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John Deere Gator 625 review 5/15/2017 10:27:56 AM

John Deere Gator 625 review.

A good machine, replaces an EZ-GO STS 4x4, many reviews of the specs on these so I won't re-iterate them, but it's basically the same as the ez-go with better ground clearance, Fuel injected (nice to not need to manually choke it), a design more updated and more like a car than a piece of lawn equipment (with a price to match), an updated design (vs EZGO), but basically still the same engine horsepower 18 vs 20, twin cylinder, Kawasaki vs. Honda engine, 2 and 4 wheel drive, with lever for locking differentials (EZ-GO had electronic locking differential switches).

 

This thing is loaded with power winch, roof with lights, power dump bed, brush guard with front storage, tool bag across back, and bucket holder, impressive towing power.  Would prefer a USB plug as opposed to the cigarette lighter accessory outlet (who uses a cigarette lighter anymore ?)

 

Transmission seems good, makes a weird whining noise when I go down hills (usually at very low speeds < 5), than makes a "bucking / catching" noise at the bottom when you hit the gas, probably the clutch engaging, not sure, we'll see how it holds up, I've learned to come to a stop at the bottom of hills and then proceed forward to avoid that "bucking / catching" noise.

 

Feature x feature and price, I found the gator 625 was better than others out there (Actually my wife did !).

 

Now I just need to rebuild the EZGO motor!

 

Only a few complaints so far after two months, about 60 some miles is

  1. Tail gate needed to be worked, not sure the dealer put that together right, wouldn't close and the "bar" would slide / fall right out that secures to the catch mechanism of the bed, took me an hour or so to find the thing in the grass after it fell out while riding around in the back pasture, PIA, but easy to fix, and most likely the dealer just didn't do it right.
  2. a tinny metallic sound coming from somewhere in the front right fender while riding, just a little annoying, still can't find what is rattling.
  3. It's a LOT louder than the EZGO, not as loud as some people that complain about (it's a common complaint on these).  There is someone that sells a suppressor for this thing, a MUST BUY.
  4. Of course it's just wide enough it won't fit in my trailer, so hopefully I don't need the warranty, as getting it back to the dealer will require a flat bed tow or borrowing / renting a trailer.  [ more of an observation than a complaint ].
  5. Floor needs more aggressive texturing, too smooth and when working with muddy boots it's slippery.

 

Options and Accessories.

  • Winch is nice, but you must use wheel chucks, as it's so powerful that it just drags the gator closer to whatever your winching, so far I think the winch is probably only useful for pulling the gator out of the mud if it's stuck, everything I've tried to winch, I had to go get the tractor and chains instead, so the winch is a waste for me, YMMV.
  • The power dump bed is the best option, as if you've ever tried to manually dump rocks, dirt or wood chips you quickly realize how much you need that, BEST OPTION, BUT, don't forget you have to lift the bed to check the oil, and remember to turn the key to the off position or you may wind up with a dead battery the next morning.
  • Definitely nice to have a BUZZER linked to the Parking Brake, can't tell you how many times I drove that EZGO around without realizing the parking brake was on (there is an idiot light, but hard to see in bright sun).
  • The fuel injected Kawasaki engine seems "thirstier" than the EZGO, no scientific way to measure that, feels like I fill it up more.
  • Bed Extender is nice, though the design to remove it with steel roll pins and springs is about unworkable, so far I've broken two of the steel roll pins and cursed up and down trying to get the stupid pins lined up, probably best if you need a bigger bed, buy a piece of plywood and lay it in there, or at least, don't ever plan on easily removing and putting it back in, once it's in, it's in, save the money on this accessory and buy some plywood and get a radio !
  • Doors made of netting, not sure about these yet, I may remove them.
  • Easy enough the kids can drive it with no issues (has retractable seat belts even).

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