Update from a real-life user of this true "utility vehicle"

In a previous article, (see in February 2003 issue of Off-Road.com) we recalled the joy of working with a 6x4 Diesel Gator for the past five years - putting it though daily working conditions, hauling loads of sand all day long. During off time we "survey" the undeveloped areas of the facility and run the trails we have made with it. The one thing that stands out about this unit is that it has never had a failure - it has taken all the abuse that we can throw at it. Why? I guess it was well built, because we have put it though hell.

After one more year, we have finally started to experience a few little problems.

We have experienced the problem of sand getting into the bead of the wheels, which allows air to escape - a major cause of annoyance for us, but not enough to justify buying four bead-lock wheels.

Speaking of wheels, we have noticed the lug nuts seem to work themselves loose and fall out. This isn't a problem until you are hauling a lot of sand for the greater part of the day. If you turn, the vehicle "jumps" then shakes violently. When this happened to me, I looked out, certain I would see a tire rolling merrily away from the Gator. After a quick inspection I noticed that the left rear tire had lost all but one bolt and was sitting very crooked (1 out of 5 isn't bad, eh?).

The wheel was really bent. Work must go on, so I found three of the five bolts and torqued them back on. All fixed, except that bent wheel made the Gator "hop" as you race down the path at a whopping 18mph.

Next, the battery mount came loose and pulled the caps off the top of the battery. This unfortunately allowed it to fill with sand. Replacing it is a job, let me tell you; the battery is tucked under the rear of the bed behind the engine. Small hands wouldn't have too much of a problem; however, I am cursed with giant hands. Luckily working in the tight clearances & shocking myself with a nearly-dead 12 volt DC battery didn't hurt too bad. The battery is a pain in the ass to replace - c'mon John Deere, can we fix that?

An update on the good side - Cosmetics. We added a set of silver vinyl flames by Philly-Style to improve the looks of the very "utility" Gator.

A new stock driver's seat was also installed this season. We opted for a new one rather than a duct-tape re-upholster job. The seat was a little too torn and burnt, and your rear end would get a little wet after a rainy workday. A good time for a new one.

We took it in for "real" service!

The service techs noticed the Gator limping into the service bay right away, due to the egg-shaped wheel. We asked them to also do the scheduled service, a basic tune up, and find out why it just doesn't come to speed fast as it used to ( well, as fast as 18 mph can be).

The next day we phoned the service guys to see what they had to say, and boy, did they have some stuff to say:

Their first question:
"What happened to the front end? We took the front clip off - it's all bent to sh*t!"

Sportquad.com staffer:
"Um, I think one of the guys hit something a while back..."

Service tech:
"Jesus, what the @#$% did you hit?"

Sportquad.com staffer:
(I thought "what haven't we hit" or "you name it" was the wrong answer, so-)
"Um, one of the guys hit a tree. He doesn't work for us anymore"
(Actually it was a few trees, a truck, and a lot of jumps. Oh, and it was me. )

Service tech:
"That wheel needs to be replaced, bad. The right side kingpin is shot. You're lucky the tire didn't fall off. When we gave the tire a good shaking, boy, it sure was clanking!"

Sportquad.com Staffer:
"Can your fix it? We need it by Friday."

Service tech:
"Well, if we can get the parts soon enough. Also the left side a-arm bushings are shot. I called the dealer - they are non-replaceable. You will need to get a new A-arm for $165."

Sportquad.com Staffer:
"Will it fall off?"

Service tech:
"It shouldn't, under NORMAL use."

Sportquad.com Staffer:
"That's good. Let's just stick with it 'till it does - to hell with the new part."
(Should make for good pictures...)

Service tech:
"Have you guys ever cleaned out the radiator screen?"

Sportquad.com Staffer:
"It has a radiator?"

Service tech:
"Yes, the screen was plugged. Its amazing the motor hasn't blow!"

He showed me the five gallons of sand-covered grass, pine needles and leaves he pulled from the screen. I am amazed the little diesel motor didn't overheat. In fact we haven't cleaned the screen since 1999, though we will make a note of it.

"The air filter was new though. When did you guys change that?"

Sportquad.com Staffer:
"Ya, we noticed it was a little dirty, so we replaced it a couple of months ago."

Actually it was full of sand, and the motor was so choked it barely ran. We would have replaced it with a K&N, but it was unavailable.

Service tech:
"The tire on the front of the rear drive tires has gotten so hot it broke the cords in it. You will need a new tire."

Sportquad.com Staffer:
"That must be why it limps" and doesn't hold air…
"How are the drive chains and sprockets?"

Service tech:
"They are still good - we are going to adjust the tension."

Sportquad.com Staffer:
"That's good to hear."
(Hmm… I wonder what else that strange noise could be?)

_________________________

Though we have experienced some minor problems with things after five years of service, we have not had a single motor problem with the little 18hp diesel engine. I would still recommend the Gator if you were looking for a low-frills utility vehicle.

Happy Trails,
-Jarret Gleason

John Deere and Company
To call John Deere's World Headquarters, dial 309-765-8000.
Locate your nearest John Deere Dealer
www.deere.com