Gator 855D

[RoyJackson]

Dealer just delivered a brand new 855D. This is my first UTV and I'm hoping I get something as reliable as my Deere tractors have been.
This was bought for work and a bit of pleasure...doubt if I do any trail riding though.

I'll have pictures ASAP...

So, who else has an 855D, and how's it been treating you?

 

[jcummins]

I do...and I like it. Had a Teryx before, the Teryx was a LOT faster....but the 855D suits my purpose much better. Sips fuel compared to the Teryx. I pump fuel from my truck...no more gas cans. Bed much bigger and dumps too. Here it is STUCK....in about 22". Had a huge snow fall for here...for any where for that matter, this last winter, it was dragging the frame everywhere I went, and this drift stopped it.

 

[RoyJackson]

Pics




This machine is pretty bare bones. Just added the roof and winch...I'll add more stuff (wind shield is a definite, probably an aftermarket blade for snow) as I determine need (or "want").

Obviously, the diesel doesn't have the "go" of the gas 825 machine...but I prefer the torque and reliability of the Yanmar engines.

Bella, our boxer, is looking for her moose buddy...all in vain, I'm afraid.

 

[JESSE1]

I have nearly 300 hours on my '11 855D. So far no problems. Biggest bother is changing the oil and fuel filters. Almost no room to get a cup-type filter tool and 3/8 ratchet to remove the oil filter. After the first oil change the filters I installed came off easier. The original factory filter is almost welded on, very hard to remove for the first oil change. The fuel filter is a tight fit also. I found it easier to remove if I take the fuel line off going to the filter.

I love the way it almost floats across the pasture. I haven't had to use the differential lock at all, the limited slip front axle works very well. They didn't offer power steering when I bought mine, that's about the only thing I would add to it if I was buying now.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have nearly 300 hours on my '11 855D. So far no problems. Biggest bother is changing the oil and fuel filters. Almost no room to get a cup-type filter tool and 3/8 ratchet to remove the oil filter. After the first oil change the filters I installed came off easier. The original factory filter is almost welded on, very hard to remove for the first oil change. The fuel filter is a tight fit also. I found it easier to remove if I take the fuel line off going to the filter.

I love the way it almost floats across the pasture. I haven't had to use the differential lock at all, the limited slip front axle works very well. They didn't offer power steering when I bought mine, that's about the only thing I would add to it if I was buying now.

Yeah...the machine I got has the power steering. I probably wouldn't have selected the option, but the 855D the dealer had on the lot was fitted with it.

Nice pics!! Snow??? In Texas???

 

[JESSE1]

We'll usually have one snow during the winter, sometimes have gone a few winters without any snow. I have seen it as deep as six inches, also have had some pretty bad ice storms. Conditions have to be just right with enough moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and a cold front coming in.

 

[jcummins]

Yeah...the machine I got has the power steering. I probably wouldn't have selected the option, but the 855D the dealer had on the lot was fitted with it.

Nice pics!! Snow??? In Texas???

Be glad you have it. Power steering was a must for me.

Jesse1 is right, the oil filter is a tough one to get off. Get a cap type filter wrench that fits.

 

[RoyJackson]

Jesse, I see you added some lamps mounted on the brush guard



Not Deere, right?
If I may ask, where did you get 'em, and if you installed them, how did you run the wiring?

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

Roy-
I have an 855D gator for about 2 years now. I originally had a lot of problems with the transmission. It was extremely difficult to shift into and out of gear. John Deere had to replace parts of the clutch assembly, but now it works really well. Once I got past that issue, I haven't had any other problems with it and find it to be very useful around the farm. I got an after market snow blade for it from American Eagle plows that works with the winch and has a manual tilt for adjusting right to left. It is more primitive than a fancier blade with hydraulic tilt, but way cheaper and it gets the job done. I also use it to drag the horse ring, haul manure and hay and other odd jobs. The hydraulic dump is real nice too. Good luck with your new purchase. Let us know how you like it. - Mike

 

[JESSE1]

I got all my accessories from John Deere. I think it was called an off-road light package, installed by the dealer before I picked it up. Much better lights than the standard lights. Also get a rear work light if you don't have one already.

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

Here is my 855D with its plow

 

[RoyJackson]

I got all my accessories from John Deere. I think it was called an off-road light package, installed by the dealer before I picked it up. Much better lights than the standard lights. Also get a rear work light if you don't have one already.

Thanks, Mike!

I know I'll be getting a wind shield...definitely a rear work light!
As far as more front lighting...maybe. I haven't ran this thing at night yet (doubt if there is much use after dark), so I'll decide that later.

 

[RoyJackson]

View attachment 326001

Here is my 855D with its plow

I've looked at their website...also a company called Moto Alliance makes plows. Pretty close in pricing.
The manual angle is fine with me....I have a couple hundred feet of drive and a couple parking pads.
One thing I saw on the Moto Alliance website was a plow strap. This replaces the winch cable for use with the plow. It's not an essential item, but would eliminate wear on the stock cable. Here's a link:
https://motoalliance.com/Site.Store.go?action=gotoProductDetails&id=606

You're in Chester County PA...how much snow can your Gator push?

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I've looked at their website...also a company called Moto Alliance makes plows. Pretty close in pricing.
The manual angle is fine with me....I have a couple hundred feet of drive and a couple parking pads.
One thing I saw on the Moto Alliance website was a plow strap. This replaces the winch cable for use with the plow. It's not an essential item, but would eliminate wear on the stock cable. Here's a link:
https://motoalliance.com/Site.Store.go?action=gotoProductDetails&id=606
You're in Chester County PA...how much snow can your Gator push?

If you want to save a few bucks just pick up a boat winch strap at Walmart or Tractor Supply....mine was about $10 and it's been going strong for at least 3 plowing seasons now....I wrap my drum a couple times with Gorilla tape and then leave about a 18" tag to go on my winch strap....then just wind it on. I have about 9' of boat winch strap on the drum total, in the spring I switch back over to my normal synthetic rope cable using the same Gorilla tape attachment method so I can have my 50' of line again for getting stuck where there aren't many anchor points.


I've got the 825i gas Gator and plowed that huge Nemo storm (wind swept areas were only around 18" where the deep pockets were 25"+) we got last winter....the Gator loved it although I can say a windshield would have been nice for a few swipes with the plow....a taller blade than my American Eagle V-plow wouldn't have been terrible either :laughing:

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

Roy

I have only plowed 6" so far without any trouble. The 4wheel drive in low provides really good traction. I am happy with the set up and the cost. Enjoy your gator!