When most people think of John Deere, they think of their famous line of tractors. “Nothing runs like a Deere!” is almost as famous a slogan as Nike’s “Just do it.” But what many people may not know is that John Deere also makes high-quality off-road vehicles. While they might not be traditional ATVs, they are high-quality UTVs made to do everything, from mowing your lawn to helping you with farming, hunting, and ranching.
Since 1992, John Deere has been producing its Gator line of utility vehicles. All based on one original machine, the Gator currently includes six distinct model lines, each with its unique benefits and features.
Here is a quick overview of what they offer and what you can expect from each model.
John Deere’s original offering was the T-Series, a utilitarian UTV with a front bench seat and a cargo box. Their HPX Series has a dune buggy-style design, along with a more powerful motor for more torque and towing capacity.
The Gator Mid-Size XUV Series features both four-passenger and two-passenger variants and also consists of some sportier options. The Full-Size XUV Series is made for a larger capacity, with the ability to carry up to 1,000 pounds in the cargo box. Finally, the Gator RSX is their Sportster line, designed for fun, as well as light-duty work.
John Deere also produces two models of Gators specifically for the military. The first is the M-Gator A1, with a 854cc three-cylinder engine that can run on both diesel and jet fuel. It also carries up to 1,000 pounds and comes with military options like a rifle mount. The other is the M-Gator A3-T, which has even more cargo capacity. At present, these models are only available to federal agencies in the United States and Canada. It will likely be several years before you start seeing these models on the civilian market.
There is no better place to buy a John Deere Gator than at a John Deere dealer. These are often local garden centers and farm supply stores. As a result, you can sometimes find multiple dealers, even in rural areas. So take your time, call several local dealers, and determine who is offering the best prices.
Used Gators are often found in used tractor listings and other similar marketplaces and online sites. As with any vehicle, never buy an ATV sight unseen. Feel free to back out of a purchase if something doesn’t feel right. Unfortunately, you won’t save as much with used Gators as you will with many traditional ATVs. They retain their value quite well, so used prices are often similar to what you pay for a new model.
The TS 4x2 is the humble beginning from which all other Gators would be born. It is modestly priced at only $7,649 for the base model. But as noted above, used pricing is similar at auction.
John Deere’s TS 4x2 is a compact UTV built for two riders and equipped with a short cargo box. Boasting a cargo capacity of 500 pounds, the 400cc engine on the TS 4x2 provides up to 900 pounds of towing capacity. That said, it has a fairly basic design, as there is no rear suspension. So expect a bit of a bumpy ride.
The Gator HPX615E is a dune buggy-style UTV with a short cargo box and the option of bucket or bench seating. However, the cargo box has a dumping function, which is a significant upgrade from the TX 4x2. This increase in performance comes with higher pricing. The base MSRP is $11,449, although you can get more features for less by buying used.
The 617cc two-cylinder engine provides 20 horsepower and the ability to haul 1,000 pounds in the cargo box. You can also tow up to 1,300 pounds. Finally, there is proper front and rear shock absorption, so you get a comfortable ride.
The Gator XUV590E is similar in appearance to the HPX615E. It has a lightweight, dune buggy-style design, with front bucket or bench seating. It also provides the same 500 pounds of cargo capacity. The pricing is even similar, with an $11,299 base MSRP and near-identical used pricing.
However, the similarities end there. While the HPX615E is built for low-end torque, the XUV590E lives up to its sporty appearance - with a maximum speed of 48 mph and 680-pound towing capacity.
The XUV835 is a powerful crossover vehicle with 2,000 pounds of towing power and independent four-wheel independent suspensions. The base model retails for $14,299, but there are four additional variants, each with its own extra benefits. The enhanced XUV835M comes with electronic power steering and costs $16,199.
The XUV835M Cab is the same as the last variant but comes with an enclosed cab. You even get roll-down windows, although the MSRP goes up to $22,149 for this variant. The XUV835M HVAC, priced at $24,099, is the Cab variant that includes heat and air conditioning. Finally, the XUV835R includes all of this, with a slick LED lighting package to boot, all for the price of $26,399. Used pricing is a bit more volatile, depending on a variety of factors.
The Gator RSX860i is by far the sportiest vehicle in John Deere’s lineup. Its 839cc V-twin engine propels it at up to 60 mph. That is insanely fast for an off-road vehicle, and you will probably never need that much speed outside of the track. Still, it is impressive, and it makes for a fun ride with plenty of acceleration.
For all of that, you still get good utility performance. The total cargo capacity is 500 pounds, and the 1,500 pounds of towing capacity is impressive for its size. In addition to all that, you get an optional front winch package. The base model has a $12,299 MSRP, and used models are challenging to find.
The Gator TX Turf is a specially designed lightweight UTV for areas with sensitive grass. It is ideal for golf courses, and it still carries up to 600 pounds, with a 1,000-pound towing capacity. It starts at $9,949, although you can find a used TX Turf for as little as $5,000.