Off road utility vehicles, such as the Gator have long moved on from glorified quads and are now a quite separate classification of vehicle, with many roles within agriculture, construction and groundcare.
John Deere has been active in this market for many years and it produces a well-respected series of machines that the company sees as an extension of its tractor range, rather than just an add on to the business.
As farm vehicles UTVs need to be designed and built with the same farm-orientated focus as the tractors and therefore feature reliability and robustness as being built in, rather than being an adaption from the less demanding world of lifestyle machines.
Latest Gator arrives
The company has just announced the launch of its latest model, the new diesel Gator XUV 875M utility vehicle.
The company claims that it has been designed to improve productivity across various tasks, offering, as it does, increased cargo capacity, enhanced comfort, and improved functionality.
The new Gator model’s key features include a 23hp engine with a fuel tank volume of 42.4L, a seating capacity for three (suitable for off-road use).
It has a carrying capacity of 454 kg, enabling it to carry 18 bags of meal, while retaining fully independent suspension that allows 203/229mm of travel (front/rear).
The Gator XUV 875M builds on the reliability of previous models with an updated rear suspension design and tuned shock absorbers to increase comfort.
Key improvements include relocating the air intake 30cm higher to ensure cleaner air intake, protecting the engine while the new CVT (continuously variable transmission) air intake and exhaust system help draw cleaner air, protecting the system from debris, water, and mud.
Cargo box revamp
The redesigned cargo box of this latest model offers 13% more space than the next model down which allows for its greater carrying capacity.
There is long list of improvements to this area of the machine which include an increased width, a SAE 12 volt power port and a redesigned tailgate, which doubles up as a workbench having a groove to hold pipes for cutting.
There are various options for securing the cargo including clamping points, divider slots, fold-flat tie-downs and D rings along with extra tool storage pockets.
John Deere suggests that the redesigned cargo box on the new model is a significant improvement, the added width, storage and cargo security points brining greater versatility to the range
The John Deere Gator XUV 875M utility vehicle will be available to dealers from spring 2025.
