JD 835E Gator or other UTV

[paulsharvey]

Wife and me have been considering getting a SxS, UTV, whatever yall call it. I didnt really plan on the Gator, but it really seems to be one of the cheaper options, and I would hope there should be parts support for years to come. Seems like you can get the 835 Gator for under $14k. Does anyone have thoughts. It's intended use this primarily just fun around the dirt roads, and some basic riding around. I know it seems weird to think JD... also considering Kymco 700I, or something else in the same size. Not looking for a 120hp mud buggy, that cost $40k, but I also dont want a under powered dog, that is zero fun.

Anyone ever get an on road tag in FL for one? My understanding is it can be done, but dont know detail

Basic wants:
4x4
seats 2 or 3
dump bed, manual is fine
top speed of atleast 45 mph on road
roof
fit on a 5x10 single axle trailer

Dont know if I want:
power steering
turn signals/extra lights

Dont Want:
fancy wheels/tires
AC/heat
hard cab
slow
so off the wall parts are hard to get

 

[SJay]

Take a look at the Can-Am units. A lot of bang for the buck.

221 Can-Am Defender : Your Perfect Side-By-Side vehicles for Work

 

[JESSE1]

You can't go wrong with a Gator, might pay more but there's plenty of factory support if you have any mechanical problems. Kubota also makes gas models now with the same type trans that the Gator has.

 

[Bocephous]

I bought a Yamaha Wolverine X2 R-Spec about a month ago that checks all your boxes, the trailer size barely. Roof, two bucket seats (comfy), 52mph top speed, dump bed with assist, 850cc's, 4X4 with locking front diff (can't unlock rear diff), adjustable suspension, power steering, tilt wheel. $13,700 OTD, but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find due to covid shutdowns.

 

[ArlyA]

I'd take the JD gator over the Kymco 700I by a long shot. Seems the gator might fit into your wants list.

 

[Trails2004]

Gator over the knock off brand all day long. Although JD has strict policies with aftermarket products through their suppliers, the service and support with Deere products is bar none over Kymco...

 

[paulsharvey]

Its seems like almost all the reviews out there, online, seem to be paid for by the SxS companies. It's hard to find much for independent reviews. Wife got approved by JD financial, so I think we are going to go look at some this weekend. We have never really spent this much on a 'Toy' so it's a bit outside my comfort zone. The way I/we justify it, is heck, the payment will be less than our DirectTV bill. I might check out a couple models, but we will 90% chance go with the Gator.

 

[Trails2004]

Its seems like almost all the reviews out there, online, seem to be paid for by the SxS companies. It's hard to find much for independent reviews. Wife got approved by JD financial, so I think we are going to go look at some this weekend. We have never really spent this much on a 'Toy' so it's a bit outside my comfort zone. The way I/we justify it, is heck, the payment will be less than our DirectTV bill. I might check out a couple models, but we will 90% chance go with the Gator.

Please keep us updated, also you will want power steering. If the PS add on is over 700.00 you can buy an excellent aftermarket kit for less than 700.00.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

You want power steering it's a huge improvement in handling. I don't have a 835 Gator but I still have my 825i that I purchased in 12' and it's still going strong...I use it to plow tons of snow in Maine...all the hydrostatic transmission guys would like to believe that a cvt just can't hold up...I'm still waiting for a belt failure hundreds of hours later.


That said when it comes to trail riding and speed I've transitions to a Polaris General....it's a 70 mph machine that flies through the trails effortlessly and handles rough terrain in comfort.

 

[SJay]

Take a look at the XUV835M Gator. Very nice unit.

 

[ArlyA]

I'm pro power assisted steering but I've operated UTV's that I thought would need it, but after we put it into service, we discovered that it didn't. If machine X didn't have power assist, I'd suggest getting out in it and see if you still wanted it or not. Adding some aftermarket version later.

 

[Zebrafive]

Wife and me have been considering getting a SxS, UTV, whatever yall call it. I didnt really plan on the Gator, but it really seems to be one of the cheaper options, and I would hope there should be parts support for years to come. Seems like you can get the 835 Gator for under $14k. Does anyone have thoughts. It's intended use this primarily just fun around the dirt roads, and some basic riding around. I know it seems weird to think JD... also considering Kymco 700I, or something else in the same size. Not looking for a 120hp mud buggy, that cost $40k, but I also dont want a under powered dog, that is zero fun.

Anyone ever get an on road tag in FL for one? My understanding is it can be done, but dont know detail

Basic wants:
4x4
seats 2 or 3
dump bed, manual is fine
top speed of atleast 45 mph on road
roof
fit on a 5x10 single axle trailer

Dont know if I want:
power steering
turn signals/extra lights

Dont Want:
fancy wheels/tires
AC/heat
hard cab
slow
so off the wall parts are hard to get

The 835E lacks Power Steering, but do you really need it? The 835M has power steering standard, but is way more $$$.
Width is just over 5', so unless you have a trailer with out sides, it will not fit a 5' x 10' trailer.

For lights, can you legally drive it on the road? If so I would want brake lights/taillights. Not standard on 835E, but an option the dealer may automatically order. The 835M comes with brake/taillights, BUT it is a delete for credit option, so an 835M may not have them.


45mph is the top speed for 835 gators. But that might be with the optional 27" tires. You can get 25", 26" or 27" tires.


You might also consider the JD 825 series, a little less $$$

 

[paulsharvey]

Do they still make the 825? I thought it was replaced when the 835 came out? If they are still in production, that sounds like a great idea. I buy used tractor, used trucks, used tools, but SxS, theres just too many that have been really destroyed, and they still want like $8k for them. Dang engine costs what a truck engine costs...

 

[Zebrafive]

Do they still make the 825? I thought it was replaced when the 835 came out? If they are still in production, that sounds like a great idea. I buy used tractor, used trucks, used tools, but SxS, theres just too many that have been really destroyed, and they still want like $8k for them. Dang engine costs what a truck engine costs...

Yes, now 825E or 825M, or the crew model 825 S4

 

[paulsharvey]

We are also now going to check out Honda Pioneer 700-4, with it's odd 2 + 2 seating in the bed, and the Yahama Viking. SxS costs too much to rush into without checking out the completion too.

Does anyone have the Honda 700-4? The two seats in the bed that fold away seems neat, but also kinda odd, and maybe impractical. Do they fold completely out of the way or do they eat up a lot of the bed space when put down?

 

[blackdog2086]

I have the Pioneer 1000-5 but the rear seating set up is the same as the 700. The rear seats fold completely flat and take up no bed space whatsoever. A plus for me with the Honda's is the automotive style transmission as opposed to the CVT belt system on the others.

 

[nybirdman]

We have in the family;two Yamaha Vikings,one Kawasaki Teryx and a 825 JD Gator.Much prefer the Yamaha's over the others,Teryx is a close second.I didn't like the way the second seats in the Honda are set-up,dirt trap.Love the CTV on the Yamaha's with built in braking.

 

[ArlyA]

Seems that most CVT transmissions have engine braking these days, even our 2014 6x6 Polaris boss does. And there is nothing wrong with CVT's in general, they have been proven to be reliable. The Honda tranny might be fine, but I'd not knock the CVT's either.

 

[paulsharvey]

We looked at the Honda 700-4, Viking 700, and Can Am HD8, and liked the Honda. Started paper work, and when they came back with a final number, I couldn't believe it. For a $12,400 machine, they wanted $16,500, at $441 per month for 36 months. I knew there would be a couple fees, and of coarse sales tax, but I never expected $4100 extra on a $12k machine. They threw a couple more options out, and we left. Seems like they are willing to drop $1k plus remove $1200 in options, plus lower interest, and extend to a 60 month loan. Wife seems to be decided, so probably go sign tomorrow.

Who pays $450 a month for a toy? My truck is $525, my mortage, with insurance and property tax is $378; what are these guys paying on the $25-30k mud buggies? Sorry to rant, but dang. When we started looking, we where really drawing in my these "$115 per month" and "$155 per month" adds you see.... I fully expected to be higher, just not that much; still walking bowlegged

 

[Bocephous]

Wow, seems like a lot of add-ons were added. I paid $13,700ish out the door for my 2020 Wolverine R-Spec. Traded an ATV ($2500), put $1000 down, financed around $10K at $192/month for 60 months. Here's what's advertised within 250 miles of your zip code: 3264 - Pioneer 7 For Sale - Honda ATVs - ATV Trader