Flexing the 550!

[jdettmer]

3055
Kinda hard to see because it was so dark, but, trust me, the right front wheel was at least 2 feet off the ground!:OhNoes:

3056

View from the other side---sitting in the driver's seat I was level with the ground!


Now for more civil pics.:lol:

3057

Picture doesn't do it justice...probably close to a 40 degree slope. She walked right up it; just a little issue with the break over angle at the top, but nothing a little speed couldn't fix.:Thmup:

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Sighting of the JD Gator in its natural habitat.

Lastly, just a quick mod to the lettering on the gear levers...it's amazing what a little yellow paint can do.
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[vanderrt]

Great pictures jdettmer. Looks like you put the little guy through it's paces. 16HP but it gets the job done. My 550 s4 is a lot heavier than your 550 but the s4 seems to do anything I ask. Got a little break problem right now it won't release properly Gulf Tractor is ordering me a new parking break kit.

[Dane]

When I first got mine I played around climbing rocks and anything else I could find. I was surprised that there was no creaking or noticeable twist in the frame.

http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad67/pilotdane2/2012/Gator/Gator3.jpg

I agree about the lettering. I don't know why Deere didn't have a label to make them more visible. They're OK during the day but at night the lettering totally disappears. I painted mine as well which really helps see the lettering.

http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad67/pilotdane2/2012/Gator/Misc%20Upgrades/ColoredLettering.jpg

[vanderrt]

Dane I really like how you painted yours. I'm going to copy it. I have some high gloss enamel I use to paint puzzels I make for my grandkids. Matching the Green and Yellow of the JD's was a great idea! I want differant shift knobs too.

[Dane]

It wasn't really an attempt to duplicate Deere's colors. That just happened to be the Testers plastic model paint I had on hand but it was a lucky coincidence.

[DIXIEDOG]

The pic of one tire on a rock and the other wheel in the air makes me think the suspension lacks a lot of droop. Wonder if there is a swaybar that could be disconnected? Tires in the air offer no traction or stability, allowing the tire to drop to the ground would get the Gator more places with ease.

[jdettmer]

Unfortunately that comes with independent suspension. If the Gator's had "live axles" like a Jeep, then you would have more of a chance to maintain contact.