HPX Questions

cef2lion · Jan 1, 2005

Been looking at the HPX but didn't test drive it as yet. Two things came to mind. I discussed these with a dealer and a service person at another dealer. Interesting as I had these topics in mind but both people brought them up with out me mentioning them first. Both people had been in Florida for new product roll-outs recently and said these items were a topic of discussion related to the HPX.

Is the lack of power steering a draw back or just something that would be a nice additional? Wondering if Deere could engineer in a power steering kit or that would have to come in the next model?

What about lack of transmission coast when you take you foot off the pedal. An issue or something you adjust to?

Craig

Tractors4u · Jan 2, 2005

I have a 6X4 Gator and I have driven an HPX though. I know the Kubota guys really love their power steering on their RTV's but I just don't see it as being necessary on these type of vehicles. To steer my Gator is no more difficult that steering a riding lawnmower. Maybe if you wanted to steer with one finger power steering would be handy.

JESSE1 · Jan 2, 2005

I've had my HPX Diesel 4x4 since August. I had a Diesel 6x4 for 3 years before that. So far, I've been completely satisfied with the HPX. The 6x4 Gator was an excellent machine but the HPX is a definate improvement.

The transmission in the HPX is a CVT like the 6x4, except the HPX has a low range, also. The HPX has a higher top speed. The transmission will let you coast; in fact the biggest flaw in the Gators is they will freewheel down a hill if the engine slows to a idle. It does have 4 wheel disc brakes that work real well! The fact that the HPX doesn't have power steering only matters if you're maneuvering at slow speeds with a heavy load. Might be nice to have it but really not necessary. A pump would have to be added to the engine for power steering.

cowboydoc · Jan 5, 2005

I have never even thought about having power steering. My 7 & 9 year olds easily drive them. The do so with heavy loads, no loads, in mud, snow, etc., and no problems.

The HPX does coast. Depending on how you look at it that is good or bad.

Dozernut · Jan 5, 2005

cowboydoc
The power steering on the RTV is great for me. This really helps when you have the snow blade raised, as the blade puts a lot of weight on the front end. Combine that weight with arthritis and you would like the power steering also.
I sure do like the looks of the HPX, looks like a fine machine.

cef2lion · Jan 6, 2005

I still have yet to drive the HPX. I was at the dealer yesterday and it was raining hard so I didn't get to drive it. Still wonder how it reacts if you are driving along at a decent speed and just take you foot off the pedal. Does it act like a tractor hydro and lock the wheels or come to a quick stop? Two people working at two different dealers brought this up to me.

The HPX diesel 4x4 at my dealer had a tag on it for 11,200. They offered it to me at 10,500 including tax. For what it is worth it had a floor mat and bed liner. Sales also said they just got a $300 incentive and a new 3.9 financing.

Craig

Craig

bczoom · Jan 6, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Still wonder how it reacts if you are driving along at a decent speed and just take you foot off the pedal. Does it act like a tractor hydro and lock the wheels or come to a quick stop?)</font>

Craig, Are you referring to the RTV? If so, there's 2 different setups. The older models (probably made before Aug. 04) would come to an abrupt stop. The newer ones have a re-redesigned speed control assembly which feathers the stopping.

JDGREEN4ME · Jan 6, 2005

On my HPX if you traveling at a higher speed and let off the gas in comes to a gradual stop...not abrupt. has not been a problem for me. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

cef2lion · Jan 6, 2005

I was referring to JD HPX. The two dealers informed me of the abrupt stop. They mentioned that they were in Florida for the 3X20 CUT announcement and had driven some of the HPXs and mentioned the abrupt stop. They said Deere was looking at the issue. It sounds like it has been addressed already in the speed control assembly.

I'm working out a deal on a HPX 4wd. Debating on the gas or diesel. The specs are the same on the engines other than one foot pound of torque. Other than that my guess is the diesel would use less fuel? On the other hand if I went with the gas I could go with more options. Leaning towards the diesel.

Craig

bczoom · Jan 6, 2005

Craig,

Can't speak for the HPX but most of us with the RTV version that has the abrupt stop prefer it to the newer versions. We've quickly learned that feathering the pedal as opposed to just quickly letting off gives very smooth results. The newer versions have a bit harder time on hills IMHO. When going down a hill, if I let off the pedal, I want it to stop, NOW as opposed to when it thinks it's ready.

Again, can't speak for the HPX but I believe the fuel consumption on the RTV has been approximated to be 1 gal per 2.35 hours based on review here. Personally, I think mine is a little lower but I'm on constant steep hills.

Brain