Test drove used John Deere Gator 6x4, have questions

[deserteagle71]

I can't swear to it, but I think that model has (internal) wet brakes kind of like this. A dealership could tell you more about the how big a problem that grinding noise is.,

Well, I've never owned a Gator. But I own an old John Deere tractor with the internal wet brakes and those brakes have been making all kinds of noises when I press on a brake pedal for the past 25 years...but they work just fine.

 

[Rustyiron]

So much for me thinking that it's overpriced.
This Gator forum is pretty good, slow response but good info.

 

[Hay Dude]

Well, I've never owned a Gator. But I own an old John Deere tractor with the internal wet brakes and those brakes have been making all kinds of noises when I press on a brake pedal for the past 25 years...but they work just fine.

That’s what this Gator was like. The brakes worked, but made a loud groaning noise at the bottom of the pedal.

 

[airbiscuit]

I was reacting to the word grind vs groan regarding the brakes. I've seen that using a limited slip type oil in the transmission made the noise go away. Again, a dealership could give you better info

 

[hayden]

I'm hearing mixed things on whether the brakes are external disc brakes vs internal to the transaxle. If external, I would expect a brake job to be pretty straight forward. If internal, it sounds like a potential can of worms.

What's the motivation for a 6x4 rather than a 4x4? I have a 4x4 (XUV850D) diesel circa 2007 and it's a well built, solid machine. I have also had a Kawasaki Mule and compared to the gator, the mule was a cheap go-kart. I think it was still solid compared to the sport side by sides, but the Deere was more solid. And the Kubota RTV that I now also have is even more solid than the gator. I also really prefer the precise ground control that comes with an HST vs the belt/clutch on other makes. I can't speak to cabs on any of them.

 

[Jrasband]

My only comment is that they are very limited off road,long with little clearance,solid suspension.Depends on your wants and needs.I would expect some problems at that age.

Have you used one before? I have a 6x4 and the thing is a beast will go just about anywhere you want it to. The rear has no suspension but the front does.

 

[Jrasband]

If you add a 100+ pounds to the front of the gator it helps the understeer out significantly. For $6,000 that seems like a good deal to me that thing looks very well taken care of, and the issues it has are minor.

The low center of gravity and low bed height make it very stable on slopes, easy to get in and out of, easy to load, and unload the bed.

Also my brakes groan pretty loudly depending how you push the pedal ever since I got it, and I have just lived with it.

 

[troverman]

That old Gator looks to be in great condition. Many of them didn’t come with factory tail lights or tun signals, hence the aftermarket rear lights. I think the electrical fixes will be easy and probably fun to diagnose. These never were fast but have great utility. They aren’t rock crawlers but handle mud, dirt, gravel etc very well. I considered one but ended up buying the more modern side by side style Gator (XUV 835) because it has a greater ability to go into the woods for hunting, camping, etc but still has the same exact steel dump bed. For the 2025 model year, Deere is now using an all plastic bed on the full size XUV models now. It’s wider than the old steel bed, but I’m glad mine is steel. Plus, the sides can come off the steel beds to make a flat bed. I believe the 6x4 Gator your interested in can do the same.

 

[Hay Dude]

I'm hearing mixed things on whether the brakes are external disc brakes vs internal to the transaxle. If external, I would expect a brake job to be pretty straight forward. If internal, it sounds like a potential can of worms.

What's the motivation for a 6x4 rather than a 4x4? I have a 4x4 (XUV850D) diesel circa 2007 and it's a well built, solid machine. I have also had a Kawasaki Mule and compared to the gator, the mule was a cheap go-kart. I think it was still solid compared to the sport side by sides, but the Deere was more solid. And the Kubota RTV that I now also have is even more solid than the gator. I also really prefer the precise ground control that comes with an HST vs the belt/clutch on other makes. I can't speak to cabs on any of them.

I like the weight capacity of the dump bed for stone. If the 4 wheel 850D-type have similar load capacity, I’d be open to one of those, too.
I heard the 6x4’s are real tough.

 

[BleedingOrange]

Haydude, how long has this unit been for sale ? I would offer 5K. That would give you some extra cash to spend on 4 new tires. You have the skill to fix all the small issues as you find the time.