Gator TS purchase

[Jack Squat]

Seriously considering one - but wondered what input I could get on the following...

The optional oil filter. The website does not have the price on it and when I was at the dealer had confused all the model options and thought it (TS) had it - must have been looking at the TX I guess when I saw it as standard. Anyway, can any body here shed light on if the benifits would make it worth adding? Also if anyone knows the going cost for that addon?

As with most, trying to keep the cost down, but if it is really worth it, I will consider it - - - Had planned on trying the Gator CX, but looking at the specs it seems like a toy. TS has double the cargo bed volume and and is quite a bit beefier all around.

Thanks

 

[Skipholiday]

I have a friend that uses a TS to work around his chicken houses. He has beat it to death and it still runs strong. It has to be one of the 1st ones made.
For the ($800) difference in money and quite abit more horsepower I would consider the TX series.
Don't get me wrong I believe the TS is a very reliable machine.
The CS (compact series) is very small. Still fun tho~!

Good luck and post pics of whatever you get. I'm sure you will be happy..

 

[Skipholiday]

BTW beautiful farm. I remember looking at your pics from the JD forum..
I use to live in Estill Springs. Not to far from Wartrace...

 

[Jack Squat]

Skipholiday - Thanks for the compliments - the scenic beauty here is top notch.

Been through Estill Springs many times, as we first moved to Belvidere (south of Winchester) when coming to TN from FL.

I see that the TX is only 800.00 more, but dang, I am swallowing hard on moving up to the TS form the CX in my consideration. Still paying for the tractor & implements. This is for my wife. She got a part time job at an alpaca farm and they have several gators with power dump........... The word Gator comes out of her mouth about 3 to 5 times a day now. I can appreciate the labor effort savings for sure.

Primairily trying to get a grip on the oil filter option & if it is worth it.
Thanks

 

[Skipholiday]

I would go for the filter option. If you are in dust very much an oil filter will help your engine live longer.
Other option is to change the oil very often.
Send me a pm what your paying and I will see if I can do better.
I believe its about 100 miles from you to here..
Another option is a used hpx..

 

[RollTideRam]

If you are pricing at a TriGreen dealer, I know Skip can get you a better deal. JC

 

[downtoearth]

My advice is to step up to the TX and you won't be sorry. I have a 2005 TX and it is a definite upgrade in horsepower, speed, ride quality, cargo capacity, towing capacity, and it already has the oil filter installed. Keep in mind that the TX actually has rear leaf springs and shocks (read all-wheel suspension)nd the TS has no suspension for the rear. The only cushioning for the TS on the rear will be your tires. There is simply no comparison in ride quality

Finally, there are better tire options available both through Deere and aftermarket for the TX due to the 10 inch rims on the TX vs. the 8 inch rims on the TS. My TX has been trouble free and has travelled anywhere I want to go on my property. Consider all the benefits for the $800 difference.

 

[Offy]

I would always opt for an oil filter. Getting particles and contamiments out of the oil is always a good thing and will increase engine life.

 

[Skipholiday]

The TS is $5300 with no tax for TN. resident.
TX is $5800 with heavy tire's and no tax for TN. resident. (by far best bang for buck as downtoearth mentioned)

Hydraulic dump installed for $500 more.

COKER TRACTOR CO. will have 2 TX's in next week.
933 NORTH PARKWAY
ARAB, AL 35016
Phone : 256-586-8304
Fax : 2565860014

 

[Jack Squat]

Sorry for the absence .... working early shift and doing lots here at home.

Hmmmm - yes TriGreen in Murfreesboro. And the prices I see here in this thread are way lower than I got quoted....

I was quoted 6399.00 for a TS w/ power lift installed (plus tax of course).
Not sure why I see statement of no tax for TN resident in the thread???? - Would I be slipping this under the table so to speak (Tax mans table)? Not sure about that. I have seen a thread about buying out of state in the tractor side (in TBN), and a number of people say they would not try to beat the sales tax.............

I now realize I need the bed liner too.
But if I could swing the TX for 5800.00 plus bed liner - that would be good....

Thanks

 

[SnowRidge]

Sorry for the absence .... working early shift and doing lots here at home.

Hmmmm - yes TriGreen in Murfreesboro. And the prices I see here in this thread are way lower than I got quoted....

I was quoted 6399.00 for a TS w/ power lift installed (plus tax of course).
Not sure why I see statement of no tax for TN resident in the thread???? - Would I be slipping this under the table so to speak (Tax mans table)? Not sure about that. I have seen a thread about buying out of state in the tractor side (in TBN), and a number of people say they would not try to beat the sales tax.............

I now realize I need the bed liner too.
But if I could swing the TX for 5800.00 plus bed liner - that would be good....

Thanks

There is an ag sales tax exemption in Tennessee that would cover a Gator. You may be eligible.

Tennessee Department of Revenue

Also, Skipholiday was quoting an Alabama dealer who apparently wouldn't charge sales tax to a TN resident.

 

[Jack Squat]

Yep - realize that about Alabama.... but what I have seen seems like it has its risks. Not to mention warranty service - see comment in tractor thread about sales tax - out of state - warranty service from a dealers mouth......

And I doubt about qualify for "Farm" in the fact that I do not farm for profit - I have little horses and mules for our own enjoyment only (heck, and they shoot blanks as they are all geldings). Tried the breeding world once and wife could not sell the baby

But I would like to see if I can get a TX for as low as Skip was saying.


I guess I will be checking if TriGreen can push it down more......

RollTideRam - is Skip at the Murf store? Name sounds familiar.

Thanks

 

[RollTideRam]

SkipHoliday lives 3 miles from Coker Tractor in Arab, He visits alot but does not work for Deere. If you want to pay the taxes, In Arab on a gator it is 2%. JC

 

[Skipholiday]

SkipHoliday lives 3 miles from Coker Tractor in Arab, He visits alot but does not work for Deere. If you want to pay the taxes, In Arab on a gator it is 2%. JC

John Deere is my favorite place to visit. I usually stop in at least once a day..

 

[SnowRidge]

If you buy out of state and aren't entitled to the ag exemption, you are supposed to report the sale to TN and pay the taxes. They have the forms for that on the state web site. I'm sure everyone does that.

 

[Jack Squat]

Thanks for all comments and input. The TX route does make sense. I just hate to part with money..... Didn't get mortgage and vehicle payment free by throwing it out the window - the tractor 0% debt is the only payment I have.

I have re-approched TriGreen got a price on TX w/ power dump & bedliner and then asked for more off yet. No response so far. We will see.

I would love to save on the sales tax, but it looks like having to worry about the tax man finding out would be too much for me. Research indictes there is no legal way for me to get out of it.

And I have seen that JD dealers apearently do not like to perform warranty service on what they did not sell. They obviously do it, but how timely and how friendly must be considered.........

 

[SnowRidge]

You could always consider other brands.

 

[Jack Squat]

Have thought about that - even suggested that maybe the power dump option could be adapted to another brand (don't think anyone else offers it).

My wife has a special web page to put stuff on that is just for me....

She put a graphic (would have stuck it here. but have not posted images yet) that says "If it's not a Gator it's a crock"

Oh well - since she uses Gators at work all the time, I don't think she likes anything else.

 

[Skipholiday]

And I have seen that JD dealers apearently do not like to perform warranty service on what they did not sell. They obviously do it, but how timely and how friendly must be considered.........

If you can prove this happens, I am sure JD will correct it.
Your warranty is good at any JD dealership! If a dealer tells you different. Tell him you want it in writing.

I am on my 3rd gator and have only had 1 problem that had to be covered under warranty.
These things are like Timex, they take a lickin and keep on tickin~!

 

[Max2001]

I noticed you have hourses. If you are a member of AQHA you are eligble for great pricing on the gator and other JD equipment