5 hours on new Gator and problems already...

merlintractor · Jul 6, 2013

Just had my new JD 825i delivered yesterday

However, with less than 5 hours on the clock it now keeps popping out of high gear when I start to accelerate after initially putting it into gear

Low gear seems to be Ok. Any ideas on what I could try before I drag this thing back to the dealer 50 miles away?

DIXIEDOG · Jul 6, 2013

I've read about the problem before but never experienced it....it has been fixed by adjusting linkage in the past. The only crappy part is I don't know how the linkage is adjusted.

JimRB · Jul 6, 2013

Does the dealer offer field service? I would assume they are supposed to do a rudimentary shake down drive before delivery. Then again maybe it is like a motorcycle that does a 150 mph. Hopefully no shake down on the scooter at 150 mph. They may not have a qualified mechanic to drive your Gator in top gear. ;-)

merlintractor · Jul 7, 2013

DIXIEDOG said:
I've read about the problem before but never experienced it....it has been fixed by adjusting linkage in the past. The only crappy part is I don't know how the linkage is adjusted.

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Seems to stay in high if I first go down to low then back to high; I can feel the detent a little better that way. But I don't think I should have to do that.

merlintractor · Jul 7, 2013

JimRB said:
Does the dealer offer field service? I would assume they are supposed to do a rudimentary shake down drive before delivery. Then again maybe it is like a motorcycle that does a 150 mph. Hopefully no shake down on the scooter at 150 mph. They may not have a qualified mechanic to drive your Gator in top gear. ;-)

I'll have to check on the field service when I call the dealership in the morning...didn't see that mentioned in the warranty info.

buickanddeere · Jul 7, 2013

The gator shows up at the dealership as a pile of parts in a crate. Somebody just slapped it together instead of assembling it.

DIXIEDOG · Jul 7, 2013

merlintractor said:
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Seems to stay in high if I first go down to low then back to high; I can feel the detent a little better that way. But I don't think I should have to do that.

You shouldn't have to.....the linkage needs to be adjusted and you'll be good to go. The service department may be able to walk you through doing it over the phone if you don't want to make the trip if they don't include on site service.

DK35vince · Jul 7, 2013

buickanddeere said:
The gator shows up at the dealership as a pile of parts in a crate. Somebody just slapped it together instead of assembling it.

More likely it comes mostly assembled in the crate and the dealer puts on wheels/ tires and adds oil.
Its probably something simple like the shifter linkage needs adjusted.

WilliamBos · Jul 7, 2013

DK35vince said:
More likely it comes mostly assembled in the crate and the dealer puts on wheels/ tires and adds oil.
Its probably something simple like the shifter linkage needs adjusted.

I agree!! But may even have tires on it, just like atv's. they do a quick PDI, then send it off.

yelbike · Jul 7, 2013

WilliamBos said:
I agree!! But may even have tires on it, just like atv's. they do a quick PDI, then send it off.

The dealer SHOULD either repair it in the field or if THEY can/prefer to walk you through it over the phone then they should refund the pdi fee. They didn't do the pdi properly, its not factory warranty but dealer labour warranty. They insist on charging the pdi fee but do very little for it.
Rant over.
Hope it all works out for you as I'm sure it will.
I feel better now.
Good luck!!