ridges. It is located on a gravel road so the wife & I can go riding around on the gravel road without having to worry about traffic. But I will also be using it for work around the place - repair fencing - tending a few cows - hailing fire wood etc.

Everyone told me if you go cabless then to get front glass and back glass. They said just front glass will suck in dust from the rear.

I just bought a Kubota 1100C and although not fast, I romped it all across the dealership up and down their terraces all through the grass and gravel. If they don't like my driving then they don't want my $20,000 for the machine.

 

[jimgerken]

My local Deere dealership holds "deere Days" once a year, at a local moto cross track. They bring one of everything. You can sit in a 40000 lb excavator and dig a 10 foot hole in the ground if you want. Or ride a Gator around the mini-moto track (for kids, pretty mild), where there are jumps and mudholes, etc. Last year my wife mowed with two different zero turns. Neither fit our budget after all, but it was a great day. They served us soda and BBQ, and cookies. Two years ago we came home with free Gator T shirts too. I am in southern MN. the dealers are owned by SEMA.

 

[kwbretired]

I'll have to check with the local dealers to see if they put on the same type of event for test riding. If you order a machine, how long does it take to be delivered to the dealership? Is the 855d built heavier than the 825i, I tend to be a little rough on equipment at times. One other thing I was curious about is how well do they handle mud.

 

[RoyJackson]

Is the 855d built heavier than the 825i, I tend to be a little rough on equipment at times. One other thing I was curious about is how well do they handle mud.

The 855D and 825i share the same chassis, so the robustness of the frame is the same.
As far as mud....that depends on the tires. Reckon you will want the winch option. The winch can be installed in front or back, by the way. And you can move it to either end when necessary.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I'll have to check with the local dealers to see if they put on the same type of event for test riding. If you order a machine, how long does it take to be delivered to the dealership? Is the 855d built heavier than the 825i, I tend to be a little rough on equipment at times. One other thing I was curious about is how well do they handle mud.

Both will handle mud but if mudding is going to be your primary recreation driving you want to stick with the gas engine....you will build a lot more wheel speed with the gas engine and it will better clear the tires. That said when you go "too far" you'll know because the floor boards will be "floating" your Gator.....don't ask me how I know this :laughing: That's when the winch Roy is recommending is the bee's knees.:thumbsup:

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

Great UTV - I have had mine for several years and use it to plow snow, haul firewood, etc.
My only main complaint is the placement of the oil filter- It is tucked up and inside the back of the engine and can only be reached with one hand. Very hard to get a filter wrench onto it as well. Not sure if the dealers have a special tool to reach it, but I have had the devil's time changing it. Mike

 

[jcummins]

Great UTV - I have had mine for several years and use it to plow snow, haul firewood, etc.
My only main complaint is the placement of the oil filter- It is tucked up and inside the back of the engine and can only be reached with one hand. Very hard to get a filter wrench onto it as well. Not sure if the dealers have a special tool to reach it, but I have had the devil's time changing it. Mike

...Yep!

 

[kwbretired]

Thanks for the responses.

As far as the mud, I won't be doing a hole lot of that just once in a while as needed.

Mike, you bring up a good point on the oil filter. Is that on a gas model or a diesel? How about draining the oil & refilling? How hard is it to get to the carburetor in case it has to be pulled & cleaned?

A couple more questions, is the bed liner necessary & is a better idea to install LED work lights yourself or just buy the lights from John Deere & have them install them?

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

The oil filter is on the 855d which is the diesel model. It is easy to drain the oil and refill it. The filter is the only real problem. I would also get power steering if it is available . In tight spots you have to muscle it a bit to turn around.