Test drove used John Deere Gator 6x4, have questions

[tassmannn]

I tested a JD 6x4, and the turning radius was a deal killer in my situation
My hunch is that unit looks in very good shape, but will ultimately prove to need a lot of glitches fixed, even beyond what you have already mentioned

If that doesn’t bother you you much, it may be a while before you come across another one as well equipped as this one

I have mentioned this before, but there is no tool or vehicle on my place, that gets used more then my UTV.

I echo that. We use our UTV more than the Backhoe or skidsteer.

 

[airbiscuit]

1. When I applied the brakes, they worked, but when the brakes were pushed harder, they made a groan/grinding sound. It stopped, but the sound didn’t seem normal. Any idea what this might be?

I think they are wet brakes, inside the transmission

2. It has a factory heater under the seat. The switch didn’t turn the heater on. Owner claimed the fan quit, or possibly the fuse was blown.
3. It has factory turn signals. Fronts work, but not back lights. Probably wiring issues as evidenced by wires hanging loose. I definitely like the idea of lights for working alongside the road. Owner said taillights were replacements. OK, not a big issue.

Those look like someone put trailer lights on

4. Rear tires were low on tread. Pretty straightforward. But how much should a set of 4 “factory” rear tires cost including mounting?
5. When the rear diff was locked, it was noticeably slower and definitely more difficult to steer. I perceived this as a “good thing” meaning the diff lock was locked and working properly?
6. Cab is equipped with windshield wiper, but switch did not turn it on. Another wiring issue.

Hopefully each wiring issue is an individual problem. The wiring harness runs through a tunnel in the center of the frame. Not the end of the world, but can be finicky to get to.

I have zero experience with them and didn’t know what to expect. So my questions are pretty basic. Seems like a lot of electrical repairs.

My friend had a gas one for 20 years, and treated it like a rented mule. He just bought a used diesel 6x4 and gave me his old one. They are tougher than nails. They have a nice big box and are a real workhorse (I assume yours has an electric lift). 4x4 UTVs are like a mini truck in comparison.

Seller asking $8,000 but said he would take $6,000. Knowing it needs 4 tires and a lot of wiring diagnosis/repairs- Is this a good deal? It seems like it based on others I have seen advertised with rust, higher hours, etc.

$6,000 is a fair deal given the condition, hours and cab
$5,500 is a good deal
$5.000 is a great deal

 

[LHF2019]

That is a nice looking one. I’m always looking and for diesel I think that price is reasonable. Issues stated are minor sounding and for the price of a new one you can put a lot of money into this one.

Go price a new one.

He did and he listed the price

 

[paulsharvey]

Tires, you can find them for about $85-120/per; but atleast $25/per to mount.

 

[Hay Dude]

Thanks for all the thoughts.
Now y’all have me wondering if I should be looking at something more modern….
However, none of our work we would use it for requires speed or a lot of agility.

I like the “mini dump truck” part of this a lot for trail repairs/filling low inaccessible areas with stone that are too big for truck or tractor.

I hear they are tough and will pull a crapton on weight if needed.

I have seen nothing but rusted, or damaged junk for $6,000. This one is pretty pristine, but the brake noise has me spooked.

 

[JESSE1]

I bought a new 6x4 Gator around 2000. The brakes groaned and squealed like you're describing. John Deere had a friction modifier additive that I poured in the transmission that got rid of the noise. The one I had was a pretty good machine, rode rough and not good in mud. There was a rough terrain kit that included a small shock absorber that attached to the accelerator pedal to help steady the throttle.

 

[tassmannn]

Thanks for all the thoughts.
Now y’all have me wondering if I should be looking at something more modern….
However, none of our work we would use it for requires speed or a lot of agility.

I like the “mini dump truck” part of this a lot for trail repairs/filling low inaccessible areas with stone that are too big for truck or tractor.

I hear they are tough and will pull a crapton on weight if needed.

I have seen nothing but rusted, or damaged junk for $6,000. This one is pretty pristine, but the brake noise has me spooked.

Sounds like it just needs a brake job. Pads are cheap, and if they need disks, it's not too bad either. It's an easy fix IMO. I saw this set on eBay, but I'm unsure if it's the same year and model, and thought I saw they were wet brakes. Front and Rear Brake Disc Rotors with Brake Pads for John Deere XUV560 S4 Gator | eBay

 

[RayIN]

My BIL bought one new, now his grandson has it and cannot find some replacement parts.
This is the shop manual:

 

[Hay Dude]

I have heard mixed reviews on parts availability.

 

[airbiscuit]

I can't swear to it, but I think that model has (internal) wet brakes kind of like this. A dealership could tell you more about the how big a problem that grinding noise is.,