John Deere 825i Evaluation

csx5197 · Nov 30, 2010

I was hoping you could post a picture of the Gator with the Boss plow. Perhaps a video if possible, but I just haven't seen one yet with the Boss plow and really want too. It would work very well for many applications.

purplewg · Dec 1, 2010

I am looking the JD 825i also. Should I expect to pay MSRP?

milkman · Dec 1, 2010

Don't know about other places, but around here you would after finally getting someone to wait on you.

csx5197 · Dec 2, 2010

As for MSRP I can't really answer that. I think it's a dealership thing. I know that on something like a gator I don't charge full MSRP. But again other dealers in this area will charge at or even above.

jcmseven · Dec 2, 2010

I did not pay MSRP, but I bought two (one for me and one for my dad). Like many other JD products, there is some dealer variation with pricing, so shopping around is a good idea.

John M

m38inmaine · Dec 3, 2010

I received 5 quotes on my 825i and they ranged from below msrp to over msrp. Only one dealer offered a discount, $1,700.00 so of course I ordered it from them. The majority were at msrp. Still waiting for it to arrive, been about a month now.

jcmseven · Dec 4, 2010

I would check with the dealer again. Mine took 8 days to arrive.

John M

KeithT · Dec 5, 2010

John, how does the engine braking compare between those two machines? Pre unisteer install, how difficult is it to steer the 825?

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. I am thinking about either installing a unisteer system and boss plow on my current ranger or upgrading to a new machine. I really would like to try the John Deere as I am 90% work with my usage. I just wish it came from the factory with power steering. I am also considering the Ranger 800 HD with the power steering and self leveling shocks I think it would be a good choice.

I am looking for the heaviest duty UTV that is still capable off road.

Thanks, -Keith

jcmseven · Dec 5, 2010

Keith, I think the engine braking is pretty similar. I would have to say perhaps the Ranger has the edge here as it is so much lighter (about 350 pounds, or more stock). As for the steering, the Gator really needs the Unisteer to handle a heavy plow. A lighter weight winch-type plow likely would be OK, but where I live I have a lot of tight turns that are very low speed. The Gator does not steer well with the plow up when going slowly. I really liked the power steering in the Ranger. It was great at low speeds, but a bit numb at high speeds. I never used my machine that much when going fast so it did not matter that much to me. I would say without doubt the Gator is a heavier and better pure work machine than the Ranger and I have had both. I actually felt the pre-825 Gator was a better work UTV than the Ranger. My 825 would hold its own in off-roading with the Ranger, but it is a larger machine which can be a handicap in those cases. I have heard JD is coming out with power steering in the Gator for 2011, but it will likely being March or after. I needed my machine now and felt good going with the Unisteer kit (though I have not gotten it on yet--perhaps this week).

John M

m38inmaine · Dec 9, 2010

Called today and the 825i was shipped from Deere on the 7th. He said they were on a "quality" hold which was the reason for shipping delay. Should arrrive end of week or early next. Waiting for the glass doors to arrive as well, all the other parts are at the dealership.

kmjohndeere44 · Dec 22, 2010

Got the Boss Plow Friday and love it! I've always plowed my driveway with a 6 ft blade behind my JD 4410, and was amazed that the Gator with the Boss did a better job. I was afraid that the Gator being so much lighter than the tractor would make it difficult to plow as effectively - but it does great! A couple of observations - this plow is HEAVY (everything about it is well made and made to last!). The heavy duty springs would defintely be nice to have - I plan on getting by by dropping off the plow when no snow is forecasted. The other issue is steering efforts - pretty heavy with this much weight.

Overall I'm very pleased with the plow and it's operation - smooth motion on the V

yankeerider · Dec 23, 2010

Nice rig! What are you running for ballast in the cargo bed?

kmjohndeere44 · Dec 23, 2010

Salt bags - I've got a water softener so I need plenty of them

jcmseven · Dec 24, 2010

Is there any tractor you can think of that plows as well and efficiently as that Gator?? I cannot think of any.

John M

KeithT · Dec 25, 2010

kmjohndeere44 said:
Got the Boss Plow Friday and love it! I've always plowed my driveway with a 6 ft blade behind my JD 4410, and was amazed that the Gator with the Boss did a better job. I was afraid that the Gator being so much lighter than the tractor would make it difficult to plow as effectively - but it does great! A couple of observations - this plow is HEAVY (everything about it is well made and made to last!). The heavy duty springs would defintely be nice to have - I plan on getting by by dropping off the plow when no snow is forecasted. The other issue is steering efforts - pretty heavy with this much weight.

Overall I'm very pleased with the plow and it's operation - smooth motion on the V

Very nice!

jcmseven · Dec 25, 2010

kmjd-have you noted any grinding type noise coming from the front of your machine when plowing in low range?? I noted some today, as we have 11" of new snow, and it is still snowing. When in four wheel drive and in low range I occasionally hear it, but it does not seem to affect the operation of the machine. If I disengage four wheel drive and back up, it goes away and then I can re-engage four wheel drive and it seems not to do it anymore. Nothing seems to be rubbing on mine and functionally it has been perfect but wondered if you have experienced the same with your blade, which actually weighs about 100# more than mine, and that is pretty heavy.

John M

kmjohndeere44 · Dec 26, 2010

No - haven't heard anything strange from the back - but have only plowed once and it wasn't 11 inches! (We are assured to have minimul snowfall this year in Michigan since I bought this rig!). Strange that you'd get noise in the back only in 4wd since the front differential is all that should be effected. Hopefullly nothing serious

TMR · Dec 26, 2010

sunnyside360 said:
My wife and I took the JD XUV 825i for a test drive a few days ago. We currently have a 2008 Ranger 700 XP/LE and will be updating soon so we've been looking. I think it's coming down to either a 2011 XUV 825i or a 2011 Ranger 800 XP/LE which we also test drove as well as others. Once you are used to using the Ranger 3 person bench seat it's tough to change if you have visiting grand kids quite often.

Agree on the benefits of bench seat with room for three and three seat belts.

I have a 2010 Ranger 800 XP...purchased May 2010. While I enjoy looking at other brands/models...I would now "have" to have a full bench seat for three...like the Ranger. Our Ranger rarely occupied by less than three...usually one or two grandkids. When I was making choice to buy I did not realize how much the three seats would be used

Just out of curiosity...are there any other full three wide bench seat XUVs??

Thanks...Tom

jcmseven · Dec 26, 2010

It's actually coming from the front of my machine and goes away when reversing. I wonder if somehow the limited slip front is engaging and that is why I hear the noise. Then when I back up it goes away and then does not reengage.

John M

m38inmaine · Dec 29, 2010

I just picked up my 825i with the bench seat. In my opinion it is not a full 3 wide bench seat. It comes stock with only seat belts for 2 and it would be a tight fit with a small child in the center. I just sold my 09 ranger and can say it had a much wider actual 3 person bench seat. I think Kubota, Kioti, and Bobcat also make a s/s with a bench seat.