John Deere 825i Evaluation

[jcmseven]

You are correct. One aspect I do not care much for on my JD 825 is the narrow bench seat. I had my dealer add a third belt to the center and can seat my twin 5 year olds, which was my goal for short jaunts around the property. The problem then is that the shifter, etc., is mounted in the console rather than the dash so I am having to reach awkwardly to shift into reverse, etc. The Gator is a wider machine than my former Ranger, so I cannot see why they added such a narrow bench seat.

John M

 

[m38inmaine]

Since we are comparing Ranger/Gator how do you feel about the Gator's brakes? I think they are terrible, if I stood on the Ranger's brakes like I have to on this Gator it would have put me through the windshield! I can see a recall on the brakes if they are all the same as mine.

 

[yankeerider]

Since we are comparing Ranger/Gator how do you feel about the Gator's brakes? I think they are terrible, if I stood on the Ranger's brakes like I have to on this Gator it would have put me through the windshield! I can see a recall on the brakes if they are all the same as mine.

If it's like the other Gators the brakes will improve as they wear in.

 

[kmjohndeere44]

jcmseven - sorry about the reply - I obviously didn't read closely enough - and since I reread it I AM hearing some noise from the front, but not only in 4WD. It is not a "gear rattle" from the front diff like I had on the 850D, but it is more noticeable since I started plowing with it.

m38inmaine - I sent my 825i back to the dealer for new tires and I asked them to look at the brakes (I agree with your initial reaction - brake pedal is too hard with too little decel). They did a specific burnish procedure on the linings (apparently something more extreme than what I'd tried) and they improved, although I still don't think they are responsive enough. Congrats on your purchase! All in all it is a great machine!!

 

[2fast2]

I'm not surprised about your disappointment with the Gator brakes. I was very disappointed in them when we got our 850D new in 2008 and I think I posted about it back then. But they gradually improve as they bed in, and they are completely satisfactory now. I know it was gradual, almost like I just got used to them, and I just "forgot" about being disappointed. Truth is, they really are fine now, and have been for a long time. I recall somebody telling me it might take 50 hours but I think it was much less than that, but like I said, I just sort of forgot about being annoyed with them somewhere along the line.
Just drive your Gator and try to use the brakes (in safe situations) and avoid getting yourself into spots where you need to rely on them too much until they become a non-issue for you, too. Which they will -- hopefully soon.

 

[m38inmaine]

Thanks for the advice, I only have 1 hour on it so I will continue to monitor it. Still waiting for my glass doors and other options to arrive. They are expected to arrive mid January and the dealership said they would deliver and install them for me. Apparently they sold alot more deluxe cabs than expected and ran out of door stock.

Mark

 

[jcmseven]

The brakes are not as good as those on my Ranger. Part of the issue also is that this machine is so much heavier than the Ranger is as well. My brakes have gotten much better since I have been running the machine. It is still pretty new, but I now have about 32 hours on it and over the past 2-3 hours use the brake stopping power has improved a lot. Still not at Ranger level though. For what I do, they are sufficient, but not too strong.

John M

 

[m38inmaine]

Received this reply from the dealership when I inquired about the brakes:
"The brakes need to be burnished ( seated in). We can take care of this when
we put on the doors and accessories."

Sounds like they are aware of the brake issue. Would have been nice to have been told when I took delivery.

Mark

 

[GCLL]

How does that BOSS plow do at back dragging? Does it scrape pretty clean?

 

[kmjohndeere44]

Yes it does - I have to drag back away from my garage and it does a nice job