Best UTV review I’ve seen. I get tired of “reviews”, which are comparisons, by dealers trying to sell their product. I appreciate them but call them what they are. I want a real world REVIEW, and you just gave one. THANK YOU!
Amen! Me too...there are a few more out there on my channel...I'm not a dealer...nor am I sponsored...just a guy with a tool that want's to tell ya bout it
I bought a used Gator XUV625i about four years ago with 600 hours on it. It's the same as your machine, except it has the 2-cylinder Kawasaki engine. It's been great for work around my property. Never been stuck, but unless you run the snot out of the 2-cylinder models (run them hard and hot) you have to change oil all the time - due to the blow-by of the open loop fuel injection filling the crankcase with gas. It pushes a 72" plow through Maine snow like a champ. Replaced my first axle shaft at 720 hours. Just did brake pads and some CV boots. But other than routine maintenance and a headlight bulb I've had no other issues. Not bad for an 11-year old machine that has spent it's entire life outdoors. I would certainly agree that it's a heavily-built work horse!
Im very happy with my Yamaha Viking. I don’t think it is what you need because it’s not as much of a work horse but it still can do a lot of work and it is fun. You can also seat 3 people with the regular model. If you want more you can seat 6 with the VI model. I can hold 600 pounds too.
We have a Can Am Defender HD10. After 2 years of research, testing etc...we went with the Defender. Use it in Michigan for plowing, hunting and some trail riding. Very happy with our decision. Have 2000 miles and no issues yet
I got the 855 D Diesel and love it won't ever get rid of it. Had a few problems but not to bad I don't think the diesels are to loud they start a lot quicker than gas. Was very impressed with that. The dealer told me that they never get used diesel ones in and farmers never get rid of them.Iam glad you like your.
I agree with everything your saying regarding the suspension in this XUV gator. Here’s my list; 400hrs, broke 4 cvt belts, all front ball joints, 2 wheel bearing and both steering rack ends all failed, 4wd drive shaft carrier bearings collapsed also both rear shock absorbers failed and I can’t keep up with the rear outer drive shaft boots splitting. Oh and that’s 2 machines with the same exact failures. Yes my machines get used hard, borderline abused but the machines these 2 replaced didn’t need these kinds of repairs until over 1000hrs and on top of that the fuel economy is getting worse with each new machine
Great honest review! I have a Polaris ranger that is ok for general running around and plows snow quite well. But it’s no work machine! I also have had a 4x2 gator for 21 years now. It has been severely overloaded countless times. It’s used pretty much every day here. Sips fuel. Unbelievably durable and tough as nails. In 21 years I’ve replaced the tires and one drive belt. I’ve put new seats in too, but not stock, overpriced originals. The little gator has been the best, most trouble free, useable piece of equipment I’ve ever owned. When/if it dies, I will buy the same model in 6 wheel. I don’t need suspension for use around here.
Excellent, honest review. Thank you. Looking at a 2018 825M with 74 hours, for $14,000. Very clean, seller was honest about a few repairs due to a youngster hitting a tree on the right side. Your review tells me this will work for our lake home maintenance, with some trail fun.
Man I've been looking at SXS until my head hurts, and its nice to see an unbiased end-user review. I have a CAN-AM Defender being delivered this week. Mostly used for property maintenance, but also hunting and trail riding. Hopefully it'll serve me well
Not sure about the gator diesel but the Polaris diesel is hydrostatic and sounds like a giant combine plowing thru the woods! Very loud!! I have a friend that has a full cab on his gator very nice! If I was in the market I'd prob get the gator too!
I’ve operated all the brands for 14 years! I pick Polaris XP 900 or 1000. You need the power for hard and heavy off reading and hill climbing. They’re comfortable and the ride is superb! Diesels , not enough power to climb a hill or plow through a mud hole! The XP can also handle the load capacity. The down side , the drive belts go out too fast! That is the only negative thing !
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer Yes three cylinder Diesel 25 to 30 miles an hour. It is made for work not speed. full cab heat & air. Three years old no issues nock wood. Big bucks but so far worth it.
Great review Josh. I recently got a 590M and I agree with the noise level. Didn’t know that I could solve the problem with the Gator silencer. Going to look into it. Thanks.
I liked your first review we have been through 2 825i s4 in 3 years we put 600 plus hours a year on them we would have put more if they wasn't always in the shop. Our biggest troubles are transmissions clutches belts and power steering and being hard to start. Soon as Deere sells this gator we will be getting a Intimidator
Good vid! I own a home on 3 acres with about 60yards of creek running through it. Large trees and always yard work. I debated on a kubota tractor but just recently decided that a gator would probably do me better. Im always having to tow different equipment around the property for the land upkeep and towing trees from the creek. Im looking to get a 6 wheel, 4wd diesel
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer my thoughts exactly. Also, did you sing the intro music for your youtube channel? Im an audio engineer and your voice sounds like the one on the intro lol
We bought the 2018 Polaris diesel crew. We use it on the farm and so far I am impressed with its power. Will haul 1500lbs and tow 2000. Really like your vlog, keep it up.
You were lookin at the 5 seater pioneer 1000 the 3 seater doesn’t have the roll bar and it is great we got a logging company and have to use straw bales to mulch crossings and such and we love it very touch machine handles heavy weight well and very powerful
I’ve got a 51 acre farm in KY and I’ve got a ‘13 Polaris ranger 900 XP with 4500 miles on it and I love it. Use it everyday, quiet, only thing I’ve had wrong with it is I rolled a log off a hill and it hit my front right wheel and now the rack and pinion needs replaced. Love the ranger!
I'll just add my couple of cents . Worked at a farm - equestrian center - public park for three years , the 2012 /2013 diesel Gator was by far the most reliable piece of equipment on the farm . Gator was often the only 4wd vehicle as the pick ups were 2 wheel drive . All 2wd pick ups Ford GM & Dodge got jumped or unstuck with the Gator .We didn't have suspension issues though the 4wd in the Gator was only used to get unstuck when needed . Gator fit in the barns to clean stalls , with each Gator dump bed saved 5-6 trips with wheelbarrow to the manure pile this was huge . Roof is a must 2012 /2013 diesel Gator didn't have so was often a choice between getting stuck in truck or being wet in the Gator there are aftermarket solutions out there well wort the price , powers that be precluded this . Big plus Gator was it was simple to train young staff on , Kubota we later got was joke in this regard had all the bells and whistles but training staff horrible . With the base 2012 /2013 diesel Gator had no horn sure there are aftermarket solutions . In public park where often the dogs had leaches but rarely did the children not having horn in public park was a real pain .
As a gator specific mechanic I’ll say the 825i is better than the diesel for working, also if your hauling a load, pulling or just cruising around put it in LOW, makes life easier on the clutch and belt system
BUY USED!! We are selling this gator soon! You'll save thousands! Check your FB marketplace...we have 700hours on ours and it functions just fine. Many many good used units out there
Well, yesterday the wife and I went to the John Deere dealer here in town. She jumped in the 835 and would not get out until I bought the darn thing. I just wonder in the last 2 years since making this video, how many JD ATV's you have sold for John Deere (you should get a commission!). I will send this video to my salesman. Thanks again for this excellent video! Joe
Finally, a good review of a utv that's actually been used. I just bought a 2016 honda pioneer 500 for $5100 with 300 hours. It works on my hunting property, but your machine seems a lot better for farm work. My grandpa had a 95 Polaris ranger with 800 hours, and he didn't break it once. Great video man.
and another thing about the honda is the air suspension in the rear... it self levels when you put a heavy load in it... not sure is that is a feature on the one that doesn't have the back seats but i know for sure it is found standard on the one with the back seats.. maybe its an option if it isn't standard...
I have a Kioti MECHRON 2200 Diesel that I have had for 4 years on my farm. I have not looked at the newest ones. The weak point was the signal light factory package. I have Factory windshield and rear window guard with aftermarket Metal Roof made locally. It was a lot cheaper that a JD diesel and the JD also used a overseas diesel engine at that time. It has a wide all metal rear bed, no plastic at all. I don't know if the new ones offer a enclosed cab or not.
For working on a property and carrying weight and towing. The Kubota RTV1140 and Kawasaki mule are the go. Here in australia a friend has 25000 acre property running cattle and the Kubota and the jaws are the only machines that survive the Australian outback. The JD, Polaris and can am just don’t cut it for durability and reliability out here.
Far as I'm concerned, I'd stick with an older 4x2 Gator, Yes it's slow as hell and Yes it ain't a 4x4 and Yes people selling them think they are worth the 6K they're asking despite it looking like it went to Hell and Back, but you don't need to be Racer-X on a Ranch or Farm and I've driven and tested brand spankin' new 4x4 utility vehicles with Lockers front & rear and they couldn't go through the mud or climb a hill under their own weight, where as the older 4x2 Gator would drive like it was on pavement WITHOUT the locker engaged. And if you really live where the Terrain is unforgiving, they have Winches for a reason. Furthermore, you can't beat the older Gators solid rear axle when it comes to hauling and towing on a Farm or Ranch were you can pile on way over the Recommended weight and keep chugging along without having to worry about the Axles and Suspension going out because you load the machine to the recommended weight.
Arctic cat Prowler is the Quitest UTV I've ever been in. But it's a Chinese engine like the John Deere and Mule. So who knows. plus Seats 3. Lots of Storage.
The Kawasaki mules seem (to me anyways) to be the way to go. I plan on purchasing a Mule Pro FXT myself and I have put many hours on Mule 4010 Trans 4X4 around mine farm and my parents farm. The 4010 is a workhorse and can easily move extra people around as well. The Mule Pro is a bit quieter, stronger, and will haul more people, but is also bigger and more expensive. The Pro is also available as a diesel engine, but I don't have any personal experience the diesel models. I have had good experience with Kawasaki personally and they stand behind their products better than anyone else in the industry with the 3 year warranty.
Question, when they say 1500 lbs towing capacity were you towing logs out or dragging them out? Dragging a log makes it very much heavier so even one less than 1500 lbs can put over 1500 lbs of force on your UTV. If that is the case then dragging 1500 lbs logs, or even less, could be abusing the equipment.
Good report. The 32 watt headlights are very poor. I have added all the John Deere extra lights front and rear. No problem with the axles at 450 hours. I stay within the designed limits of the machine. The under hood tool tray isn't functional. It gets dirty and wet for anything you leave in it. My Gator has the Mauser Deluxe cab with Curtis doors AND heater, 4,500 Warn winch, full brush guards and Dee Zee diamond plate bed tool box. I agree it's the best utility vehicle out there. The cost is high but that goes with anything that's John Deere.
Check out the gravely atlas, seems like a quality product comes stock with a steel bumper, tows 2000 lbs and payload of 1250 lbs, has 2 seat and 4 seat options
I bought a Kawasaki Teryx for $16,000 CAD new with a bunch of mods, I paid for it in full when I picked it up and it's done everything I need, my dad uses it for his Fencing company with his friend every once in a while I use it mostly for the farm and a bit on trails and no issues as of now but it's still a new machine only about 500km but the stock lights are amazing, I hope it lasts as long as my Honda Foreman 450 I got 50,000km out of it
Try TBG not sure if comes with diesel, but we have TBG quad bikes it was cheap and last long time. It has done 40000 kms in 5 years only thing I don’t like how load the exhaust is.
kubota made solid materialplus more feul saving and best warrantyplus has 3 point hitch optional for attachments wich can be used as a tractor as well wich is nice
You young people can have em. I got along fine without em. We used the old way. We walked, used the horse, or we used the little Ford 9N. My horse didn't get stuck. Just another way to get young farmer's money. Can you plow, harrow, or put seed in with the gator? Regards... P.S. Progress?
Funny you should ask I can plow I can see in fertilize and harrow with the gator. And if I have a piece of equipment on the other side of the farm it doesn't take me half an hour to walk there and walk back to carry a screwdriver. So… Call it progress or call it in essential farm tool. But I certainly could not carry six buckets of water per day up to my goats
ive heard the 620s with the little bit less powered motor are a lot more tougher then the 800s and ive heard tend to have less problems im looking at getting one for just using around the 3 acre yard no trail stuff just a little work horse
Definitely reconsider the bobcat, it is a Polaris xp 1000 that bobcat beefs up the sespention and gives it a stronger axle it has a top speed of 42-44 and can tow 2000 pound and haul 1500 but other than that good review
not all of the honda pioneer 1000 side by sides have that roll bar all the way to the back.. just the ones that can be converted to a 5 seater.. you can get one just like that gator.. the biggest selling point to me for the pioneer is that it doesn't have a belt drive.. i can't stand a belt drive... the honda has a dct transmission that is fully enclosed.. i currently have 2 gators and i do like the gator but my next one will likely be the pioneer... the only other option i would consider is the 865r gator but i just don't like the belt. if that pioneer would have a good diesel in it i wouldn't consider anything else but a honda is plenty enough reliable for me anyway...
My uncle in east texas bought a kubota 1100C. Which is the diesel model with a full AC/heat cab and has a power dump bed. It is a brute but it ways alot more and he feels that the tires are small. But he thinks it rides better than his old polaris 700 and of course its alot cooler in the summer.
I’ve put my Polaris ranger to hell and it still holds up I put 200 lbs over payload capacity and it sagged a little bit more. But I have owned it for 4 years. I honestly think you should look at the newer ones.
Getting in and out of the Ranger XP 1000 is a pain in the butt for me, I wear size 14 shoe and the foot area of the cockpit is just too darn tight getting in and out all day...great machines though...my friend has 2 of them on his ranch
Thank you for an objective review. We live on on a small 5 acre farm in east TN and are faced with similar issues. Mine is first and foremost doing my own maintenance and secondly, I wish I had bought a four seater. I am perplexed JD did not appreciate the DIY in regards to maintenance as I am now attempting to perform a front differential and transmission fluid maintenance. How have you dealt with this issue?
I have the brand new 2019 cfmoto uforce 500 side by side it has a good bed that dumps it has power steering and it is also very spacious and comes with a with a winch from factory very good for the price u pay
Fuel strainers in the tank are tiny and getting at them was a right pain :o Brake lights were on all the time. I gave up after two hours of testing and ran new wires and switch. Guess what, a normal micro-switch fits nicely with new holes drilled :o) It doesn’t pull off until 1500rpm. Maybe this is a British thing, but it ain’t doing 40mph. I suspect the black clutch spring is too hard by design to slow it down? Adjusting the handbrake on this 2015 was near impossible. I drilled another hole in the steel work so I could pull the pin on the cable clevis. The multi disks look fine. Very odd. - plastic brake pistons is a great move by JD. power steering is nice. To remove the oil filter remove the 12mm headed bolt on the diesel filter so that it and the oil filter become easy jobs :o) grease everything every time you strip it, bolts and plugs .
I recommend looking into the yamha viking I own a 2012 yamaha rhino use it on my farm and I have not had any problems with it runs great still bought it in 2014
ricky turtle I like the viking and would consider it but the deal breaker is no turf mode. In other words the rear diff is always locked with no option to unlock it.
we have a mule for work and it rocks!!! we got the enclosure for winter with doors and suspension upgrade. it can come with a heater but we dont stay out in the freezing cold too long and its garage kept. it has a tilt bed and handles hills and rocky uneven ground great.lighting sucks and doesnt come with a horn. there ya go. id recommend it. great work buggy
Question: How do you think the Gator would be for doing off road trails but using common sense? I'm NOT talking 50 mph and 15' jumps here. I'm talking up and down canyons with some big rocks and stuff but going old man slow. How is the low gear, low end torque climbing and decent ability? Thanks.
We eventually sold our machine....seriously look into finding the S4 version (4 seater) I always needed more seating and more room. The newer JD Gators are the same frame and bed with larger cab for big fellas....but gosh they're big $$$$
I will check out the comp next time we looked at new holland and jd like the jd but think we should buy one with a different gear box the jd the centrifagle gear box is crap if you use it most of the time we go though belts like no other
Hate to burst your bubble, but 0% interest doesn't exist. They've simply added the finance cost to the price of the ride. That way, they get all of the finance charges even if you pay it off in 1 month. For farm work, sometimes you need a trailer. A lot of people think the 825i is an American manchine. Like most things in the USA, they come from other countries. The engine in your machine is a Chinese Chery engine - very popular in many off-brand UTVs as well as cars in South American, parts of Africa and of course Asia. It's apparently a very reliable engine.
I have a old Kawasaki mule diesel And I would not recommend it it does not have enough speed or wheel speed to clean the mud out so if I get in anything muddy or even on a slope with a little bit of mud I can't get up And they are slow and noisy But they carry a lot
So you now love the RTV. What Changed? Did Kubota just get better in recent years or did you just outgrow the Gator? I just bought the 2019 RTV X1140 partially due to your X1140 review, by the way. Waiting on delivery, I added some features. LOL 😂
Best UTV review I’ve seen. I get tired of “reviews”, which are comparisons, by dealers trying to sell their product. I appreciate them but call them what they are. I want a real world REVIEW, and you just gave one. THANK YOU!
Amen! Me too...there are a few more out there on my channel...I'm not a dealer...nor am I sponsored...just a guy with a tool that want's to tell ya bout it
I bought a used Gator XUV625i about four years ago with 600 hours on it. It's the same as your machine, except it has the 2-cylinder Kawasaki engine. It's been great for work around my property. Never been stuck, but unless you run the snot out of the 2-cylinder models (run them hard and hot) you have to change oil all the time - due to the blow-by of the open loop fuel injection filling the crankcase with gas. It pushes a 72" plow through Maine snow like a champ. Replaced my first axle shaft at 720 hours. Just did brake pads and some CV boots. But other than routine maintenance and a headlight bulb I've had no other issues. Not bad for an 11-year old machine that has spent it's entire life outdoors. I would certainly agree that it's a heavily-built work horse!
Im very happy with my Yamaha Viking. I don’t think it is what you need because it’s not as much of a work horse but it still can do a lot of work and it is fun. You can also seat 3 people with the regular model. If you want more you can seat 6 with the VI model. I can hold 600 pounds too.
We have a Can Am Defender HD10. After 2 years of research, testing etc...we went with the Defender. Use it in Michigan for plowing, hunting and some trail riding. Very happy with our decision. Have 2000 miles and no issues yet
I got the 855 D Diesel and love it won't ever get rid of it. Had a few problems but not to bad I don't think the diesels are to loud they start a lot quicker than gas. Was very impressed with that. The dealer told me that they never get used diesel ones in and farmers never get rid of them.Iam glad you like your.
I agree with everything your saying regarding the suspension in this XUV gator. Here’s my list;
400hrs, broke 4 cvt belts, all front ball joints, 2 wheel bearing and both steering rack ends all failed, 4wd drive shaft carrier bearings collapsed also both rear shock absorbers failed and I can’t keep up with the rear outer drive shaft boots splitting. Oh and that’s 2 machines with the same exact failures. Yes my machines get used hard, borderline abused but the machines these 2 replaced didn’t need these kinds of repairs until over 1000hrs and on top of that the fuel economy is getting worse with each new machine
Great honest review! I have a Polaris ranger that is ok for general running around and plows snow quite well. But it’s no work machine! I also have had a 4x2 gator for 21 years now. It has been severely overloaded countless times. It’s used pretty much every day here. Sips fuel. Unbelievably durable and tough as nails. In 21 years I’ve replaced the tires and one drive belt. I’ve put new seats in too, but not stock, overpriced originals. The little gator has been the best, most trouble free, useable piece of equipment I’ve ever owned. When/if it dies, I will buy the same model in 6 wheel. I don’t need suspension for use around here.
Excellent, honest review. Thank you. Looking at a 2018 825M with 74 hours, for $14,000. Very clean, seller was honest about a few repairs due to a youngster hitting a tree on the right side. Your review tells me this will work for our lake home maintenance, with some trail fun.
Real good presentation. I am looking at a used 4 seat xuv s4 wheel drive with roof and windshield. I liked his remark about 4 seats. Have a GREAT DAY.
thank you for a such an honest and thorough review - definitely useful.
Man I've been looking at SXS until my head hurts, and its nice to see an unbiased end-user review. I have a CAN-AM Defender being delivered this week. Mostly used for property maintenance, but also hunting and trail riding. Hopefully it'll serve me well
Not sure about the gator diesel but the Polaris diesel is hydrostatic and sounds like a giant combine plowing thru the woods! Very loud!! I have a friend that has a full cab on his gator very nice! If I was in the market I'd prob get the gator too!
Awww, I liked it when I could hear you when you came on the property.
lol
the Can-am UTV is amazing, it is great for work and it is tough
I’ve operated all the brands for 14 years! I pick Polaris XP 900 or 1000. You need the power for hard and heavy off reading and hill climbing. They’re comfortable and the ride is superb! Diesels , not enough power to climb a hill or plow through a mud hole! The XP can also handle the load capacity. The down side , the drive belts go out too fast! That is the only negative thing !
I got a Kubota 1100C , Cant believe how much snow the thing will push. This is a work machine an love it …
Is that one based on the tractor platform...hydrostat drive?
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer Yes three cylinder Diesel 25 to 30 miles an hour. It is made for work not speed. full cab heat & air. Three years old no issues nock wood. Big bucks but so far worth it.
Great review Josh. I recently got a 590M and I agree with the noise level. Didn’t know that I could solve the problem with the Gator silencer. Going to look into it. Thanks.
gator silencer it great for sure here's a link for you amzn.to/32i4trx (stoney ridge amazon affiliate link)
2018 Polaris Ranger xp 1000 is my favorite that what we run on our farm
I liked your first review we have been through 2 825i s4 in 3 years we put 600 plus hours a year on them we would have put more if they wasn't always in the shop. Our biggest troubles are transmissions clutches belts and power steering and being hard to start. Soon as Deere sells this gator we will be getting a Intimidator
hmmm I'll look that one up...and thanks so much for being such a loyal fan...man that review was just the start of my little channel
Thanks for the review. I'm in the market for a farm/hunting buggy and the new 825M seems to fit my needs. The Yamaha Viking is also a nice machine.
Check back in a week or so..we'll be reviewing the Cub Cadet Challenger
Good vid! I own a home on 3 acres with about 60yards of creek running through it. Large trees and always yard work. I debated on a kubota tractor but just recently decided that a gator would probably do me better. Im always having to tow different equipment around the property for the land upkeep and towing trees from the creek. Im looking to get a 6 wheel, 4wd diesel
yes! Go 4x6! they are awesome!
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer my thoughts exactly. Also, did you sing the intro music for your youtube channel? Im an audio engineer and your voice sounds like the one on the intro lol
I was impressed with the kioti mechron, dont own one, but have drove them, alot like kubota but cheaper.
We bought the 2018 Polaris diesel crew. We use it on the farm and so far I am impressed with its power. Will haul 1500lbs and tow 2000. Really like your vlog, keep it up.
Hi.... Thank you 🎥👍👍👍
I would look at the Kioti Mechron for another diesel powered side by side.
You were lookin at the 5 seater pioneer 1000 the 3 seater doesn’t have the roll bar and it is great we got a logging company and have to use straw bales to mulch crossings and such and we love it very touch machine handles heavy weight well and very powerful
I’ve got a 51 acre farm in KY and I’ve got a ‘13 Polaris ranger 900 XP with 4500 miles on it and I love it. Use it everyday, quiet, only thing I’ve had wrong with it is I rolled a log off a hill and it hit my front right wheel and now the rack and pinion needs replaced. Love the ranger!
I'll just add my couple of cents . Worked at a farm - equestrian center - public park for three years , the 2012 /2013 diesel Gator was by far the most reliable piece of equipment on the farm . Gator was often the only 4wd vehicle as the pick ups were 2 wheel drive . All 2wd pick ups Ford GM & Dodge got jumped or unstuck with the Gator .We didn't have suspension issues though the 4wd in the Gator was only used to get unstuck when needed . Gator fit in the barns to clean stalls , with each Gator dump bed saved 5-6 trips with wheelbarrow to the manure pile this was huge . Roof is a must 2012 /2013 diesel Gator didn't have so was often a choice between getting stuck in truck or being wet in the Gator there are aftermarket solutions out there well wort the price , powers that be precluded this . Big plus Gator was it was simple to train young staff on , Kubota we later got was joke in this regard had all the bells and whistles but training staff horrible . With the base 2012 /2013 diesel Gator had no horn sure there are aftermarket solutions . In public park where often the dogs had leaches but rarely did the children not having horn in public park was a real pain .
As a gator specific mechanic I’ll say the 825i is better than the diesel for working, also if your hauling a load, pulling or just cruising around put it in LOW, makes life easier on the clutch and belt system
This is the video I have been waiting for. Today I am heading off to my local John Deere dealer in Athens, GA, he has 10 Gators in stock. Thanks!
BUY USED!! We are selling this gator soon! You'll save thousands! Check your FB marketplace...we have 700hours on ours and it functions just fine. Many many good used units out there
Well, yesterday the wife and I went to the John Deere dealer here in town. She jumped in the 835 and would not get out until I bought the darn thing. I just wonder in the last 2 years since making this video, how many JD ATV's you have sold for John Deere (you should get a commission!). I will send this video to my salesman. Thanks again for this excellent video! Joe
Diesel gator last forever and the fuel economy is pretty damn good, but it is pretty loud
Finally, a good review of a utv that's actually been used. I just bought a 2016 honda pioneer 500 for $5100 with 300 hours. It works on my hunting property, but your machine seems a lot better for farm work. My grandpa had a 95 Polaris ranger with 800 hours, and he didn't break it once.
Great video man.
Good info. I’m gonna have to store this away and remember to rewatch when I am in the market
and another thing about the honda is the air suspension in the rear... it self levels when you put a heavy load in it... not sure is that is a feature on the one that doesn't have the back seats but i know for sure it is found standard on the one with the back seats.. maybe its an option if it isn't standard...
Kawasaki Mule diesel FXT....tough but a great ride too. I've owned several and the Mules are top notch.
I need a defender considering where I wanna go and what I want to do as far as hunting and trail riding
We love you Josh!!! We have a Mater. Which is a Mahindra. It is bulletproof so far.
Cool good to know
enjoy your no BS walk around good job
Like your review. It appears that most of your complaints have been addressed on the new gators with available options and features.
I have a Kioti MECHRON 2200 Diesel that I have had for 4 years on my farm. I have not looked at the newest ones. The weak point was the signal light factory package. I have Factory windshield and rear window guard with aftermarket Metal Roof made locally. It was a lot cheaper that a JD diesel and the JD also used a overseas diesel engine at that time. It has a wide all metal rear bed, no plastic at all. I don't know if the new ones offer a enclosed cab or not.
We have the 855D with the powered dump bed and LOVE IT! So yeah, diesel was the way to go for us.
Thanks for the review. I want a utility side by side for fun and work. I think I'll give the gator a shot.
Great review! I am a farmer /hunter and love my can am defender. I highly recommend it. For what your using a sxs for.
I would recommend the new Holland rustler! I have the 215 version and it’s a work horse! Never have been able to get it stuck even when I try!
Good to know buddy thanks
For working on a property and carrying weight and towing. The Kubota RTV1140 and Kawasaki mule are the go. Here in australia a friend has 25000 acre property running cattle and the Kubota and the jaws are the only machines that survive the Australian outback. The JD, Polaris and can am just don’t cut it for durability and reliability out here.
Thanks for the tip Abyss Family!
This was great. Not some mealy-mouthed, paid to talk nice, review.
Love all your VLOGs keep them coming! I really enjoy the content, useful and quality information about life on the farm.
Far as I'm concerned, I'd stick with an older 4x2 Gator, Yes it's slow as hell and Yes it ain't a 4x4 and Yes people selling them think they are worth the 6K they're asking despite it looking like it went to Hell and Back, but you don't need to be Racer-X on a Ranch or Farm and I've driven and tested brand spankin' new 4x4 utility vehicles with Lockers front & rear and they couldn't go through the mud or climb a hill under their own weight, where as the older 4x2 Gator would drive like it was on pavement WITHOUT the locker engaged. And if you really live where the Terrain is unforgiving, they have Winches for a reason. Furthermore, you can't beat the older Gators solid rear axle when it comes to hauling and towing on a Farm or Ranch were you can pile on way over the Recommended weight and keep chugging along without having to worry about the Axles and Suspension going out because you load the machine to the recommended weight.
My can am defender has been really tough. So far no issues very smooth ride as well.
Arctic cat Prowler is the Quitest UTV I've ever been in. But it's a Chinese engine like the John Deere and Mule. So who knows. plus Seats 3. Lots of Storage.
The Kawasaki mules seem (to me anyways) to be the way to go. I plan on purchasing a Mule Pro FXT myself and I have put many hours on Mule 4010 Trans 4X4 around mine farm and my parents farm. The 4010 is a workhorse and can easily move extra people around as well. The Mule Pro is a bit quieter, stronger, and will haul more people, but is also bigger and more expensive. The Pro is also available as a diesel engine, but I don't have any personal experience the diesel models. I have had good experience with Kawasaki personally and they stand behind their products better than anyone else in the industry with the 3 year warranty.
Question, when they say 1500 lbs towing capacity were you towing logs out or dragging them out? Dragging a log makes it very much heavier so even one less than 1500 lbs can put over 1500 lbs of force on your UTV. If that is the case then dragging 1500 lbs logs, or even less, could be abusing the equipment.
I have a Honda big red utv almost 3000 hours and 7 years old never broke anything just oil change and 3 batteries
Good report. The 32 watt headlights are very poor. I have added all the John Deere extra lights front and rear. No problem with the axles at 450 hours. I stay within the designed limits of the machine. The under hood tool tray isn't functional. It gets dirty and wet for anything you leave in it. My Gator has the Mauser Deluxe cab with Curtis doors AND heater, 4,500 Warn winch, full brush guards and Dee Zee diamond plate bed tool box. I agree it's the best utility vehicle out there. The cost is high but that goes with anything that's John Deere.
I am in the market for a new Gator.
Thanks for the review Josh, a lot of great information!
Check out the gravely atlas, seems like a quality product comes stock with a steel bumper, tows 2000 lbs and payload of 1250 lbs, has 2 seat and 4 seat options
I have a mule with 700 hours in two years and not one problem, and it will hold 12000 lbs with little sage, best machine I ever bought
Nice...what model do you have...We really like the mule platform
Stoney Ridge Farmer
The 2015 4010 4x4 With a huderialic tilt bed
I bought a Kawasaki Teryx for $16,000 CAD new with a bunch of mods, I paid for it in full when I picked it up and it's done everything I need, my dad uses it for his Fencing company with his friend every once in a while I use it mostly for the farm and a bit on trails and no issues as of now but it's still a new machine only about 500km but the stock lights are amazing, I hope it lasts as long as my Honda Foreman 450 I got 50,000km out of it
Forgot to add I can ride trails all day and I don't even use half a tank
Try TBG not sure if comes with diesel, but we have TBG quad bikes it was cheap and last long time. It has done 40000 kms in 5 years only thing I don’t like how load the exhaust is.
I use a polaris 800 ranger, ive had plenty of experience with gators , but the new yamaha Vikings are decent price and do pretty well
kubota made solid materialplus more feul saving and best warrantyplus has 3 point hitch optional for attachments wich can be used as a tractor as well wich is nice
You young people can have em. I got along fine without em. We used the old way. We walked, used the horse, or we used the little Ford 9N. My horse didn't get stuck. Just another way to get young farmer's money. Can you plow, harrow, or put seed in with the gator? Regards... P.S. Progress?
Funny you should ask I can plow I can see in fertilize and harrow with the gator. And if I have a piece of equipment on the other side of the farm it doesn't take me half an hour to walk there and walk back to carry a screwdriver. So… Call it progress or call it in essential farm tool. But I certainly could not carry six buckets of water per day up to my goats
ive heard the 620s with the little bit less powered motor are a lot more tougher then the 800s and ive heard tend to have less problems im looking at getting one for just using around the 3 acre yard no trail stuff just a little work horse
Definitely reconsider the bobcat, it is a Polaris xp 1000 that bobcat beefs up the sespention and gives it a stronger axle it has a top speed of 42-44 and can tow 2000 pound and haul 1500 but other than that good review
Yep...we looked at the Bobcat...and you're right...after riding on a polaris for a week....the bobcat is basically a polaris on steriods
The Mule 610 has worked well for us last half a year.
not all of the honda pioneer 1000 side by sides have that roll bar all the way to the back.. just the ones that can be converted to a 5 seater.. you can get one just like that gator.. the biggest selling point to me for the pioneer is that it doesn't have a belt drive.. i can't stand a belt drive... the honda has a dct transmission that is fully enclosed.. i currently have 2 gators and i do like the gator but my next one will likely be the pioneer... the only other option i would consider is the 865r gator but i just don't like the belt. if that pioneer would have a good diesel in it i wouldn't consider anything else but a honda is plenty enough reliable for me anyway...
2017 Kubota rtvx 1140 best machine on my farm 4 seats or 2 no other brand comes close to making a work/farm machine like kubota
yeah kubotas has a front mount for attachments and 3 point hitch kit all so avaliable for option
Also in 40 years time the kubota will still be solid and reliable. You cant kill them, extremely well built machines
Martin Dignard heck no I have a gator 855d it’s way better than that turtle
100 percent agree
kubota
My uncle in east texas bought a kubota 1100C. Which is the diesel model with a full AC/heat cab and has a power dump bed. It is a brute but it ways alot more and he feels that the tires are small. But he thinks it rides better than his old polaris 700 and of course its alot cooler in the summer.
What they were originally designed to do. Good review.
I’ve put my Polaris ranger to hell and it still holds up I put 200 lbs over payload capacity and it sagged a little bit more. But I have owned it for 4 years. I honestly think you should look at the newer ones.
Getting in and out of the Ranger XP 1000 is a pain in the butt for me, I wear size 14 shoe and the foot area of the cockpit is just too darn tight getting in and out all day...great machines though...my friend has 2 of them on his ranch
Thank you for an objective review. We live on on a small 5 acre farm in east TN and are faced with similar issues. Mine is first and foremost doing my own maintenance and secondly, I wish I had bought a four seater. I am perplexed JD did not appreciate the DIY in regards to maintenance as I am now attempting to perform a front differential and transmission fluid maintenance. How have you dealt with this issue?
As someone who works for Bobcat, yes the Bobcat is just a rebranded Polaris.
I have the brand new 2019 cfmoto uforce 500 side by side it has a good bed that dumps it has power steering and it is also very spacious and comes with a with a winch from factory very good for the price u pay
Lets hear about it in 2 years....I'd love to see what you think
Fuel strainers in the tank are tiny and getting at them was a right pain :o Brake lights were on all the time. I gave up after two hours of testing and ran new wires and switch. Guess what, a normal micro-switch fits nicely with new holes drilled :o) It doesn’t pull off until 1500rpm. Maybe this is a British thing, but it ain’t doing 40mph. I suspect the black clutch spring is too hard by design to slow it down? Adjusting the handbrake on this 2015 was near impossible. I drilled another hole in the steel work so I could pull the pin on the cable clevis. The multi disks look fine. Very odd. - plastic brake pistons is a great move by JD. power steering is nice. To remove the oil filter remove the 12mm headed bolt on the diesel filter so that it and the oil filter become easy jobs :o) grease everything every time you strip it, bolts and plugs .
Great review...thanks!
Thank you, great video
I guess I'm cheap, I can't believe what they want for these.
Yep...much more expensive than any car I owned under the age of 22
I recommend looking into the yamha viking I own a 2012 yamaha rhino use it on my farm and I have not had any problems with it runs great still bought it in 2014
ricky turtle I like the viking and would consider it but the deal breaker is no turf mode. In other words the rear diff is always locked with no option to unlock it.
Yea i hear ya
we have a mule for work and it rocks!!! we got the enclosure for winter with doors and suspension upgrade. it can come with a heater but we dont stay out in the freezing cold too long and its garage kept. it has a tilt bed and handles hills and rocky uneven ground great.lighting sucks and doesnt come with a horn. there ya go. id recommend it. great work buggy
Good video if have not replaced look into Textron prowler pro they are grate used one a bunch
Honda pioneer has a standard 3 seater that does not have a roll bar all the way back.
look at the 2 seat Honda model because they don't have a roll bar all the way to the back
Question: How do you think the Gator would be for doing off road trails but using common sense?
I'm NOT talking 50 mph and 15' jumps here. I'm talking up and down canyons with some big rocks and stuff but going old man slow.
How is the low gear, low end torque climbing and decent ability?
Thanks.
Kubota rtv are a beast
thank you
about to buy one this will help me alot
We eventually sold our machine....seriously look into finding the S4 version (4 seater) I always needed more seating and more room. The newer JD Gators are the same frame and bed with larger cab for big fellas....but gosh they're big $$$$
Try the gorrila axel's especially if you go with a big HP model or a diesel
JCB dose one and I think in the UK at least there is a 6x6 version.
Thanks Rob
Stoney Ridge Farmer no bother hadn't seen it mentioned, great series by the way.
I will check out the comp next time we looked at new holland and jd like the jd but think we should buy one with a different gear box the jd the centrifagle gear box is crap if you use it most of the time we go though belts like no other
Hate to burst your bubble, but 0% interest doesn't exist. They've simply added the finance cost to the price of the ride. That way, they get all of the finance charges even if you pay it off in 1 month. For farm work, sometimes you need a trailer. A lot of people think the 825i is an American manchine. Like most things in the USA, they come from other countries. The engine in your machine is a Chinese Chery engine - very popular in many off-brand UTVs as well as cars in South American, parts of Africa and of course Asia. It's apparently a very reliable engine.
Hope you and family have a great Thanksgiving.
well buddy hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and enjoy your time together..peace love and a stuffed belly
I have a old Kawasaki mule diesel And I would not recommend it it does not have enough speed or wheel speed to clean the mud out so if I get in anything muddy or even on a slope with a little bit of mud I can't get up And they are slow and noisy But they carry a lot
I highly suggest the can am defender
Thanks Jackie
We've got a Kawasaki Mule and love it works great for our farm. Our first Mule had over 3,500 hrs on it and was still going strong but we upgraded.
So you now love the RTV. What Changed? Did Kubota just get better in recent years or did you just outgrow the Gator? I just bought the 2019 RTV X1140 partially due to your X1140 review, by the way. Waiting on delivery, I added some features. LOL 😂
Great gator review video Josh , thank you .
Hey look at a gravely atlas. Just like a Polaris but is made for working, not so much for playing like the ranger.
love that youtube handle buddy..thanks for the tip!
I rock a 01 Polaris ranger 6 by 6 4700 hours only belts and fluids runs like a clock
Maybe you should edit the old review and put a link to this video in it.
Review this helps a lot.