Folks we are now on INSTAGRAM...GET SNEAK PEAKS BEFORE THE VIDEOS COME OUT...FOLLOW US HERE: stoneyridgefarmer -~- Just a review of my experience after 1 year of ownership of my John Deere gator 825i gas.
thanks for the review, I just bought 40 acres to build a homestead grow our food, its in arizona so its mostly sand and cactus, i will mostly be moving wood chips, plants etc., for how much you paid and how cheapley they are built, I am thinking of just buying a small reliable 4x4 like a tacoma and I could drive it to the store, it would have a larger bed, more reliable
I love my gator...no problems just one set of radial tires. It has worked hard, daily...825i 5yrs old 14,361 miles and 1989 hrs on machine. I don't think anyone makes a more reliable machine.
As time goes on I'm starting to think the same thing...I'll be doing a follow up video to this very soon...after 3 years of ownership...and finally paid off!
Hi there. I have a farm in AR and I am currently running my 2nd 825i. Had a 13 and put close to 1100 hrs on it before trading it for a 15. The one I have now has @ 800 hrs. I have had very good success with mine. I haven't had to replace anything although I know that the belt and or clutch was needing to be replaced on my first when I traded at close to 1100 hrs. It does need more lights. Both of my machines had power steering. I had the bigger upgraded wheels and radial tires machine which I would recommend.
Thats great, man I wish I had that kind of experience with mine. Power steering is a must and the dump bed I feel was a waste of money better spent on power steering. We've got about 400 hours on our machine now and I am putting a new rear sway bar on it due to failure. Maybe I was told wrong by my dealer "you cant hurt that thing" was not true. Since I started having these problems I have paid close attention to the way I drive, load and pull with the gator...yet and still I've broken 2 axles, 1 sway bar, 1 clutch burned up, one drive belt, and a CV boot. Also the machine will start up, sputter and die about 3 times per week. I use it every day and am chronically disappointed...maybe I got a lemon. Thanks for ur comment Mark.
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer you did not get a lemon. I have worked on large estates for years and my experience has always been the same with the Gators. They work pretty decent for about 6 months. This type of machine is for a "gentleman farmer" who takes the garbage down the long drive, maybe move some light materials around or light snow plowing. I never had a good experience towing, it always seemed to just put too much stress on the vehicle. Also any real work burns the tires right off of these things. I currently run a Kawasaki Mule and (an older one) and it is amazing. Not incredibly powerful but runs like a clock with few issues. Be kind to the machine and it will be fine, but don't over work her !
Definitely agree with everything you mentioned. A couple things not mentioned is the noise the starter makes for a few seconds after starting, the problem shifting from forward to neutral ( like it’s stuck in gear), dust and grass blowing back on driver and passenger when windshield is down. Definitely Very loud, hard steering, poor lighting and did I mention VERY LOUD. It is very fast, and rides very good over rough roads at high speeds.
Our old 2007 hpx diesel 4x4 gator would tow huge logs and has gone threw mud bogs and deep snow crossed rivers and streams it has been a great machine on our large farm in the mountains we have never had any power train issues or belt issues maybe you just happened to get a lemon or we were lucky with ours anyway good luck with that machine 👍🏻
I have two John Deere 825is and have used them hard to spray weeds, fix fence, and checking cows on the ranch. Both have over 500 hours and we have replaced one drive belt, one torsion arm and one headlight bulb. We have not towed much but did pull a stuck horse trailer and truck full of bulls and got it going again in the mud. We have taken them in the roughest country and driven them hard without power steering. I am very impressed with them.
Disagree with a lot of his comments. I own two gators, a four seater I've had 7.5 years, could use power steering, but used it on a farm for all of those years...use it, don't abuse ......which he maybe abusing his. Pull trailers, cut wood, haul rocks and gravel.....never had any failures he talks about. Gas and oil, throttle cable...used it today. My other gator, 590i, which is about the size he said might work better....does. However, it's not just used for work, we set it up for off road playing as well. It does have power steering, upgraded lights, front and rear(all from Amazon for a fraction of dealer cost). However, we pull loaded trailers with it as well, not overloaded....well...maybe a few times. No problem. Both gators have winches, roll bars, windshields, and all the safety equipment we know is necessary, Yes, I got $15,000 invested in each one, but feel like for what I got, utv's I priced...I'm more than satisfied with my investment and John Deer's products.
Good review. I work as a mechanic on a farm that has a 825i gator and a 800xp ranger. The gator beats the ranger hands down. That being said, the gator has had its issues also. I've changed CV joints all around and ball joints are a weakness. I changed one starter, that was not a fun job. The shift lever is a bad design and kept breaking, after putting two new ones on I made my own, problem solved. Both machines get used for normal day to day use on the farm. They are not babied but are not abused either. I think for the money they are not worth it
Josh hit the nail on the head here. I had an 825i also, hated it it's nothing but an over priced golf cart. I had the exact same issues Josh has had, after 2 years of headaches I sold it, best thing I did with it.
First off I would like to say thank you for the review. I'm a JD salesman that sell gators and I'm sorry that your having trouble with yours. I have wrote down your suggestions to improve the 825I gator and I'll send them to the correct place so hopefully your concerns will be address in models to come. I do have one suggestion that will could help with your CV joint problem. Install BM24463 and BM22962.They are Front and Rear CV Guards. 120.91 for the front and rear set. I generally add them on to every gator I sell, they save CV Joints. Hope this helps.
thanks for the advice....yea it's tough being let down by a piece of expensive equipment............my dealer also told me that it was fine to throw on a 3 bottom plow with my 5065 and start plowing with 4 hours on the machine....needless to say and easy brake in period would have saved me some headache....I try and take good care of my equipment but this poor gator has me stumped....2 CV joints, 1 rear axle, throttle cable keeps falling off, and broke the rear sway bar the other day.....it just snapped right at the bushings....bummed....thanks for the input.....i may go ahead and order some guards to protect my CV joints
I have a 2009 Yamaha Rhino 700EFI. I've replaced all wheel bearings, rear CV axles and rebuilt both differentials. These machines are definitely not built for towing a trailer or skidding logs out of the woods. I'm convinced their purpose is fun, hunting, short transportation, light farm utility with a very limited load in the bed.
Love my 2014 825i, over 300 hrs and no issues to date. I sell wood so I’m hauling a bed full of logs hauling a 4x6 trailer full of wood up muddy hills and the gator plows right up with no problems. Keeping my fingers crossed it continues to perform well. Good luck with yours.
We got 13 years out of our lifted 99 EZGO gas cart, it worked and hauled almost every day, only repairs battery and belt once, we still use it but upgraded to a Kawasaki Mule and love it and it has 3 year warranty
I also have just had my Gator a year, I have to agree that the lights are pretty bad. I also upgraded mine. I haven't had any mechanical problems with mine at all, but I uses mine recreationally, for hunting, and hauling small loads. I bought the power steering so I can't speak to not having it, but the system works very well and is smooth in mine.
Power steering is a must in these little machines, I use my gator almost every day that I'm on the farm. For recreation I'd say its all good, but for hauling, dragging and farming the ol gal has let me down. I'm currently in the market for a new UTV. Maybe a mule or polaris model. I also like the new Honda 1000, if you get a chance test drive one of them.......AWESOME! Cargo area has a big rack over it so I couldnt haul round hay bales. Thanks for the comment buddy!
Stoney Ridge Farmer Don't bother with Polaris, if you think the Deere won't hold up wait until you see the Ranger. The Kubota may hold up for you, but farming is hard on things.
For 1500-2000$ a good ranch pickup has done everything and more. The six cylinder engine runs just fine, the cab is comfortable in a snowy winter, the bed hauls feed for cattle, a horse, a deer etc. We put it in first gear and let it put along while we unload feed for the cattle. In a pinch we've loaded into it and went to town. It's hard to beat a good pickup. Unless you find one for 100$ like you did. :)
Yep I like the idea....but the gator is much more handy that a pickup....it's the tool we use the most on the farm...we can get into a wet field and not tear up the land...get in and out easier..and get it into tighter spots that not truck would go....I'm with ya on the pickup truck...we've got a few...but as for versatility the gator blows a pickup truck away, that being said it's not without it's downfalls as you may have heard in this video
Thanks buddy, I think I made a fairly politically correct video to help folks make their UTV decisoin. Like you are saying, All I saw were paid reviews out there............nobody cares how it performs on day one its day 400 that makes the difference. A machine that looks good, and looks good on paper isn't necessarily gonna hold up to real world hard work.
Just rolled over 10,000 miles and 1000 hrs on my personal farm diesel Gator. I’ve replaced a battery, a clutch bearing, drive belt, tires, and done routine maintenance. We have 3 diesel Gators currently on the farm and they’ve been over all very reliable.
my boss has had his for a few years now and we use it for abit of everything. checking on cows a few miles from the yard. fencing, just trying to get around the yard with tools. they seem to have a pretty high payload capacity as well. i know this year we were loading the box up to the top with fence posts and it didnt seem to mind at all. forgot to say no power steering on his and it doesnt seem to be too bad. all in all not a bad machine, they could just fix a few things on them
Great payload I agree....but...at the price I feel like it should be more capable. No power steering is fine....unless you take it on a trail and have to use 4X4 or lock all 4 wheels. When we bought our farm the first thing I did was build a 1.5 mile trail around our property so I could get out and enjoy it....after about 6 months of use the gator started breaking and I had to put a clutch and belt....so far 2 axles have broken and another just started clicking.....maybe I'm just to rough on it.. I do use it everyday on the farm......EVERY DAY! Just disappointed in the strength and longevity of parts
I’ve got a 2018 XUV590ES4 with less than 20 hours and 75 miles on it and it’s been nothing but a paperweight ever since I received delivery on it from the JD factory. Can never get it to shift. Sent it back due to a recall and they said they fixed it but that just made it worse. The fuel gauge stopped working. Finally after much fuss, I sent it in only to get a repair quote of over $1000.00 which I had a complete meltdown over so JD split the price making it around $570 I had to pay. I got it home last week and after driving it about 20 minutes for about 2 miles, it’s right back to not wanting to shift again. It’s a nightmare. It looks like I’ve spent almost $16K for a fragile piece of farm equipment. Never gator. Never again.
I've got a good buddy who has a brand new $35k 835M that's been in the shop for months!! Brand new!! These are not the quality that we should expect from Deere
Thanks for your review, Josh. I've been looking at the XUV 625i and a Kubota. After hearing your criticisms, my eyes are somewhat opened. I have an 18 yr. old Gator now, and it's been great. But I need to step up to a 4x4, since mine is a 4x2 and it doesn't move the snow as well as I need to. While I love the John Deere brand, I am tempted to explore Kubota for a UTV. I switched to Kubota for my tractor with no regrets. Your advice is practical and honest. I am smarter now than before I watched your video. What more could one ask?
sorry to hear your having so many problems with your gator. I thought about getting one but ended up getting a used arctic cat prowler 650 side-by-side. I also use my brothers arctic cat 500 four wheeler. I use the four wheeler in the winter to plow snow and in the summer for food plots. pulling disc and culivator also for mowing with a 4 foot pull behind mower. I literally work the crap out of that thing. It's a 2004 and still going strong. I've replaced a few c.v. boots and a new carb but nothing else. Not even a belt. Also when I worked on the pipeline we used Polaris rangers and they held up really good. Polaris also makes a 6x6 which will go through almost anything.
Good review Stoney. I have a 2014 model it has been great but then again use it mainly around the house for yard work which is much less demanding than farm work I know. My clock also loses time, don't do much trail stuff, sorry yours has given you "issues". Your right about the power many say "Well 50hp ain't much compared to other models" but its the torque that is so strong on this machine.
Hey bud make sure when you get a belt you break it in we break them in from running it at half throttled for a few miles cooling it off and doing it again
For changing the oil, if you fold the seats up and remove the plastic cover in the middle, you can get your arm and a filter wrench in there far enough to access the filter
thanks for the tip....shouldn't have to disassemble a piece of farm equipment in order to service it....engineering issue....farm equipment needs to be easily serviceable!
No problem Kelly, I've had lots of troubles out of this machine...My dealer told me "You can't hurt that thing" and it was a flat out lie, I;ve got lots of John Deere folks mad at me but this is honest, true and not what I saw on the web when I was doing my research.....I'm sure you've seen all the "Promotional Reviews" But this is truth....unbiased and not paid. Thanks for watching buddy glad to help
We have a 2010 or so 850D and its been a good machine. Its seen mud, mesquite spraying every year since new. We have only had the starter go out once, glow plugs, front cv joint. Still have original belt and clutch.....if we have a heavy load to haul we use a truck, we never try pulling to its max capacity. I think this has been the major reason for its longevity.
Nice....we thought of doing diesel on our next rig....however...we dont spend much "travel time" in the gator...it's stop and start over and over would eat up a starter and in my opinion is bad for that little diesel....so we opted for the gas model...I still have it 4 years later and it's still serving me well...I was told a "tall tale" by my dealer about the durability of this machine....of note...the 5 year warranty from Mahindra looks fairly enticing!
I have the 825i, about 1100 hours on it. Fully agree with your comments about needing power steering ( about $2k extra option here in Australia) I also have to over inflate the tyres to lighten the steering, and got a badly sprained a wrist through the kickback that happened when I hit a log in long grass. It's far too noisy, weak lights, and I really don't like that Chery engine. Having problems with it at the moment which seem to be related to the electronic fuel management system, have to get it to a dealer to check it out. On the plus side, I really like the steel cabin floor, so sticks don't get flicked up and come through the floor like they do with Hondas etc. I also find the vision out of the cab really good, with the low front, and I love the size of the rear cargo tray. I don't have any issues with pulling capacity...if I need to tow something heavy I'll just use a tractor. Good luck with the Kubota, if you got one. I had one, built like a bull dozer, but about the same performance. Could be easily outrun by a medium paced cow, and if you found the Gator difficult to do an oil change on, you'll just HATE the Kubota. ( Look forward to seeing you do a video about it !! ) Overall, I'd probably buy another Gator, but I'd really like to see John Deere spend more time asking owners how the product could be improved, rather than just believing in their own PR. Thanks very much for this video, it was well done.
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer I had an after market turbo fitted to the RTV X 1120 that I had... didn't make it any faster, but it did help it on the hills a fair bit.
I'm a mechanic that works on gators specifically. The 825i has a Chinese motor made by Chery which main bearing #1 goes bad. The bearing on the clutch goes bad. The teeth on shift collar in the trans & high gear round off causing it to jump out of gear.
I'm liking the Honda Pioneer. I can make do with ATVs and trucks while I wait and see how the Honda 1000 holds up and give time for a used one to depreciate to a more realistic price range for me.
Over 500hrs on our 825i w/ power steering and we haven't had a single problem. It hauls hundreds of pounds of feed in it 75% of the time and zero drivetrain issues, but we rarely tow from the hitch with it. Also I'd recommend the larger maxxis tires and alloy wheels. The ride is great, the speed is good, and I find it to be much much better than other UTV's for farm use. I've messed with the older diesel gators, Kawi mules, Polaris rangers and kubotas
Good review. Wish I'd seen it before my wife bought hers. She did get the smaller engine with the 4 seat body. No power steering and you are right! Have the manual dump bed and it's balanced just right. I think the clutch engages too sharply and jerks to start off. Lights ARE weak. I like your light bar idea. I put a rearview mirror up on the windshield bar but it's a little too high. I want side mirrors and cargo lights. Thanks. Wade in Floyd, Va.
i got a older mule 2510 and i can fill the bed with topsoil and it don't think twice and the dummy next door ran his f250 out of gas with his 18' inboard ski boat hooked up i put the mule in 4 low and pulled him with no problem up a slite hill once i got out of the lose stones. it goes through a belt every 1-1/2 to 2yrs but im hard on it i pull heavy loads and load it to the gills all the time. i had put the bed lift they sell for them in it and it wouldn't lift the bed even a 1/4 full so i put in a 9k hydraulic lift out of a York ride on pallet jack works like a champ if anyone dose that get power up and down mine is just power up and it take forever to go back down the bed is to lite. thanks for sharing
The sputtering issue: From my limited experience with fuel injection, it's caused by the fuel pressure in the fuel rail bleeding down. Maybe a check valve in the fuel rail is allowing the pressure to bleed down if a check valve is suppose to bee there. In my opinion, I would think a UTV with a clutch and transmission (not a CVT) would work better on a farm. But I don't know of any good quality ones, yet.
We have a 825i s4 with over 600hrs, and not a single problem. We use it on our farm to pull manure spreaders, ride trails and transport material. I feel like you have to be doing something wrong.
We have one. It’s the worst machine ever. We have spent more money repairing it than what we paid for it. Had 4 or 5 fuel pumps. All new front end. New clutch. Front diff coupling to drive shaft is busted out only thing keeping it in 4x4 is the locking bolt. Has had all new injectors. Fuel lines. Gone through a heap of drive belts. It’s broken again right now not getting fuel to the cylinders but the line is pressurising so buggered if I know. But in short I will tell everybody that I hear wanting one to look elsewhere
We have an 855D Power Steering... It is quite nice... It has a Japanese Yanmar Diesel engine... It is quite good. We have almost 70 hours with no issues... Not much but it hasn't hickuped yet. Now a great Gator that from our experience is a great machine and one that can actually work... A CX.... Those puppies are something else. I use to drive it to work every day... (I was 14 at the time) It have a single cylinder Kawasaki gasoline engine made in Japan with an American built transmission. It is an excellent machine... Mine has almost 900 hours on it with not one major problem except body work... My brother crashed it by slamming it into a pickup and all it did was bend the plastic... Popes it out and it was good to go. I have a 15 gallon weed sprayer I spray irrigation circle pivots with regularly... It has also puked a single bottom plow( just for shits and giggles) and a harrow. Mine has extra lights as well as a roof and windscreen. I modified my carburetor to make it go faster and it hasn't had a single problem. We have one that have almost 3000 hours on them on our farm... The orchard uses them regularly... They are the bomb. They arnt fast but you don't really need to haul ass all the time. That's why you have a pickup. Sad thing is they don't make them anymore... It's a typical JD thing to do... Take what is arguably the best gator you make an stop producing it... Uggg. But I still have the one I use... So oh well. They are excellent machines and it's a real shame they dont make them any more.
So when I bought this thing I wanted an all around machine that could take the trails and service on the farm.....not what you want for a farm used UTV...now I know....baby the thing and it will be ok.....overwork it and youll break stuff every week
my uncle has a 4 seater 825i for about the same amount of time. seems to like it though not nearly the hours you have. if I wanted a pure utility utv with trail capabilities ID prob get a Yamaha Viking EPS. you get more speed (50 mph) 3 passenger more comfortable seat and better CVT system for about the same price maybe a little less. the new can am defender hd8 would be great too.
Wasn't trying to knock your gator in any way. The Viking and Defender HD8 basically cost the same and are better dual-purpose machines, work and play that is. Both have dumping cargo boxes and plenty of towing capacity. They will ride better too, more suspension travel.
The HPX 4x4 is the best work horse of the models we have two the 05 has a 800 hours on it still original belt, axles, etc. it may only have 20 hp but the solid axle is tough as hell its like a half ton truck axle. the 2013 has 250 hours we own a tree farm so we always drag trees and heavy trailers. i tow our 4000lb camper around the yard with the 05.
I've got the 625i. They don't go as fast as the 825i, about 35mph max. Did my light upgrade like you for about $120 front and rear. You definitely need the rear lights for getting wood in and picking up the deer! I despise the lack of leg room and the fact that you can't go a few hundred yards and shut it down for awhile and crank it back up and smell fuel and it will cut back on you. I've owned several John Deere products, but I'm disappointed in the Gator. I've had mine since 2012. Wish I had test drove others before making my purchase!
I have a gator and I think they are cheaply made and over priced, but so are most side by sides and 4 wheelers, also I owned a Kubota RTV they are very heavy, not great on soft ground.
Josh, A pretty good review I must say. I use my 2014 825i w/ power steering for recreation, hunting, wood hauling & trail riding. May add a snow plow, next year. However dealer said I shouldn't add the aftermarket snowblowers out there as it'll prematurely wear out front suspension! That & it was $7400.00. I've come to think of UTVs as large ATVs w/ a dump box. Beefier & more capable machines yes, but still ATVs. Most do what they claim, but break once you push them beyond that. If you think the 825's loud, the 625 is louder! It's a 2 cylinder Kawaski. The 3 cylinder Chery, in the 825i is quieter. 1) Power steering is a must in these machines, friend of mine got an aftermarket kit & what a difference now. 2) Yes the lights need an upgrade, you can buy HID or LED replacements for the stock headlights & / or add LEDs as you have. I added both. 3)I think if you add the front & rear CV guards that might help you w/ that issue, after you repair them. It's about $400 for all 4 from JD 4) What size trailers are you towing? Full size hay wagons or something else? What type of loads? 5) You don't like the JD warranty? My friends Polaris '16 Ranger 900 XP came w/ 6 month warranty on the UTV & 1 year on the full cab he purchased with it! Something wrong I think when they warranty the cab longer than the machine. 6) The display, not sure about the clock, but why don't they have a gear indicator there? Check out www.johndeeregatorforum.com/forum.php for help.
I agree. Just dont push them beyond the breaking point and you'll be fine. My big problem was my dealer said "you cant hurt this thing" Well that was totally wrong. Oh and when we test drove we didnt have a windshield on it.....once we put the windshield on it thats when things got loud. The sound just reverberated in the cab and in our ears!
would just having the John Deere tractor not suffice .I have a working tree farm and all I ever use is my John Deere 410 hoe I have a quick detach bucket on it with forks and a plow for snow also have a flail for mowing and a mower not to mention the backhoe. Plus It has a cab with a heater and AC. Most versatile machine I ever owned.
Man I use my gator every day....EVERY DAY! I have no idea what I would do without it...yep it's not without it's flaws but I could not do without it....cant hop on the tractor and drive across the farm 35mph....the gator gets it done
I just looked at a well-taken-care0of 2012 with ~ 180 hours. It's clean, garaged, used for light plowing, NOT RUSTING really at all, and has tons of power, but the drive train is near exploding. You can tell the CV's are about toast, and the rear-end is sloppy and whiny. It's on its 4th set of belts. It's a really stout machine for the money, but I hear ya, it seems like it was underbuilt in the running gear. I *may* snag it (since it's $1k with a small tiny plow) And Fun. But the running reliability of the running gear has me worried.
I bought this machine as soon as it came out. We have a farm and are extremely hard on it. Have almost 50,000 miles on it and has been an excellent machine with only expected maintenance issues. That being said I am toying with the idea of trying the can am defender just for different.
I have a 2016 856d with 3000 miles on it going strong did ball joints on it mine will pull a car around with no problems what so ever and work it very hard you must just have a bad one
Thanks for your input I was thinking on a new gator I have a Kubota 1100 diesel it will pull down a house I didn’t like the belt drive with the gator at all but it sounds faster than the 1100 Kubota that kind of attracted me to the gator but work wise I think you just talked me into keeping my old machine thanks again man
We have an 825 with 18,000 miles and yes we farm with it, never logged tho. We replaced plenty of pairs on it over the years but overall the base machine has been ggood it is to loud and headlights are stupid week. Come on JD . Had a Polaris before it I think overall the gator is a better farm utv. I would love to try a Canam defender but the height of the bed is a problem just to high for putting buckets bales and baby calves on.
Thanks so much, Stoney Ridge Farmer! Excellent info. even years later. Although I don't think you're actually satisfied. Love to know how it is in 2021. Cheers!
I dont know why these are so expensive. You can buy 3 small trucks for the same price. only reason I see the need for one is if your running through tight wooded areas. Good honest review
I cannot agree with many of his comments. I have a 2012 825i and it is a workhorse. I have pulled hay wagons around with it. I have never burned up a belt, axle or CV joint. My only complaint is the clutch is hard to shift because the primary does not completely disengage. The engine runs at very high RPM. so I think that has something to do with it also.
Hi Jeffrey, I agree with you, I have had nothing but success with my Gator, I use it to haul firewood and plow with a 6' Boss V Blade since 2012. Use common sense with the throttle and don't abuse the machine, use low gear when plowing or towing. Your hard shift issues: High idle would cause the primary clutch to stay engaged thereby preventing the ability to easily shift in our out of gear. Primary Clutch Sticking was my issue caused by grim buildup on the clutch slides. With the motor off can you easily push the gator? If not you may have a problem with the clutch not releasing. 1. Raise the dump bed to help in the removal and access to the primary clutch. Remove the clutch dust cover, once the cover is off you can easily see the primary clutch and how it functions. 2. With the motor off look at the primary clutch and drive belt do you see a small gap or is it tight against the Clutch side walls? 3. If the belt is tight against the primary clutch side wall try gently pulling the clutch outward towards the drivers side of the vehicle. If the clutch moves it should now have clearance for the belt to be free of the primary clutch. Your options are to clean the primary clutch assembly or replace the clutch. 4. To remove the primary clutch you will need a "Clutch Puller" www.greenpartstore.com/John-Deere-Servicegard-Comet-Clutch-Removal-Screw-JDG1641.html . With this tool removal is very easy. Do not try to remove the clutch without the tool or you will destroy the clutch or even worse damage the drive shaft. 5. Once the primary clutch is off the driveshaft apply a light machine oil on the pads where the clutch moves in and out. 6. Lay the clutch on the ground and compress the clutch, believe it or not I simply stood on mine and repeatedly compressed and released the clutch assembly. 7. Using a rag clean the oil and grime from the clutch and repeat step 4 until there is no sign of grime / residue on the rag. 8. reassemble the clutch back onto the driveshaft and tighten to spec. 9. start motor and lightly rev, wait for the idle to drop under 1,000 rpm. 10. raise the dump bed to view the primary clutch, does the belt go slack? 11. Can you now easily shift in and out of gear during low idle? If so problem solved! Shut off the motor and replace the dust shield back on the clutch assembly. I hope this helps! It cured my issue and that was over 3 years ago.
Do you think the lights on the gator are adequate for a $14,000 machine? There were just too many things I was disapointed in with the gator and I had to say something
I am just trying to figure out why you had so many problems. In general I think the Gator lights are a joke. I replaced my headlights with HID ones. There are good LED retrofits available also. I purchased all the light kits available for the gator and have added aftermarket LED's. Once you understand the wiring of the Gator it is easy to modify. At the time I purchased mine in 2012, it was the most powerful out there. Now Polaris and other have stepped up their game with higher HP models. My complaints include the clutch system, lack of engine braking and an overall pain in the rear to service. I give it a 7.5 out of 10.
Polaris seems to be The biggest choice among the produce farms out west in areas of California Oregon Washington haven Arizona and I see some gators but mostly Polaris Rangers
I checked out the polaris ranger...did a short review on one...I'd never get one because my darn feet are too big to get in and out on the floorboard lol
Idk what the heck goes on with your gator, but ours works flawlessly runs all the time going farm to farm full speed. Well over 1000 miles a year tows boats in and out of water and never have a problem! Our clock maybe goes up 2-3 minutes over a month of use.
HEy...thats awesome that your gator hasnt given you any trouble! I wish I could say the same. So the first week we had it I took it nice and easy. We wanted to see more of our land so we started building trails (rugged trails) all around the farm that had rocks, creek crossings and lots of bumps. We needed 4wd for most of the trail route. My dealer told me "you cant hurt that thing" so I rode it like a big ATV. About a month into ownership I used it to drag about 10 small logs out of the woods. Later I was just riding through the trails with a buddy and the belt started slipping, also noticed a leak on the rear axle driveshaft! Both the belt and clutch had to be replaced, then the rear axle drive shaft and then the left front CV axle. My gator has no problem going place to place but when I actually use it for clearing brush, gathering firewood and be-boping around the trails...............it breaks. Maybe I expected more than it was capable of. We still use it everyday, but I didnt buy it as a golf cart hauling hand tools, I bought it to haul farm stuff and be farm tough.......maybe I just expected too much. Thanks so much for your comments! I appreciate you.
I am relocating to Mountain Home AR. soon. Been looking at a few tracts of land mostly wooded, brushy and rolling hills there. I will not be farming but putting in a house, small deep 1+ acre pond. Adding a few food plots for deer if legal. Need to keep a long driveway in good condition, Bush hog and slowly clearing out the brush and small tree. I am retire and will devote my time to making myself a fishing and hunting paradise for me and family, I have no idea how to operate a tractor but I am sure the salesman, where I buy, will teach me the rudiments. looing a two parcels of 70 acres or another of 115 acres. No close neighbors with forest around these tracts going on for several hundred acres...
Your comments reflect what I've heard around our area about the Gators. I wanted to like one but don't want to pay a premium for a non premium machine. our last 3 polaris 800s had 3000 hours on each of them when we sold them... Lots of repairs, but they made it. We bought new Ranger 570 full sizes this fall for 9K each on rebate and was able to re-use our 800 cabs. Power is not the problem, JD did not build their drivetrain heavy enough. The fact their CVT system isn't waterproof when everyone elses is is a joke... I expected better from Deere.
It's a shame...I've ridden other UTVs and I still think my gator is ok...I have a buddy that has a couple polaris 1000xp and a kubota diesel....I may go kubota next time around or mule
Very disappointing when you spend that much money and the quality is not there. We used older models for minor commercial plowing and it was one mechanical problem after the other. I think Kubota would be worth a peek.
Agreed, it is disappointing..just added a rear sway bar to the list...it just snapped right in half! Cheap Chinese steel pawned off as a quality American product.
I own a 2015 Gator 825I has 1600 miles now, half of those with tracks on it, I have beat the hell out of my machine, no issues yet, tons of power, and with the tracks I can go anywhere.. until I got stuck.
wow..you have some miles on that thing...how's ur clock keeping time? I agree with good power....maybe too much in my opinion....I think that's why I keep breaking stuff. Maybe I'm too hard on it...who knows. Tracks are awesome big $$$$$
I guess you got a lemon. I got a 2011 and have pulled trucks out and loaded 2k in the back. I got over 1000 hrs and over 5000 miles on mine and it's bullet proof. Changed the belt at 900 hrs and didn't need it. True about the lights I got may lights on mine
Great Gator review! I bought a clunker of a Trail Wagon but it pulls fine but needs belt work. Rides like an empty dump truck. Do you trust a Gator or any utility vehicle that goes 45 MPH. I'd certainly be saying my rosary if I were on any farm dirt road. Really enjoy ALL u say.
Most likely the driveshaft from front (transmission) to rear end is shot...we had to replace that on ours it's on the passenger side under the bed area
Low Range when towing and slow operation. They are NOT water proof, driving through water will get water into the CVT belt case and will cause belt slippage and premature wear in both conditions, water intrusion as well as improper gear selection. Same holds true with any ATV/UTV. I had a 2011 Yamaha Rhino 700, it wasn't quiet either LOL...none of them are they're nothing more than a mini-truck with a ridiculous price tag attached and even with a cab installed they're still pretty loud. I pulled my 2100lb car trailer across my pasture once with my Rhino, it didn't like it LOL. Course the real towing capacity is 1200lbs. Bed capacity is 400lbs if you like to lift 400lbs. In reality towing capacity is more like 500lbs without straining the belt, and 150lbs in the bed. You don't NEED power steering. You need to learn to drive without having your fingers inside the steering wheel, this is an offroader tip LOL. Even with power steering you will still have the same problem when you hit an obstacle, power steering is something else to fail, as well as cause broken machine components. Power steering is nice if you use the machine only for utility use around the farm, but in rough conditions it may not be there when you need it.
I agree with all of what you are saying...exept the power steering...it's money well spent....my wife has trouble turning it and I know not to stick my fingers in the wheel...however money wasted on the dump bed would have been better spent on power steering
Power steering is a catch 22, it may or may not work. Its electric so if you are hard on your equipment it may give you quite a bit of trouble....Also, get the factory option don't do that add on aftermarket power steering kit, its a PITA plus you will need an alignment after you get done LOL.
I had an XUV550 S4- frankly a piece of junk. Clutch replaced under warranty. Have 300 hours and belt sticks - needs replacement. Drowned it in 12 inch stream and it burned up the starter motor. The parking brake cable has broken twice. On the third one now. In the winter it wont shift - i think there is water in the shift cable that freezes so it prevents the cable from moving. Even warming it up doesnt help since the cable is too far from the heat of the motor. I just traded it in for a Kubota RTV X1400. Alot more money but i need a utv that i can rely on. THis whole experience soured me on JD to the point that my 110HP tractor purchase was a Kubota NOT JD.
Ref inaccurate clock vs hour meter> A JD factory rep told me that the two functions are NOT linked...the clock is just a clock...a crappy one but just a clock. The hour meter is only energized when the ignition switch is "on"
I'm sure the hour meter is based on the same garbage clock.....however if it's running a little fast It will get ya changing the oil and servicing at earlier intervals...which isnt a bad thing.....bummer that the Deere rep knows it's a problem but they still use the BS Chinese part......time to step it up Deere...make a quality product not a golf cart on steroids
I thought your review was very accurate and fair. I run a 625I Gator and the noise, random part fittings and totally inadequate factory standard lighting are right on observations...I'd rate mine a 7 on a 10 scale.
I'm sorry you have had these problems with you gator, but we have had a 825 I gator for 5 years on our farm and never had any of these problems, and before we had the 825 I we have had other gators that dont give is these problems. We work our gator pretty hard but we take care of it at the same time.
Man...I tell ya.. I do love the gator and use it every day...but it's not without it's shortcomings. Not really sure why things keep falling apart on mine...but I guess I've gotta treat it much easier....since all this stuff has started breaking I have been easier on it...but the statement my dealer gave me "You can't hurt this thing" was just false....he also said "we've never had one come back with problems, only servicing" was a bold face lie....truth is for farm utility this machine needs some work....it shouldnt break when you load it up with firewood or rocks or sand...it should keep on going and going and going....If I don buy another gator it will be a diesel model with less HP and more torque built for pulling and hauling like a farm UTV should
I love your channel just curious where can I find that aftermarket compartment bag hanging on your rear tube assemblyLooking to get one for a Christmas gift?
I have a 2012 ...John Deere gator .....super! Never did anything to it runs great..."? Only thing I put red line synthetic oil in it..........expensive but in my opinion the best ,...but all will work great if changed regularly... Tomorrow I have to put the plugs in and air filter and change the oil....oh yea the only thing that happened was accelerator cable came off a few times I ended up putting epoxy to hold it in place ok now....I hope I have continued luck...knock on wood....
After watching the whole thing.... I think you got a lemon. Our fuel tank doesn't move like yours, never had a cv axle or clutch issue and we use 4wd a lot and have more hours than you. Ours isn't overly loud, we have the full steel roof/ cab and glass windshield. Yes the clutch/ belt drive vent pops off but we fixed with another hose clamp and it hasn't come off since. I think going to a kubota UTV will be a major down grade, the hydrostatic transmissions are horrible and will throw you through the windshield if you let off the throttle (they don't coast), you can bog them down and stall out with the hydro trans trying to pull stuff (did that with my grandpa's) the ride is awfully rough compared to a gator, and with the slower speed, hydro trans, heavy weight, bad suspension, smaller tires, and LOUDER Diesel engine they aren't as capable as a gator off road and on trails like it sounds like you run.
Wouldn't be loud with a Cab.....with just the windshield and top the noise reverberates through the cab and is unbearable...just curious about where you live? What kind of terrain...oh and I agree with you the Gator is a much better utility vehicle for farm use...I'm just disapointed in mine....seems to break all the time...but I do like it much more than the Polaris Razor and the Kubota RTV is just not the machine that the gator is....maybe next gator we will get the nice wheels and tires...oh and for sure the 4 seater!! With power steering!
John Deer gators is pour quality for the price. from my experience with them. they dont last more then two years if your using them. Save money and go buy a Honda pioneer and have a by far better utv.
Drove the RZR this weekend...not very impressed either. Oh...snapped off my throttle cable on the gator yesterday too....maybe I'm expecting too much...Ive spent the week with a RTV diesel and was very impressed
Ah...gotcha...that machine is built a little more trail worthy and trail tough I bet......I hate to dog my gator because I use it every day...I just think the engine is more than the drivetrain components can take....I'd rather have a little Samurai ! for 1/4 the cost
