06 HPX

cef2lion · Feb 7, 2006

Been talking with my dealer about the updated 06 HPX. Been researching the engine on the updated model. Looks like the engine goes from a 3TNE68 to a 3TNV70 Tier 2 engine. Displacement is up from .784cc to .854cc. Torque rating seems about the same at 33 ft.-lbs. Current HP is rated at 20. Not sure about the 3TNV70 engine. Might be about 21-23hp. Anyone have the specs on this engine? Wondering if one would notice a performance gain? With Tier 2 rating the gains might be in noise reduction and emissions which is an area of interest for me. I have an 05 HPX and my dealer is offering me a trade diff. of $1800 but said he might do better.

Craig

chowl · Feb 8, 2006

cef2lion

That is something that I would like to know myself. I just
bought another HPX 4x4 Diesel at the end of '05. I knew
of some of the upgrades JD was going to do to the '06, but
didn't know about the engine upgrade.

I think the only way to check out the tow gain on the '06 over
the '05 to see how much stronger the '06 is over the '05. You would have to get a dealer let you do a side by side tow. I think I will try and see if my dealer will let me do this. If I can I'll let you know.

Les

cowboydoc · Feb 8, 2006

I have an 05 and an 06 and I can't tell much of a power difference between the two. We regularly haul pretty heavy loads and when they're both warmed up it's not much of a difference if any.

jcmseven · Feb 8, 2006

My understanding is that the main upgrades have occurred to the gasoline not the diesel Gator. True, the four wheel drive and steering is different, as is the roll bar, but these things can be done on an existing Gator with dealer willingness. If you have an 05 Gator you like, I would not trade to the 06. I have not yet upgraded my steering, but my dealer did modify my front drive for "true" four wheel drive. I honestly believe in diesel you would note little to none in the performance difference. I believe the increased displacement is to get comparable performance out of a more green engine. I personally did not want the roll bar, because I have a number of lower hanging tree limbs that I want to go under, and I am a good jumper.

John M

cowboydoc · Feb 8, 2006

My understanding is that the whole front end was replaced. The limited slip I'm not sure how you could put that in?? The steering is completely different between my two. I would think there would be alot of $$$ in changing those things out. The engine is also different. I can't see how a person would come out ahead putting all the new improvments on an existing Gator but I would sure like to hear how. I was going to trade my 05 for an 06.

cef2lion · Feb 9, 2006

Was wondering about the 06 4WD change. I know they replaced the manual lever with a switch. I have had some issues getting my 05 lever just right and had to wiggle it once in awhile. They even came out to check it once. When JD went from the 10 series compact to the new 20 series they went from a switch to a lever??

Wonder if that user could give more detail on what the dealer did. Install the newer limited slip parts into the old front axle? Cost?

I figured as much on diesel performance. Would like to know if the 06 diesel is quieter than the 05 and if the diesel fumes are less noticeable? My 05 draws a pretty strong trail of fumes along without a back window.

Been trying to tell from the parts pages about the steering bushing change. Wondered if the plastic bushings changed are in the steering column and if one could change over to the steal bearings and raise the front tire pressure as JD did. My guess is that JD would not make it that easy to try and coax users over to the 06.

Craig

JESSE1 · Feb 9, 2006

When you're trying to disengage 4wd, quickly accelerate and release the throttle while moving the lever from 4wd to 2wd. It releases the torque from the front driveshaft and makes shifting easy. Also make sure you keep the recommended air pressure in the front and rear tires. I forget the psi (I think 7 front and 14 rear) but air pressure makes a big difference too.

I'd like to have the limited slip front axle but otherwise there's not enough change for me to update yet.

riptides · Feb 10, 2006

Sure wish they would add bench seating as an option.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

cef2lion · Feb 10, 2006

I stopped at local dealer (not my usual dealer) yesterday to pick something up and they had a new 06 HPX in the showroom. Looked it over and started to change my mind about trading my 05 HPX with 35 hours. The few changes are nice but don't seem to warrant the 1800 my dealer wants in trade. My dealer is having John Deere Day next week. I still want to hear the noise level of the new diesel.

jcmseven · Feb 10, 2006

I do not know what my dealer did, but I can ask him (regarding the four wheel drive). I know it works well, as if one front wheel is off the ground, it will not spin without powering the other wheel. I do notice it seems to scrub a little on sharp turns, but not notably more than the gas model I demo'd. Will report on findings when I speak with dealer again. Another quick comment, I bought a 72" front blade for my Gator, and boy does it work well. American "eagle" plows really seem nice and do well. They are a little lightweight, so if the road or drive you plow is heavily crowned and you angle the blade sharply the close end will skim the top 1/2" of snow. I remedied this by hooking a 42# quick attach weight to the end and that did the job. The Gator I have (pix in photo section) will easily outplow our neighborhood plow truck in tight quarters or on the narrow steep roads we have around here. It would also be easier to ditch off if you run off the edge of a ravine, but I would not want to do that.

John M