855D extreme use

[cjensan]

Hello All,

I am looking at the 855D for a remote project.
I will be removing the tires and building 4 tracks for all of them, so traction will not be a problem. As well as ground clearance will be increased.

There would be 9 of them likely going to this project.

However, the information I need is more in regards to extreme use and towing.
I will have a number of trailers which will be needing to be towed by this. They will have roughly the same track width as the Gator, and be on 4 tracks as well (minimizing ground pressure for rainy season). So there will be zero tongue weight on the gator itself. But the trailers will likely be in the 2500-3000lbs range.
The terrain is rolling hills without anything too extreme.
I figure for more difficult hills, I could always unhook pull forward and then pull with the winch, chock, and repeat.
That said, the rated towing capacity is only 1500lbs. So has anyone attempted anything like this before? What problems were encountered (if any)? (speed is not a problem and low range will be used for all towing)

As well, what are the most common failure points?
I am planning on taking a number of CV joints, maybe some ball joints, and brake pads. But past that is there anything else that I should be looking at or possibly beefing up?

They will be in hot climate (+50C), sand, rocks, mud and grass for the most part. Life expectancy should be around 1-2 years minimum. If I got two good years out of it, it would have more than paid for itself.
If you do think that the gator is not the most suitable option, what would you recommend instead. Key points are lower weight, towing, and physical size.

TIA!
Any help with these questions will be greatly appreciated.

[trainman]

I would pass on the Gator 855D and just buy those things they use on the ski slopes all ready to go for what you want. The Gator was build for the farmer, rancher, and sportsman, I think you need industrial equipment for what you want.

John

[GATORDONE]

I agree with trainman, The drive belt and clutch won't hold up to that kind of pull and use.

[purplewg]

I agree also. Too much for any normal Gator. You need something industrial. While I have pulled 3000 pounds with the 825i, I would not recommend doing a lot of it. I only had to move it a couple hundred feet and it was a dual axle trailer with most of the weight on the two axles.

http://www.military-tracked-vehicles.com/military-tracked-vehicles02.jpg

[cjensan]

Thanks guys,

I have decided I will likely still get these vehicles for transportation, but will likely just get a couple of tracked bobcats for the towing, and moving.

Cheers!

[Landscaper]

good luck with your decision! be sure to post pictures

[mullinsac14]

I have used my 855D with stock tires and all to pull 4 ton hay wagons with stock tires and everything and had no problem on smooth hills. When I got on to a gravel road it was a little steeper and the wheels slid alot, due to not enough weight over top of the gator tires, there was only 20 pounds on the tong. This was in the summer, dry and dusty. I think that an 855D would suit your purpose I would just have some extra CV joints and keep an eye on your belt, might want a few of those just incase. if it is muddy or anything the tracks would help alot, might also keep an eye on oil temp, and keep plenty of engine coolant in it. Let me know how it works out, I'll try to post a pick of the 4 tons of hay.