Gator Power Steering Question

[jcmseven]

I am considering the purchase of a new Gator XUV 825i for myself. I have a Ranger now with power steering which I really like. For general UTV comments and questions I post of the "ATV/UTV" forum below, but this is a question which our John Deere insiders may know best. Any plans on JD's part to offer EPS (electronic power steering) as an option on the XUV Gators in the future?? I would strongly consider an 825i if I thought this was possible. I have had an aftermarket Unisteer system on a Gator in the past which was OK, but not like factory. Any input/insider knowledge here would be welcomed.

John M

 

[sunnyside360]

I personally cannot say for sure but the rumor mill says the 825i will have the EPS option available early 2011. I test drove the current 825i and the steering wasn't too hard. As a matter of fact, I test drove just about all the new utv's and felt the Ranger 800 XP/LE with EPS best suited my use here on our old retired 300 acre farm. I've had the new machine about 3 wks now and it definitely is a step up from the 2008 Ranger 700 XP I replaced. It was a close call for me between the 825i and the new Ranger. I buy about every 3 yrs and will definitely look at the 825i again next time around.

 

[jcmseven]

Sunnyside,

I have a Ranger 800 EPS which I really like. I do not know what your impression of the 825i was, but I felt it had more power than my Ranger (not to say faster, though). Most of what I do with my machine is low speed work in which power steering is a nice feature. I have always been a JD fan and with my solid dealer support have tended to look that way. I went with Polaris this time because I needed something with more power than what JD offered but now that gap is gone. My main "concern" about trading back to green is the lack of power steering given that I plan to use a heavy duty front snow plow, etc., so I may end up keeping what I have. The JD product though seems to be built much heavier, which though not good for some, is certainly good for me.

John M