New Member

[GhostComanche]

Hello all, glad to have found this site. It has been very helpful in the purchase of my new J.D Gator 550. I purchased package 3 and will continue to fix it up as time goes on. I installed a Badlands 3000 lb. winch this past weekend. This was really fun (routing cables and wires; I am too picky). I fabbed the dash for the winch switch and put in a flip toggle to power winch on and off...................thought it turned out well. Also, put on front and rear aluminum boot/CV guards. Wanted to share some pics of this new Gator....................Thanks for having me here, RR

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2cc33b3127ccef18c4b87f78300000030O12IZOXLVsyYg9 vPgg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2cc33b3127ccef18da55b565400000030O02IZOXLVsyYg9 vPgg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2cc33b3127ccef18d5772560400000030O02IZOXLVsyYg9 vPgg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[GATORDONE]

:cool:

[DIXIEDOG]

Looks good, the maneuverability of the 550 looks awfully appealing to a guy that has to drive into trees to turn around his 825 in the woods :lol: I think the width of the 550 is just right.

[mountaingoat]

Welcome, and enjoy your new ride! My 550 does all I ask it, and it's a great platform for building. mountaingoat.

[GhostComanche]

Looks good, the maneuverability of the 550 looks awfully appealing to a guy that has to drive into trees to turn around his 825 in the woods :lol: I think the width of the 550 is just right.

You're right about the turning Dixie. I have had the other larger Gators and they were simply too big and cumbersome for my needs. This little Gator is perfect for me in the deer woods and will do all I ask of it and will turn around in woods lots easier. I have had it to woods twice. Carried 500 lbs of corn up rocky steep hills no problem and the ride with the suspension is impressive. It is gonna be a winner I think.....................Roger

[Deputy347k9]

Welcome to the Forum and you do have a very nice looking machine. Take a bunch of pictures because in about one year it will not look the same with all the mods your dreaming about.

Larry in NC

[GhostComanche]

Welcome to the Forum and you do have a very nice looking machine. Take a bunch of pictures because in about one year it will not look the same with all the mods your dreaming about.

Larry in NC

Thanks Sir. It will take a little while to get it fixed up to my specs; Looking forward to it though. Installed the front fender guard kit today. Went on easily and will give protection when needed......................RR

[jakerator]

Hi Roger, as others have mentioned, nice rig and welcome. My 825 came with all the armour, it is pretty sturdy, I hope it only has to serve me as astetics.
Jake

[vanderrt]

26042603 I bought the 550 S4 it's wonderful. I had a problem with shifting from Reverse to Forward but the dealer replaced the Primary Clutch and the problem seems to be resolved. John Deere was aware of the problem and came up with a heavy duty primary clutch fix. I love my 550 S4 it's a little work horse and goes through some sand 4 wheel drive pickups were stuck in. I wish I could have taken a picture of the pickup owner's looks as plowed through the sand they were stuck in with their $40K vehical. I live on Padre Island and there is miles of coast line to explore and the 550 S4 is perfect. It's comfortable, and has room for the grand kids. My neighbor used it to haul some bricks and rock that surpassed the 400lb bed weight but the Gator didn't care at all or squat much. The dump handled it but you do have to make sure you disperse the weight toward the back or it's a bit rough getting the bed up. I read a lot of bad reports about the 550 but I'm happy with mine.

[dieselsmith]

Yeah you can read a bunch of bad stuff about just about anything. Thats the beauty of online forums! Nice ride by the way.

[vanderrt]

I installed a Badlands 2000LB Winch a few weeks ago. I love it but I junked the 5/32 wire cable and put 3/16 synthetic winch rope. 4800lb drop weight 5800lb normal use. If you decide to do the same there is a tiny set screw on the spindle. I didn't see it and it wasn't in my direction booklet. I hooked up to a Sago Palm and the little winch drug my 1440lb 550 S4 across the drive with the parking brake on and my wife's foot on the brake. I looked at the specs on both winches (2000lb and 3000lb) the 3000lb had 3/16 cable instead of 5/32 and it's faster. I paid $58 the 3000lb was $129.99 I figured what the heck I'll give it a try. I noticed they don't run that sale on Harbor Freight any longer. The mounting plate was only $3.99 and it fit perfect on the plate in front of my Gator. I had to drill out the holes to 1/2" so the stainless bolts, I bought, would fit. I also had to extend the wiring.

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