Recommendations?

[kude]

I haven't been "impressed" that JD's parts are exceptionally high, but I do feel their quality is. I can't comment regarding our XUV since it has needed NO parts. Thats my favorite price (zero.)

I have a 2005 HPX with a straight blade snow plow. I burned out the CIM electric motor on the snow plow power unit. Deere said the power unit was $900. I said all I need is the 3 inch diameter electric motor. They said electric motor not available separately. I spent a lot of time trying to find a replacement on the Internet, then I found boat trim motors that match the electrric motor on the power unit. I found an electric motor that works for about $70. Bought two. That's the only problem I have had with the Gator in 5 years.

 

[Rottresq]

Don't overlook the Bob-Cat 4X4 with Intellitrac tool attachment. They are tough and work all day. Have a 2006 in my barn and could not do anything on my acres here in CO without it. The major difference between all other UT and Bob-Cat, the hydraulicy operated front end tools. I have the bucket/snow plow/and pallet forks. Use the bucket most, plow second. The one complaint about Bob-Cat UT, the price. New with all my tools, skid plates, top, tool box, bed liner, $18k. I gritted my teeth and wrote the check, and am very glad I did. Try the INTERNET for a used one, occasionally one pops up. They are diesel, top speed 25 and made to work, but you can play too. I noticed an adverstisement for them flashing at the top of this forum.

 

[old8nguy]

I have a 3010 and work it daily. Good tough machine. The one drawback is legroom. I'm 45 and have arthritis and it is hard to get in and out of and there's not much legroom. If thats not a problem for your fil, I would say they are a good working rig.

I'm not sure whether or not the redesigned 4010 addressed the legroom problem or not. Just a heads up and something worth thinking about.

 

[trailmaker]

I've used the two and four seat mules, both gasoline versions. Pros - very quiet and very durable. Cons - low ground clearance and primitive suspension.

My next UTV will probably be the 4010. The four seats and quiet engine will be good for touring the property with guests. When the rear seat is folded down it will be a good reliable work UTV with a large bed.

 

[zene55]

I bought a 4010 trans diesel about a year ago for 12k. I have worked it hard and only regret not getting the hardtop when I bought it. I suggest if you want to play buy a gas engine if you want to work buy a diesel.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

My Aunt is in her eighties and she keeps up with the farming operation on here John Deere Gator 4 wheel drive with Fully Enclosed Cab, Heater and Air Conditioner. It is a Diesel. I have no idea what she paid for it last year. She keeps it parked at the back door of her house. Without it, she would be virtually house bound. Ken Sweet

Is it an HPX? I did not know Deere made AC for their gators.

 

[sweettractors]

Is it an HPX? I did not know Deere made AC for their gators.

I do not know the model #. If Deere does not offer that as a option, I would imagine the dealer subbed that out for her? Ken Sweet

 

[jgrreed]

I'm considering a Deere XUV as well, but can't decide between the power and durability of the diesel 855D vs. the higher top speed of the gas version (825i, 44mph vs 32 mph for diesel).

I like the utility of the gator, but would like it to be a fun offroad vehicle too. I'd sure hate to be left behind by my friends.....

I sure like them all decked out in green and yellow!!!

Any thoughts??

-Jer.

 

[jcmseven]

There is no question you should go with the gas 825 over the diesel in this case. I have had both and have had probably the best true utility UTV for off-roading currently made, the Polaris 800 EPS LE (of course any of these would not compete v. a 400 pound bed capacity sport UV) but I am talking true UV. My Polaris would be a little faster in the woods and on trails than my Gator would be due mainly to its power steering, slightly smaller physical size and lighter weight. Not all Rangers have power steering, but mine did. The diesel Gator is a great work machine with a good deal of torque. It is heavy, but accelerates well. Unfortunately, it simply lacks the horsepower to keep up with either JD's own 825i or the Polaris in top speed, acceleration or off-road environments, though I found it to be a good off-roader, particularly in slow speed maneuvers. The 825 give one the best of both worlds. Though its gasoline engine likely would not last as long as the diesel in the 855, it is a true automotive style powerplant and is heavy and well-made. It has excellent torque and would likely last thousands of hours before needing replacement at which point the machine likely would have been sold or totaled already. This machine would give the Ranger a run for its money in almost every off road situation and is a much better work machine and pulling machine than the Ranger. The difference here is pretty noticeable, making it a better choice for plowing snow, pulling carts and trailers, hauling heavy loads, etc. My opinion is if you are looking at JD products and are interested in working the machine hard but keeping up with your buddies on the trail, the 825i is the way to go. In all honesty, and this coming from someone who likes diesels in these machines, I would not go diesel at all in this choice unless one has a dedicated fuel supply on a farm or something that would make diesel more convenient to own for that reason. Does this help??

John M

 

[jgrreed]

There is no question you should go with the gas 825 over the diesel in this case. I have had both and have had probably the best true utility UTV for off-roading currently made, the Polaris 800 EPS LE (of course any of these would not compete v. a 400 pound bed capacity sport UV) but I am talking true UV. My Polaris would be a little faster in the woods and on trails than my Gator would be due mainly to its power steering, slightly smaller physical size and lighter weight. Not all Rangers have power steering, but mine did. The diesel Gator is a great work machine with a good deal of torque. It is heavy, but accelerates well. Unfortunately, it simply lacks the horsepower to keep up with either JD's own 825i or the Polaris in top speed, acceleration or off-road environments, though I found it to be a good off-roader, particularly in slow speed maneuvers. The 825 give one the best of both worlds. Though its gasoline engine likely would not last as long as the diesel in the 855, it is a true automotive style powerplant and is heavy and well-made. It has excellent torque and would likely last thousands of hours before needing replacement at which point the machine likely would have been sold or totaled already. This machine would give the Ranger a run for its money in almost every off road situation and is a much better work machine and pulling machine than the Ranger. The difference here is pretty noticeable, making it a better choice for plowing snow, pulling carts and trailers, hauling heavy loads, etc. My opinion is if you are looking at JD products and are interested in working the machine hard but keeping up with your buddies on the trail, the 825i is the way to go. In all honesty, and this coming from someone who likes diesels in these machines, I would not go diesel at all in this choice unless one has a dedicated fuel supply on a farm or something that would make diesel more convenient to own for that reason. Does this help??

John M

That helps a lot John, thanks for taking the time.

That is what I figured.... We do have a diesel tank on the acreage, but that still won't make up for the constant belittling by my buddies if I'm always the last to arrive!!!

-Jer.