Newbie - 825i - what options?

[vermonter16]

My husband is researching the gator xuv 825i. I am hoping new incentives will be out in November because I don't think we'll be able to make a decision by the end of the week.

This is our first gator or even anything like an atv, utv, etc. We will be using this in northern Vermont primarily to go through the woods (it is sloped) to plow and to haul stuff. It won't be heavily used….most heavily used in the winter (if we get lots of snow).

What should we add, not add, have done at the dealer, not have done at the dealer. We certainly need a plow. Originally the dealer was talking about a winch and plow but I don't really like that idea. I think we should add power steering (because of the snow plow) but it is $$….however, I think we need it.

For you all out there that are experienced in this - can you offer some newbie suggestions? I'll be more than happy to give you more information. Thanks a lot.

[DIXIEDOG]

I would opt for the sport bucket seats (being comfy is important) ....the Maxxis Bighorn tire upgrade for more height and a tire that is excellent in the snow. I would also put the CV shaft steel guards on it.

I had an Eagle V plow for mine but had some issues with the push frame bending during heavy use (I have a gravel driveway that has rocks sticking up occasionally which is hard on it) This year I upgraded to the Boss hydraulic V plow....it's very expensive (around $3200) but it is built exceptionally heavy duty....looks just like a V plow for a full size truck and being a true full hydraulic plow it is fast and you can adjust everything from the seat versus a less expensive plow that you lift with the winch that requires you to go to the front of the machine each time you want to pivot your plow. In hindsight it would have been cheaper in the long run for me to just buy the Boss to start with, the Eagle looks as good as other plows in it's class but if you have a ton of snow and a gravel drive you may have the same problem I did which will cost you a lot of $$ replacing parts if you don't go with something really heavy duty like the Boss.

[vermonter16]

DIXIEDOG - thanks for responding. I'm going to have to look and see what options my husband opted for (but no purchase has been made yet). I have heard good things about the Boss V Plow. I know my husband was looking at the 72" John Deere straight plow because of price....but it may not be as heavy duty? We do have a dirt/gravel driveway. What do you think about power steering? It is super pricey from the dealer (we've checked out three dealers) and it is around $1600 - $1800.... I love the the idea of the ease of power steering but not sure we can necessarily justify the price.

[asp]

You can purchase power steering from Super ATV for 650.00 and install it your self.

[vermonter16]

You can purchase power steering from Super ATV for 650.00 and install it your self.

I have seen that and considered it but I don't think we'd actually be able to install it ourselves. The most I've done is car stereos and car speakers and those are with kits! I have looked at it though. It is such a rural area and we haven't even completed our move there yet otherwise, I'd ask around for someone who might be able to do it.

[vermonter16]

Ok - so here is what appears to be the options the dealer has down for my husband: 825i XUV, John Deere Standard-Duty 72 inc. front blade with hydraulics, mammoth designs soft cab, cab heater, cab heater fitting kit, delux cargo box with polyurea liner, brake, tail, reverse lights and light protector, ops with black poly roof, rear protection package, heavy duty front brush guard... the Roll-on/Roll-off (argh) and setup

[Bunky]

Sounds like a good start, I am a new owner too

Suggestions
- all the guards including CV if going in woods
- sport buckets -- nice
- big horn tires /alloy wheels - ride much better than standard one plus adds a little more ground clearance
- power steering - thought I did not need it, but with a plow for sure
- cargo bed with liner - really did not think I needed power assist but will find out soon when I am dumping dirt
- I got mid range lights (pair) and pointed them rear
- Glass windshield with wiper - no worries about scratching plastic

I have a winch (Superwinch, not JD) but have not installed it

My shopping list: exhaust silencer, more front lights (just have headlights), power steering, grips for cargo box to hold stuff like trimmers, mirrors (side, rear view), seat covers for the nice seats.

[vermonter16]

Hi Bunky - wow! How do you like your gator? We have shopped around and always came back to the Gator. I am surprised at how $$....sheesh! If we add power steering we are verging on 20k I think. That is more expensive than my car, lol! I do think that my husband should get what he needs though....but see, tires are not as important to him as they are for me... I am a tire nut!

[Bunky]

I did not have a full cab so that saves a lot..just the OPS, roof, and windshield so ours listed like $16K but net was $15K before taxes with no delivery charge - about 50 miles away. The dealer did not charge a large setup fee. I quoted several dealers and they gave varying amounts off and different setup charges.

The windshield has a pop up bottom so you can get ventilation when needed - nice when warm.

We test drove one with stock tires and upgrade and both noticed a big difference in ride quality. This was the impulse upgrade.

You can always can install the power steering using after market ez steer. This is my plan down the road. After spending this much to get in the game, I regretted that I did not spend another $1k more for power steering. Where do you stop?

Here is one pic of our gator..i think we have named it Ally.

http://angphoto.smugmug.com/Detailing/ANG-Gallery/i-bTqXJRK/0/X3/ANG_1856-3-X3.jpg

We really like it since it gets up in the woods and have doing trail clearing on old logging roads. The walk used to take 20 min just to get there but now it is no time. I have not considered all the light options like others have done..not much night riding for us.

[vermonter16]

Yeah, the dealer is charging $750 for a set up fee. We have gotten 4 different quotes, a quote locally here in VA, one in NH, one in VT, and one in IN. The VT one is still coming in cheaper than the others. Because my husband will be using this to plow our driveway and it gets cold, he needed a cab enclosure and that ran like $1200 or thereabouts. I'd really like to get the upgraded tires, the vboss plow but we are already at the top of our budget....no, wait.....we are over our budget. Without the power steering we can get everything for 18 and change (I think) but with the power steering it drives it up to almost 20k or just over 20k.....egads! What I really want is the boss plow and the big horn tires but I don't think we can handle any more expenses on this bad boy. The cab heater and soft enclosure is a lot but you can never tell the temp in a Vermont winter....could be -20 or it could be 35.... Eventually we'll add a winch but I think we can do that later....we certainly don't need that immediately.

[Neil B]

Dear Newbie,
Let me tell you the bad news. I ordered a loaded 825I olive green, with power steering on 9/21/13 it was supposed to have been shipped on 10/7/13. Today is 10/23/13 and John Deer has NO idea when it will ship. My dealer was nice enough (Cazenovia Equipment) to give me a loaner 550 last weekend so I can finish my fall projects. They have other Gator buyers in the same boat. This is incredible for a 36 billion dollar company.
If you order now you might get it for spring cleanup. Forget about plowing. Good Luck!!!

[Bunky]

Our setup fee was like $200.

Our progression:
1. wife wanted a utv for trails in the woods
2. I wanted to look at JD - my first JD product. Initial dealer steered to 625/825. I wanted utility (big bed, etc) to use around the area (35 acres but not very flat)
3. quoted the 625 from dealers, so was around $10k when we started
4. lots of reading here and elsewhere, finally drove both with various options (steering)
5. decided liked the 825 for power, smoother take off, upgraded wheel, hey it is only money..
6. got the 825i
7. sticker shock over, see what others are doing, want more. decided not interested in new car anytime soon ....

Buying a Gator will lead to buying other stuff once the initial cost shock is over. Dane and others have added so much to theirs.

Our delay purchase was the winch (JD wanted $800?) but now I purchased that and getting ready to install when I get the parts all in (connectors,etc) to wire it up right. The aftermarket PS version is cheaper and looks like a drop in fit so it is something you can make later.

Also, since I was using to do work in the woods, I ended up getting a new chain saw (my 10 yr old died but was able to fix), a storage box to put in back to keep stuff around, more bungees, and wanting more stuff (good mirrors, more lights, grips).

It is like the definition of a BOAT - a hole in the water you throw money into or "But Only Another Thousand".

[vermonter16]

It was kind of like our Harleys....geez....we spent so much on customizing those....and then had to sell them since my husband could not ride anymore. I could have kept mine but... If I could get someone to install the aftermarket PS I think it would definitely be worth it....just have to find someone.

[vermonter16]

Hi Neil....so the dealer has to order the thing? They didn't mention that. If that is the case than we definitely will not be getting the PS from the dealer, guess that is something we'll have to ask. We were looking only at what they had in stock and what they could add....hmmm....

[Destiny creek]

Don't you need a winch to operate the plow for lifting and lowering it

[Bunky]

Hi Neil....so the dealer has to order the thing? They didn't mention that. If that is the case than we definitely will not be getting the PS from the dealer, guess that is something we'll have to ask. We were looking only at what they had in stock and what they could add....hmmm....

The PS is a factory only option. JD has not provided an aftermarket kit. It would be very expensive it was.

[Bunky]

Dear Newbie,
Let me tell you the bad news. I ordered a loaded 825I olive green, with power steering on 9/21/13 it was supposed to have been shipped on 10/7/13. Today is 10/23/13 and John Deer has NO idea when it will ship. My dealer was nice enough (Cazenovia Equipment) to give me a loaner 550 last weekend so I can finish my fall projects. They have other Gator buyers in the same boat. This is incredible for a 36 billion dollar company.
If you order now you might get it for spring cleanup. Forget about plowing. Good Luck!!!

From order date, it took about 4 weeks for mine to be delivered and it was within a few days of the original committed delivery when I ordered it. The dealer did have visibility and the build date did change several times was earlier after I ordered it. He just checked the system.

My guess is they have some part shortage (or sudden order for a large contract job) or they could be in the process of a model switch over to build 2014 labeled units.

[Neil B]

The dealer ordered my Gator on Monday 9/23/13 w/ J deere. Today, Deere has NO idea when my unit will be shipped. Unbelievable!

[Neil B]

PS Deere told my dealer when it was ordered it would be shipped in 2 weeks.

[Bunky]

I also choose the 825i over the 625i because larger alternator (3x output), and battery (440CA vs 340 CA in 625) plus the bigger motor.

[vermonter16]

Don't you need a winch to operate the plow for lifting and lowering it

Not if you go with the hydraulic plow....at least that's what I thought.

[vermonter16]

Meh. So - decision time....buy now with the 600 off incentive....or wait a couple of weeks and see if a better incentive comes out. Last year, a better incentive came out after October....albeit by a couple hundred dollars but hey - that's a couple of hundred dollars.

Also - does anyone out there have the 72" standard duty plow? I'm a little worried about how it will hold up on our gravel/dirt 1000 foot driveway. But, it is only like 1600 with the hydraulics....not sure what the Boss will be. Also - anyone use the Ancla standard tires and like them? I know they aren't the Big Horns....thoughts?

One last thing while I'm thinking about it.....is the skid plate sufficient that comes with it? Just want to make sure.

[g8erh8er]

Just some words of advice, if you don't think you're getting a good deal, definitely shop the dealers against one another to get the best price. They do have wiggle room although most would like you to believe otherwise.

We ordered our Power steering 825i on October 14 and it is scheduled to be at the dealer this Thursday. Not sure why the other poster is having delivery issues with his, maybe it has to do with the color they ordered? We got the classic green & yellow with bucket seats.

Anyway, our added options were the poly roof, heavy duty brush guard, and OPS rear screen. Roll on/off fee was $400 and setup fee was $175.

List price for the buggy with included options was $14,309.95. Our dealer took $2,109.95 off list so we ended up at $12,200.00 before taxes. I'm going to have him switch out the stock tires for the alloy rims & bighorns once it comes in, so that will add another $800 or so to the price. I think we did ok on price. The first dealer I checked with was a full $1000 more than the one we ended up purchasing from.

[vermonter16]

Just some words of advice, if you don't think you're getting a good deal, definitely shop the dealers against one another to get the best price. They do have wiggle room although most would like you to believe otherwise.

We ordered our Power steering 825i on October 14 and it is scheduled to be at the dealer this Thursday. Not sure why the other poster is having delivery issues with his, maybe it has to do with the color they ordered? We got the classic green & yellow with bucket seats.

Anyway, our added options were the poly roof, heavy duty brush guard, and OPS rear screen. Roll on/off fee was $400 and setup fee was $175.

List price for the buggy with included options was $14,309.95. Our dealer took $2,109.95 off list so we ended up at $12,200.00 before taxes. I'm going to have him switch out the stock tires for the alloy rims & bighorns once it comes in, so that will add another $800 or so to the price. I think we did ok on price. The first dealer I checked with was a full $1000 more than the one we ended up purchasing from.

Wow! Sounds like you got a great deal! This particular dealer is charging $750 for a setup fee…..but comes in cheaper after taxes, etc. than anyone else… I hate feeling ripped off. With a vehicle, I know exactly what I want to walk out paying and I know the game….this one….not so much. So are you saying you wound up at 12200 with the power steering?

[g8erh8er]

That's correct - power steering. I can send you a copy of our quote, but seeing as you're in a dfferent region, not sure it would do you any good. After taxes we are at just under $13000 OTD. Once we add the wheels it will take us to about $13800. Not bad considering Msrp on bone stock power steering model is $12799. Oh and power steering only adds $1000 to the Msrp, so don't let a dealer tell you otherwise. A good dealer should be able to take about 10% off list from your options so figure paying about $900 for the PS upgrade. Well worth it to me.

[Destiny creek]

Not if you go with the hydraulic plow....at least that's what I thought.
So you would have to have a hydraulic pump installed or carry a power pack in the box as gator does not come with hydraulics

[cowman1820]

hate the 2 piece bucket seats for what its worth. You cant set anything on them like your mail or tools, for they slide in the gap. next one will have the standard buckets. I know 20K is a bit of sticker shock, but reality is in 5 years it will still be worth plenty. they hold there value far better than a car. I am going with the all glass cab factory installed. have had the hard black poly cab and the door latches to not hold up to daily use.

[vermonter16]

Thanks cowman. Right now I have my husband getting a list of dealers and getting other quotes. We have decided to go for power steering and potentially the Boss V plow......now that does do a straight blade as well right? If that's the case than we both feel it is worth the extra in the long haul. Thanks for the support!

[Bunky]

You did get a good deal. The dealer I bought from was discounting the ones on the lot more than a factory order.

[DIXIEDOG]

DIXIEDOG - thanks for responding. I'm going to have to look and see what options my husband opted for (but no purchase has been made yet). I have heard good things about the Boss V Plow. I know my husband was looking at the 72" John Deere straight plow because of price....but it may not be as heavy duty? We do have a dirt/gravel driveway. What do you think about power steering? It is super pricey from the dealer (we've checked out three dealers) and it is around $1600 - $1800.... I love the the idea of the ease of power steering but not sure we can necessarily justify the price.

Power steering wasn't an option when I purchased my 2012....to be honest I don't feel it's needed...my Gator turns fine even with the Boss plow on it with no power steering. Initially I was going to put a Wicked Built steering kit on before my Boss V plow but the company I was trying to deal with had crappy communication...matter of fact I'm still waiting for my call back. (Been about 6 months so far) So I went ahead and purchased/installed the Boss V plow and surprisingly it steers well even with all that extra weight hanging off the front, I'm glad I didn't put the $$ out for power steering now.:Ysnd:

[vermonter16]

Power steering wasn't an option when I purchased my 2012....to be honest I don't feel it's needed...my Gator turns fine even with the Boss plow on it with no power steering. Initially I was going to put a Wicked Built steering kit on before my Boss V plow but the company I was trying to deal with had crappy communication...matter of fact I'm still waiting for my call back. (Been about 6 months so far) So I went ahead and purchased/installed the Boss V plow and surprisingly it steers well even with all that extra weight hanging off the front, I'm glad I didn't put the $$ out for power steering now.:Ysnd:

Thanks for your thoughts DixieDog, anyone else have any experiences with/without power steering? I would love to hear them. After my husband realized that the V Plow can also be straight, scoop, etc. he was pretty sold. We will also be using it for moving dirt around, etc. and that's why he wanted just a straight blade. But - I think because the V is so versatile that it will be worth the extra $$ for what we may need it for....24 hours ago I wasn't saying that :)

[Skillet23]

I purchased my Gator in 2011 here in TX. The dealer had about 20 of them in stock and I just picked one out closest to what I wanted. I paid about $14,500 for it like this (no power steering):

2791
http://www.johndeeregatorforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=895&d=1330615186

Later I removed the plastic windshield and replaced it with a glass windshield plus a metal roof (I load deer feeder while standing on the roof, that's why went with the metal) from Fortress (http://www.fortressatv.com/). The roof and windshield cost me $850 and I installed by myself in about 1hr. I also added some lights in the back, in the cab and to the front (all from WalMart and AutoZone with switches from Ace Hardware) for about $75. I put a steering knob (like on a tractor) on the steering wheel for a poor-boy power steering. And I bought the Cambridge winch mount from Amazon and installed the Warn 2500 winch that I once had on my Honda four-wheeler (like $50 for the mount). Now the Gator looks like this:

2790
http://www.johndeeregatorforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2664&d=1379293130

Once ya'll get your Gator ya'll be like all the rest of us and find multiple things to add to it. Hope ya'll enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.

David in TX

[vermonter16]

Nice looking gator....then and now!

My husband and I are going to spend a couple more days to figure out what are must haves RIGHT NOW and wants. Question about the heater....for those of you who don't have a heater - is there any heat coming from the engine? We certainly want a heater for the Vermont winters....but - we have to sacrifice somewhere for this season....and we were thinking about waiting on that until next year.

[pahawi]

....for those of you who don't have a heater - is there any heat coming from the engine?

You bet there is. Do a search here on the matter........

Paul

[Skillet23]

Yes there is heat coming in off the radiator.

To some people it makes the ride too uncomfortable so they have installed all types of shielding on the front fire wall to help reflect and seal off the heat entry.

During the warmer days I have the front windshield opened and it blows out most of the heat. During the winter time this warmth is welcomed.

Ya'll could look at one of the lil 12v ceramic heaters that would plug into the outlet on the dash and help knock out the chill if they are worth while (I have never used one of these).

David in TX

[flashgor_99]

I've had the same problem with my dealer here in Texas. The order got messed up so the wrong Gator arrived without power steering. Took another 5 weeks. It showed up and the salesman had forgotten to add a windshield to the order. They aren't charging me for it, but it's 6 weeks later and I haven't seen it either. They did order the front hood carrier, but where is it? I first ordered the Gator the first week in August. It's not the end of October. Did I not spend enough or something? :mad:

[Bunky]

It's not the end of October. Did I not spend enough or something? :mad:

Although I had no surprises with my order (arrived when said), the sales guy was tracking the dealer installed and told me in advance he had everything to put on it when it arrived. Of course, I called one a week to check on things since the salesguy would go online and tell me the projected build/ship date. Later, he told me when it was build and when shipped and even what stop it would delivered (truck carries more than one gator).

But, all but one dealership they really did not seem to be interested in a $15K sale. The most responsive guy never called me back to ask why I did not order from him. I wonder how much you have to spend to get these guys interested.

[jradue]

I've had the same problem with my dealer here in Texas. The order got messed up so the wrong Gator arrived without power steering. Took another 5 weeks. It showed up and the salesman had forgotten to add a windshield to the order. They aren't charging me for it, but it's 6 weeks later and I haven't seen it either. They did order the front hood carrier, but where is it? I first ordered the Gator the first week in August. It's not the end of October. Did I not spend enough or something? :mad:

I think the profit on Gators is pretty low for the dealer. They make their money on parts and service.

[g8erh8er]

That's crazy it's taking so long to get your Gators. We picked ours up yesterday - took a total of 11 days.

I def. agree with the other poster about these not being a high priority for the dealerships. The two dealers I chose not to use never so much as sent me an email to see if I had made a decision yet. Guess they don't need the business.

[Bunky]

I think the profit on Gators is pretty low for the dealer. They make their money on parts and service.

You would think they would want to sell more to drive more service.

[DIXIEDOG]

You would think they would want to sell more to drive more service.

I'm betting the JD dealers make the bulk of their money on tractors vs Gators.....they are more expensive and so are the service/parts for them. It's too bad because with the ability of the Gators they are making today if they did put some effort into selling and servicing them to make sure they had satisfied customers a lot of trail riders would get into them. They ride great, have good power and handle excellent. To me the sales and service at my local dealer is where the Gator falls a bit short.

[vermonter16]

New incentives today....none for the 825i, bummer. We still had to wait though to really figure out what to get. If we had done it when we were going to....we wouldn't have decided on the boss plow, etc.... Still going to dealer shop. I guess Deere never adds an incentive do they? Can't believe we gave up 600 bucks....blah.

[Neil B]

I contacted John Deere direct and they will be contacting the dealer. The dealer encouraged me to do this because their hands are tied. 5 1/2 weeks no ship date!!!!!!!!!!

[vermonter16]

That's crazy Neil! Hopefully you get it soon. Maybe they had a lot of folks ordering them with the incentive? Seems to be no rhyme or reason. What did you get on it anyways? I hope you got a really good deal to have to wait this long.

[Bunky]

If some are getting them and some are not, I would guess a specific component shortage.

[vermonter16]

Ok - made the purchase! Got the 825i with power steering, the bighorn tires, deluxe cargo box with liner (light protector, etc), deluxe cab with glass doors including the glass windshield with wiper (and washer fluid kit) power and front protection package, rear protection package, etc....and a Boss plow. Done! Finally!

[Bunky]

Woo Hoo!

[vermonter16]

Thanks Bunky. It wasn't necessarily my husband's choice of color (green and yellow), but it had what we wanted (for now) and more importantly it was on the lot. I'm happy that we waited even though we missed the incentive because what we had 'wanted' last week was totally different than what we're getting this week, lol.

[nakdboardr]

Congrats and welcome to the JD family :Hwdy:

[Neil B]

On “Gator Forums” a JD Dealer said this happens all the time and JD never has answers. I didn’t order anything crazy - stock options PowerS, front protection package ect. The dealer is installing some stuff. Deal? We’ll see.

[g8erh8er]

Ok - made the purchase! Got the 825i with power steering, the bighorn tires, deluxe cargo box with liner (light protector, etc), deluxe cab with glass doors including the glass windshield with wiper (and washer fluid kit) power and front protection package, rear protection package, etc....and a Boss plow. Done! Finally!

Holy smokes! So who had to sell the kidney, you or your husband? :hehe:

[Bunky]

It sounds like it is time to bring on the snow !

[Neil B]

Just heard from JD - the 825 I ordered on Sept 28 will maybe ship Thanksgiving week. There is nothing I can do about it. Hope you get yours this year. Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[vermonter16]

Hey guys, been meaning to respond but had to go to the er for a missing kidney...sheesh :). I feel pretty broke right now but have no buyer's remorse :). Haven't even seen the thing yet. I will after themove to VT where the dealer is holding it for us. Only thing that needs to be done is to get the BOSS installed. That is at another place not far....last darn plow in the state, lol!

[vermonter16]

Just heard from JD - the 825 I ordered on Sept 28 will maybe ship Thanksgiving week. There is nothing I can do about it. Hope you get yours this year. Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Neil, I hope you get yous soon! And that it lives up to your expectations.

[GGB]

Congratulations on your decision to get your Gator with power steering. I think you'll appreciate it even more after you've had it for awhile. After spending a fair amount of time in our pastures checking fence with my nephew's 2012 825i which doesn't have it, it made my decision to get mine with power steering, especially since my Bride will also be driving it.

One point about another advantage of power steering that I haven't seen mentioned is reduced kickback at the steering wheel on rough terrain. Not a big deal if you are staying on good roads or trails, but sure should make for a more relaxing drive on poorer tracts.

I'd tell the two of you to have fun but that's a little too obvious! I'm still smiling about mine.

GGB

[vermonter16]

Just wanted to post an update and another question for ya. Got the Gator - husband loves it (I haven't actually seen it yet). He has the Boss Plow on it and got to use it this weekend with about 18" of snow. He said it did a fine job but he really has to get used to it.

He didn't get any heat in the cab and isn't concerned about that at all. But - he said that the window fogs up, etc....any ideas on a defroster fix that is economical (not JD - since the wallet can't handle THAT much right now) ?

[osiris]

you may be able to get away with a fan blowing on the windshield to circulate the heat thats in the cab (you can buy at a truck stop)theres also some aftermarket options for heaters that are cheaper then the jd one and dont use up the glove box

[Destiny creek]

Check out these heaters for the John Deere gator less money and more compact
www.utvpartsandaccessories.com/universal_utv_cab_heaters.htm#John%20Deere
GO BRONCOS

[vermonter16]

That looks like a great DIY aftermarket heater kit! That might be something to install over the summer....but hubby says he doesn't need a whole heater or it will be too warm. At the same time, I ask him if there is any heat in the cab and he says 'when the sun is shining'.... Geez....he is no help at all, lol. Since I am not seeing what is going on myself with the windshield it is hard to say what he might need but I do like the fan idea as well. Any other ideas or thoughts, please let me know. I really do like that aftermarket kit....