Are the diesel Gators underpowered compared to the gas ones?

[arlen4720]

I’m probably going to get either a 835r or an 865r this spring. My preference would be a diesel, but I’m wondering if the 23hp diesel would be underpowered considering the AC.
The slower top speed of the diesel does not bother me, as long has it has adequate power to pull things and climb hills compared to the gasser.
I just feel better about a Yanmar under the hood vs a Chery.
There may not be any members with an 865 yet, but I know there are plenty of 855’s.
How is the overall usability compared to the chery powered units?

 

[Industrial Toys]

I was in Minnesota about a year ago picking up a large 3ph chipper. I looked at your location to see why you would want AC? I figured Arizona or Florida, but Minnesota?

 

[EddieWalker]

A client bought a diesel gator last year and there doesn't seem to be any power issues. It doesn't have an enclosed cab, so no AC, but otherwise, it's a very nice machine. I was surprised at how loud it is. Maybe painfully loud. I wouldn't want it just because of that, but he's older, half deaf, and didn't want to mess with having gas cans.

 

[arlen4720]

It gets pretty hot and humid for a couple months in the summer.

 

[arlen4720]

A client bought a diesel gator last year and there doesn't seem to be any power issues. It doesn't have an enclosed cab, so no AC, but otherwise, it's a very nice machine. I was surprised at how loud it is. Maybe painfully loud. I wouldn't want it just because of that, but he's older, half deaf, and didn't want to mess with having gas cans.

i’m gonna have to drive one to see how the new insulated cab quiets them down.
I’v heard the standard cab actually makes them louder!

 

[Industrial Toys]

The Diesel Mule is also loud. Especially when something starts to resonate, like the bed liner. You can live with it when working/doing a job. But when the work is done and it's time to enjoy nature, we hop on the E-Gator. I can't imagine enjoying nature inside a climate controlled pope-mobile.

 

[Topkicker]

I own a Gator XUV 855D w power steering, power dump, deluxe ROP's and glass doors. It doesn't feel under powered by any means although it's top speed is limited to 33 mph. It has good low end power and sips diesel. I checked the tank when I first got it several times to make sure the gauge was giving the correct reading. The most load I put on the machine is pulling a 66in finish mower and it handles that with ease. The amazing part to me is the quality of ride. It eats up ruts, hills, and rough terrain like a Caddilac DeVille doin 60mph on a gravel road.. Just floats along. The cab is loud w the doors on but open cab is no more loud than my friend's Polaris RZR. Been a solid workhorse for us and offers a great off road suspension set up for trail riding. Feel like we got the best of both worlds.

 

[arlen4720]

I own a Gator XUV 855D w power steering, power dump, deluxe ROP's and glass doors. It doesn't feel under powered by any means although it's top speed is limited to 33 mph. It has good low end power and sips diesel. I checked the tank when I first got it several times to make sure the gauge was giving the correct reading. The most load I put on the machine is pulling a 66in finish mower and it handles that with ease. The amazing part to me is the quality of ride. It eats up ruts, hills, and rough terrain like a Caddilac DeVille doin 60mph on a gravel road.. Just floats along. The cab is loud w the doors on but open cab is no more loud than my friend's Polaris RZR. Been a solid workhorse for us and offers a great off road suspension set up for trail riding. Feel like we got the best of both worlds.

That is one nice looking machine! I like that all glass cab. Are those fender guards pretty sturdy? I was thinking about getting them, unless they are flimsy. Looks like the would add quite a bit of protection.
I was also considering the CV joint protectors. Do you know anything about those?
Are those the radial tires? How are they on lawn and pasture? Do they tear it up at all?

 

[Topkicker]

That is one nice looking machine! I like that all glass cab. Are those fender guards pretty sturdy? I was thinking about getting them, unless they are flimsy. Looks like the would add quite a bit of protection.
I was also considering the CV joint protectors. Do you know anything about those?
Are those the radial tires? How are they on lawn and pasture? Do they tear it up at all?

The fender guards are the same gauge as the front bumper guard. Seems sturdy enough. The downside is they do add width to the machine. I cut my lawn in 2wd and open diff. Have yet to tear up any grass. Got the optional Maxis Big Horn tires and alloy wheels. Pretty sure they are not radials. I got the CV joint guards also. Looks like they would offer protection to the rubber boots. Here's my mower set up.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Topkicker, the bighorns are a radial tire. That is the only way Deere offers the 14" wheel from factory, the only way to get the bias ply tires is to get unit with 12" wheels.