JD 850D Gator users

[kuboman]

I am thinking of buying a used 850D gator with 500hrs. I have never owned anything like this and would like some input from those who have one.
Are they underpowered
Are they usefull
Are they a good buy or a glorified toy?

Any comments are welcome.

Also what should I look for in a used one.

 

[chipsndust]

Definitely not a glorified toy.
The gator is a workhorse. Get something else if you are primarily looking for speed and agility.
Get the winch, hydraulic dump bed, bed liner, brush guards and skid plates.

 

[hayden]

I'm happy with mine, and it goes faster than I'm comfortable driving it, and seems perfectly agile, but I have nothing to compare it to, so perhaps I don't know what I'm missing.

 

[chipsndust]

I'm happy with mine, and it goes faster than I'm comfortable driving it, and seems perfectly agile, but I have nothing to compare it to, so perhaps I don't know what I'm missing.

:thumbsup: I agree.

I didn't mean to say I wasn't happy with mine, I wouldn't want anything else. Very dependable, and I agree, it goes as fast as I want to go.

I use it for hauling logs and firewood, and anything else that needs moving. I have lots of trails to maintain, the winch is handy for pulling logs up to (or out of) the trails, and for pulling vines out of trees, etc. The dump box is a labor saver for dumping loads.

Just meant to say that there are other machines that are made more for joy-riding and less for work.

What to look for in a used one? Things that are nice to have are: bed liner, floor mats, brush guards, skid plate, winch, hydraulic dump bed.

You won't be disappointed with the diesel Gator.

 

[kuboman]

I am not looking for speed but for reliable transportation around the rather large farm. I end up doing a lot of walking and with crummy knees etc. walking is becoming a chore so I figured a gator might fit the bill. Easy to get on and off plus it can do some real work work yet get me around the farm at a reasonable speed.

 

[JimP]

Our diesel HPX has been more useful than I expected. Its a mobile tool platform, firewood or feed carrier, moves dirt or gravel over grass areas with no damage, moves trailers, plows snow, carries the family and fishing gear to the local pond and more.

They are easy to drive, relatively comfortable to drive on flat areas, fairly maintenance free and, so far, durable. The diesels run out of suspension before power. They do have limited ground clearance and can get stuck in deep mud (been there).

The XUV with independent rear suspension has more ground clearance and rides a little more comfortably than the HPX. The hydraulic dump is useful and there are lots of other options that you can add. Overall it sounds like a good fit for your use.

 

[kuboman]

Well thanks to all you that didn't try and talk me out of the gator:laughing: I bought it. I think it should be very useful and they are very easy to on and off which is a real plus for me.
Thanks for the reply s.:thumbsup:

 

[chipsndust]

Congratulations.

I am sure that the longer you have it, the more you'll love it.:thumbsup:

 

[kuboman]

Congratulations.

I am sure that the longer you have it, the more you'll love it.:thumbsup:

Ah yes it is that soothing green color:drool::drool:

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

If you are married, your wifey will steal it from you all the time.

Uses:
Mail.
take kids for a ride.
hauling chainsaws and tools.
take us fishing to the pond.
drive around to inspect land without rutting.
Haul wood from split area.
I'm sure I missed a few hundred.
Bed holds 1000 lbs.