Power Steering for Gator XUV

[jcmseven]

Fellow Posters:

I my attempt to add some degree of positive contribution to this forum, I have purchased one of the electrosteer additions for the Gator. Apparently this is also marketed and sold through John Deere dealers and I have gotten my hands on one. It is going on early next week at the dealer and I will then give a report on its worthiness for owners of both HPX and XUV Gators. For me, with my aftermarket wheels/tires and operating a front plow on occasion, it should make a real difference. Also, on an unrelated topic, I would encourage anyone using a winch-operated plow for his/her UTV DO NOT go with the synthetic rope winch. These winch ropes have great dynamic, but not great static, strength. I broke mine after four hours of use. Ramsey has been good to deal with, they are replacing mine with a steel line for no charge. I have been impressed by the company and they were as surprised as I about the failure. I wanted others to avoid this potential pitfall.

John M

 

[Skipholiday]

Good deal John, I look forward to your review of the electrosteer unit.

Thanks

 

[Funkster]

I am going to purchase on of these units soon. I look forward to your update on what you think.

-Funkster-

 

[steeryourite]

Hey Guys,
Any updates???

 

[Funkster]

I unfortunately havn't had the exta funds yet to make the purchase, but will soon. Hopefully someone else can give us an update.

-Funkster-

 

[JDCOMPACTMAN]

electrosteer option? Where can I find info on this?

 

[JDCOMPACTMAN]

oops. I didn't look far enough. found the earlier post. Newbie mistake.

 

[Skipholiday]

Originally Posted by JDCOMPACTMAN
electrosteer option? Where can I find info on this?
Unisteer: 4x4 HPX, XUV SERIES GATOR™

 

[jcmseven]

I am picking mine up this coming week. I have been so busy at work that I have not had a time to pick up the Gator with the new steering. I am planning to get it and give it a good try. It is already installed and the dealer says it is great.

John M

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

must be nice gator with power steering.

 

[jcmseven]

Tommy,

I do not know for sure yet. It seems like it will be great. I do not use my Gator for off-roading, but haul a lot of heavy things in tough environments. My dealer came to see me one time and said, "If any machine can survive here, it would be great almost anywhere else." I will "test" the power steering for a while in my challenging terrain, and report back to the group on its cost merit and durability. I felt like I could justify the cost mainly due to the amount of slow, heavy work I do with my Gator in tight quarters or on steep hillsides, where I felt the power steering could really help.

John M

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

it would be good for my kinda offroading i don't do alot of fast steering and the deepest the water ever gets is the top of the gas tank. i don't jump no hills with it ,lol i do notice when i have the bed loaded down with batteries or bricks the front wheels wanna stay in a rut i don't fight it i just let her go where she wants but i could see where the extra power steering would be nice.

 

[jcmseven]

An update on the power steering. I took delivery of my XUV with the electrasteer option. So far, it has been a bit problematic. The steering is great about 80% of the time, but on occasion, it will "go out" for no real reason. This seems to happen when the Gator is at higher speeds (20 mph plus) and actually is HARDER to steer than stock when this happens. My dealer and I have investigated this and have been told the steering is "out of sequence" which apparently means that the timing of the assist is not in line with the mechanism. Apparently, this is an easy fix, but will involve another trip to my dealer to correct. I will have to do this on my next break which will be in 10 days. Once this is done, the steering should be butter smooth all the time--according to the company. Even as it is now, it is an improvement over not having PS, but without improvement I cannot say it is worth $800+ dollars. I will keep the group updated. Because this is so new and my dealer has not installed one previously, I knew it may take some work to get it "just right." I have no doubts it will be done. I also should mention most of the "business" part of the assembly mounts just underneath the wheel which should keep it out of harm's way for more vigorous off-road use.

John M

 

[jcmseven]

Well, don't ask why but without any work, the PS kit is now performing better. I have no idea why, but it is. I have now used the machine for two days hauling heavy rocks for my rock wall and the PS is working perfectly. Now that it is in this shape I must say it is worth the money. I would like to use it a bit more, though, before I can fully endorse it to the group.

John M

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

sounds good mabye in the future i will see about one for the hpx .

 

[chipsndust]

How hard is the stock steering on the XUV? I would like to know if my wife will be able to drive it (she has arthritis). I have an arctic cat 4-wheeler which she cannot steer. It would be worth $800 to me to know she could get around in it. I haven't had a chance to drive one yet.

 

[shot_gun]

Chipsndust. You should stop by a local dealer and test drive one. Most dealer will let you. We could tell you but until your wife gets in the seat you'll never know. I've sen people use suicide knobs for leverage but these are not good for high speed aplications. I'm very interested in the out come of this power steering thread. I work for a JD dealer and we have looked at the UNISTEER for some of our customers that haul heavy loads and drive on pavement. mostly for the 04-05 HPX gators. On that note JCM7, any further news. How does it react at slow speed, loaded, high speed manuvers. I'm very interested in your feedback.

Thanks,
S_G

 

[chipsndust]

shot_gun:
I know you're right-we gotta just try one. Right now my job is getting in the way of my life. The timing should be good, when the weather is nicer. I'll call around and find the nearest dealer that has one, make a nice daytrip with the wife to check it out.
I'm also anxious to hear some feedback from jcmseven.

 

[jcmseven]

To all,

After some kinks with the "timing" of the assist were resolved, I have been very happy with the power steering kit. I think it makes a notable difference in the low speed performance of the machine. I also think with aftermarket tires, such as those I have, it really helps. My honest opinion is it is a very worthwhile option. I do, though, feel the price a bit steep. $300-400 seems reasonable, the $800-1000 asking price currently is to me a bit much for the product. I bought mine at the lower end of that range but I would still like to see the price drop a bit more.

John M

 

[shot_gun]

Thank you for your input. I appreciate your honest feed back.

Thanks,