Sweet machine there! I was wondering why I haven't seen this model when my wife and I were looking for an SxS in late 2020... You answered my question! Discontinued! That was funny footage at the end! Thanks!
Thanks Joe! I had such fun with my first one, I think I bought this one to try and relive some of those memories. It's amazing how expensive UTVs / Side by Sides have gotten in the past year. I think you got your Defender at the right time. I'm sure it'll last for many years to come.
Thanks Hyatt!! It sure is a fun machine. When JD released them initially in 2012, they were competing heavily with Polaris and Can Am, and at the time, the Gator actually had the edge as it was faster than other 800cc class machines. Over time, the other manufacturers started moving to 1000cc platforms with turbos. I'm not sure JD wanted to get into that. Of course, that's just my guess. :) For a mix of sport and utility, I think it's a great machine for my needs.
@@rugby3874 the belt is definitely a pain to change, and they aren’t that happy getting wet. I had my last one submerged deep many times. Fortunately I’m comfortable in electrical. Lol
I've got the same model and love it. Gets plenty of attention, looks mean. Or won't outperform a Polaris or Can AM but it sure will put a smile on your face.
Man that looks like a blast! Sure beats the pants off of the junky Polaris Rangers that we have at work... Next time I am out there, we'll have to go 'fer a rip, bud! That spot by the powerline tower at about 4:57 looks like the spot we were in with the tractors where we decided to turn around. Ha ha. Hills were a little steep for an old tractor, I thought. Ha ha.
Good eye!! That was the spot we were at with the tractors! Definitely no bueno with tractors. No problem with the Gator! We'll definitely get this thing out in the action on your next visit. It's a fun machine! I'm planning on replacing the drive belt and maybe upgrading the springs in the clutch to better match the larger tires that are on it.
Man, that looks like fun! Hey, that parts book is stuck in USPS heaven somewhere between Arizona and Colorado. It was supposed to be delivered last Friday.
Thanks Matt!! It's a very fun machine. USPS will get it to me when they deem appropriate. haha! I'll confirm for you when I get it as well. Thank you much.
You big kid😌...😁 Nothing "ran" like a Deere,( since it's discontinued). Dude, that's a fast, versatile machine to have around. Just curious...did those come with a rear PTO? either way, a nice machine!😉👍
haha, it's a very fun machine! It definitely makes me feel like a kid racing it around. As far as I know, JD has never offered a PTO on any Gator models. Other brand UTVs that have those typically have a hydrostatic transaxle system of sorts, and this one is CVT transmission, very similar to a snowmobile. Thanks Kent!
I have a 2010ish 825 and it’s a work horse, but the steering isn’t anything like yours lol. It’s a beast tho, it got stolen and returned on the same night, still running like a champ.
825s are super solid machines, and way better for work than mine! How are our steerings different? It's been a while since I drove an 825. Is it the power steering?
@@TractorHoarders naw it’s a non power steering model, but it has the electric dump bed. It tips out around 45-50 but it’s pretty good in the low to middle.
I agree! They are a really fun Gator. After having one of these, I don't have any interest in getting one of the other Gators. John Deere at one time was rumored to be exploring making a 1000cc version, but it has never materialized. I don't suspect we'll see it at this point. They sell models like the 590 which use this same chassis, but it's just not the same...
Yes, I am very disappointed too. It seems they tried to replace it with the Gator 590. It may have the same chassis, but it doesn't come close in performance.
@@TractorHoarders We have a XUV590M S4. It's a lot of fun. But the S4 is loooooong hahahaha If I were 20 years younger I think yours could be dangerous hahaha
Sweet machine there! I was wondering why I haven't seen this model when my wife and I were looking for an SxS in late 2020... You answered my question! Discontinued! That was funny footage at the end! Thanks!
Thanks Joe! I had such fun with my first one, I think I bought this one to try and relive some of those memories. It's amazing how expensive UTVs / Side by Sides have gotten in the past year. I think you got your Defender at the right time. I'm sure it'll last for many years to come.
Availability is also a concern. I have a friend that ordered his SxS in early 2021 and finally got his last week!!! He lost a full season!
That’s a sweet ride! Way too much fun. I wonder why JD discontinued making them?? 🇺🇸🚜👍
Thanks Hyatt!! It sure is a fun machine. When JD released them initially in 2012, they were competing heavily with Polaris and Can Am, and at the time, the Gator actually had the edge as it was faster than other 800cc class machines. Over time, the other manufacturers started moving to 1000cc platforms with turbos. I'm not sure JD wanted to get into that. Of course, that's just my guess. :) For a mix of sport and utility, I think it's a great machine for my needs.
Because they had lots of problems, I owned one. it was a nightmare to change the belt and wiring issues.
@@rugby3874 the belt is definitely a pain to change, and they aren’t that happy getting wet. I had my last one submerged deep many times. Fortunately I’m comfortable in electrical. Lol
I've got the same model and love it. Gets plenty of attention, looks mean. Or won't outperform a Polaris or Can AM but it sure will put a smile on your face.
When they were designed, they were very competitive. I really enjoy these too. They’re just different and fun.
Man that looks like a blast! Sure beats the pants off of the junky Polaris Rangers that we have at work... Next time I am out there, we'll have to go 'fer a rip, bud! That spot by the powerline tower at about 4:57 looks like the spot we were in with the tractors where we decided to turn around. Ha ha. Hills were a little steep for an old tractor, I thought. Ha ha.
Good eye!! That was the spot we were at with the tractors! Definitely no bueno with tractors. No problem with the Gator! We'll definitely get this thing out in the action on your next visit. It's a fun machine! I'm planning on replacing the drive belt and maybe upgrading the springs in the clutch to better match the larger tires that are on it.
@@TractorHoarders don't tempt me with a good time!!!! I'll have a talk with the wife.
Man, that looks like fun! Hey, that parts book is stuck in USPS heaven somewhere between Arizona and Colorado. It was supposed to be delivered last Friday.
Thanks Matt!! It's a very fun machine. USPS will get it to me when they deem appropriate. haha! I'll confirm for you when I get it as well. Thank you much.
@@TractorHoarders You bet. Have fun on that machine!
You big kid😌...😁
Nothing "ran" like a Deere,( since it's discontinued).
Dude, that's a fast, versatile machine to have around. Just curious...did those come with a rear PTO? either way, a nice machine!😉👍
haha, it's a very fun machine! It definitely makes me feel like a kid racing it around. As far as I know, JD has never offered a PTO on any Gator models. Other brand UTVs that have those typically have a hydrostatic transaxle system of sorts, and this one is CVT transmission, very similar to a snowmobile. Thanks Kent!
I have a 2010ish 825 and it’s a work horse, but the steering isn’t anything like yours lol. It’s a beast tho, it got stolen and returned on the same night, still running like a champ.
825s are super solid machines, and way better for work than mine! How are our steerings different? It's been a while since I drove an 825. Is it the power steering?
@@TractorHoarders naw it’s a non power steering model, but it has the electric dump bed. It tips out around 45-50 but it’s pretty good in the low to middle.
They should bring this unit back!
I agree! They are a really fun Gator. After having one of these, I don't have any interest in getting one of the other Gators. John Deere at one time was rumored to be exploring making a 1000cc version, but it has never materialized. I don't suspect we'll see it at this point. They sell models like the 590 which use this same chassis, but it's just not the same...
Love the gator. Do the tires rub and did you do a clutch kit.
Thank you. The tires do not rub and I have not done a clutch kit, but it could definitely use it. The larger tires slowed it down a little.
@@TractorHoarders ok got ya. We've got a 2019 and are going to do the 2 inch lift. Was thinking about 29 or 30's. Thanks so much for the info.
Where did you get your lift kit
@@ericahooten4937 previous owner got it. I believe from Super Lift.
@@TractorHoarders thanks
Where did you get the 2" lift kit? Need one for mine.
Sure nobody needs to work anymore. Let's play!
Lol! I assure you, I didn’t buy this from not working! 😂
Sadly, it has been discontinued
Yes, I am very disappointed too. It seems they tried to replace it with the Gator 590. It may have the same chassis, but it doesn't come close in performance.
I want one now!
It's so fun! I used to take my previous one to "Buds" aka "Hidden Spring Ranch" in Enon. Always had a blast!
Very cool!!!
It's a fun machine, Bob!
@@TractorHoarders We have a XUV590M S4. It's a lot of fun. But the S4 is loooooong hahahaha If I were 20 years younger I think yours could be dangerous hahaha