John Deere 825i Evaluation

[csx5197]

I was hoping you could post a picture of the Gator with the Boss plow. Perhaps a video if possible, but I just haven't seen one yet with the Boss plow and really want too. It would work very well for many applications.

 

[purplewg]

I am looking the JD 825i also. Should I expect to pay MSRP?

 

[milkman]

Don't know about other places, but around here you would after finally getting someone to wait on you.

 

[csx5197]

As for MSRP I can't really answer that. I think it's a dealership thing. I know that on something like a gator I don't charge full MSRP. But again other dealers in this area will charge at or even above.

 

[jcmseven]

I did not pay MSRP, but I bought two (one for me and one for my dad). Like many other JD products, there is some dealer variation with pricing, so shopping around is a good idea.

John M

 

[m38inmaine]

I received 5 quotes on my 825i and they ranged from below msrp to over msrp. Only one dealer offered a discount, $1,700.00 so of course I ordered it from them. The majority were at msrp. Still waiting for it to arrive, been about a month now.

 

[jcmseven]

I would check with the dealer again. Mine took 8 days to arrive.

John M

 

[KeithT]

John, how does the engine braking compare between those two machines? Pre unisteer install, how difficult is it to steer the 825?

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. I am thinking about either installing a unisteer system and boss plow on my current ranger or upgrading to a new machine. I really would like to try the John Deere as I am 90% work with my usage. I just wish it came from the factory with power steering. I am also considering the Ranger 800 HD with the power steering and self leveling shocks I think it would be a good choice.

I am looking for the heaviest duty UTV that is still capable off road.

Thanks, -Keith

 

[jcmseven]

Keith, I think the engine braking is pretty similar. I would have to say perhaps the Ranger has the edge here as it is so much lighter (about 350 pounds, or more stock). As for the steering, the Gator really needs the Unisteer to handle a heavy plow. A lighter weight winch-type plow likely would be OK, but where I live I have a lot of tight turns that are very low speed. The Gator does not steer well with the plow up when going slowly. I really liked the power steering in the Ranger. It was great at low speeds, but a bit numb at high speeds. I never used my machine that much when going fast so it did not matter that much to me. I would say without doubt the Gator is a heavier and better pure work machine than the Ranger and I have had both. I actually felt the pre-825 Gator was a better work UTV than the Ranger. My 825 would hold its own in off-roading with the Ranger, but it is a larger machine which can be a handicap in those cases. I have heard JD is coming out with power steering in the Gator for 2011, but it will likely being March or after. I needed my machine now and felt good going with the Unisteer kit (though I have not gotten it on yet--perhaps this week).


John M

 

[m38inmaine]

Called today and the 825i was shipped from Deere on the 7th. He said they were on a "quality" hold which was the reason for shipping delay. Should arrrive end of week or early next. Waiting for the glass doors to arrive as well, all the other parts are at the dealership.