Any Gator HPX experience?

rockyridgefarm · May 8, 2004

Went by the dealer, and there sure was a lot of activity with HPX Gators. They were pretty well fitted out and were sold before they hit the ground.

I would have assumed that a used 6x4 would be an awesome deal right now, but specs and price are so close that it looks like the HPX is the way to go. Any ideas?

Should I hold out for a Diesel, or is the Kaw fine?

cowboydoc · May 8, 2004

I've had mine for quite a few months now and love it. The extra ground clearance was great in the snow. The Kawasaki has served us well in the 6x4's for years now. When we were turkey hunting this spring the independent suspension was nice for getting around in the woods. That is one place that is a definite improvement over the 6x4. This one is a cross more between an ATV and the 6x4. It's a great unit. You won't be sorry if you buy one. I got mine for a little over $7000.

rockyridgefarm · May 8, 2004

Thanks Doc - is yours a 4x4?

I want to be able to pull a chain harrow with it. Is the gas OK, or should I go Diesel...?

cowboydoc · May 9, 2004

Mine is a 4x4. I'm sure the diesel would be great. You would have more torque for pulling. My girls pull an 8' drag harrow with ours. It slows down a little on the hills but not too bad. They also pull the hayrake with it too, well the 6x4, but same motor. If you want the diesel go ahead and wait for it but I sure haven't regretted having the gas one either.

Dargo · May 9, 2004

I've had 3 Gators in the past. Two of them were used and had the gas engine in them. Both gas engines went bad on me. If you price a replacement gas engine for one, you will find that the unit is totalled. The 3rd one was diesel. My JD dealer told me that he has seen numerous "worn out" gas engines, but never a diesel one. The Yanmar diesel engine was fantastic. However, after getting the drive belt wet and loosing power so many times I got rid of it too.

cowboydoc · May 9, 2004

I've put thousands of hours on the Gators and have had one problem with the motors. Our last one had 1200 hours on it. Sold it to a friend and his kids drive the heck out of it and it's still going strong. We've had several with 2000 hours on them and still on the original motor. We had one motor go bad last year on one my Grandpa owns. It had 2600 hours on it. A new motor for it was $750. I definitely think the diesel will last longer for sure.

MessickFarmEqu · May 10, 2004

How is the HPX different than all the other gators? I don't see any substantial changes, whats the fuss about?

Deere has a following with the Gator, but they gotta do somthing new with it to address the RTV.

cowboydoc · May 10, 2004

How is the HPX different than all the other gators? I don't see any substantial changes, whats the fuss about?

Are you kidding me? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I think you need to do some substantial homework here, esp. if you are supposed to be a dealer. The Gator was completely redesigned from the ground up and does not even resemble the old Gators in any way. Everything on them was completely redone.

rockyridgefarm · May 10, 2004

<font color="orange"> but they gotta do somthing new with it to address the RTV. </font>

make it UGLY?

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Tractors4u · May 10, 2004

I'm with Doc here Neil. For goodness sake, before you post a message, read a few times and see if it makes sense or not. The HPX is nothing like the 6X4 Gator and the only thing it has in common with the 4X2 is the 4 wheels and the color. The RTVs are pretty nice, I have yet to try one out though. To be honest though. I don't want that much machine. I am sure some people do want it, but I want something simple and straight forward. I bought a one year old Gator 6X4 last September and was glad I didn't see the new HPxs or I would had to have a brand new to run through the mud, get scratched by tree limbs, etc, etc. The RTV is just more than I need.