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Gator - what should I watch out for?

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Jim
50cc nipper


Joined: 10 Jan 2010
Posts: 18

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 9:30 am Post subject: Gator - what should I watch out for? Reply with quote Back to top

I'm considering buying a petrol or "gas" 6x4 drive 1995 build with 842 hours on the clock for our dairy farm.

Not having owned a Gator before, I'm wondering if you've got some tips for me, please. What should I watch out for? What typically goes wrong with these?

Thanks very much!

Jim
 
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fox'n
90cc 2 stroke / 110 4 stroke


Joined: 04 Dec 2007
Posts: 61
Location: sydney

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 10:53 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Hi Jim, I don't have anything Gator specific as I know nothing about them,but I guess the obvious things to check would include the following:
Engine oil for signs of water
Radiator for signs of oil
C V boots for cracks or holes
Transmission for smooth changes and general operation.
Engine noises
Service records
Tyres (replacing 6 would be expensive)
Electrics operation
Wheel bearings for excesive play
Same for steering linkages
Drive shafts and/or drive belts
Just a few off the top of my head,you will probably get a few more as this thread keeps going.Good luck with your decision.It will be tons of fun!

FOX'N
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Dino
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Joined: 19 Aug 2009
Posts: 1503
Location: Brisbane QLD

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 11:12 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Put a post up here....

http://atvfrontier.com/Forums/viewforum/f=29.html

a lot more of them there.
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wa5
Big Bore, Stroked & Bling +


Joined: 06 Nov 2007
Posts: 446
Location: Port Stephens

PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 11:42 pm Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

I'm probably going to get shot down here.... but. would a Suzuki Siera ute not do everything a Gator would, Bonus would be a weatherproof cabin.
 
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Earthmover
Big Bore, Stroked & Bling +


Joined: 16 Apr 2009
Posts: 351
Location: Ayr, North Queensland

PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 5:12 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

wa5 wrote:
I'm probably going to get shot down here.... but. would a Suzuki Siera ute not do everything a Gator would, Bonus would be a weatherproof cabin.
That's what I think and you can rego it. Just lock the diff and swap the 1.3 for a 1.6ltr. engine
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Jim
50cc nipper


Joined: 10 Jan 2010
Posts: 18

PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 7:21 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Siera sounds like a good idea but the more enclosed cab is a bit of a pain when you're doing some of the jobs we do on farm (shifting electric fences being a prime example).
 
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Oldrodder
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Joined: 14 May 2007
Posts: 731

PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 4:34 pm Post subject: Clutch Reply with quote Back to top

I know the ones at work have clutch problems and each clutch is about $1000
 
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wa5
Big Bore, Stroked & Bling +


Joined: 06 Nov 2007
Posts: 446
Location: Port Stephens

PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 9:18 pm Post subject: Re: Clutch Reply with quote Back to top

Oldrodder wrote:
I know the ones at work have clutch problems and each clutch is about $1000


You are refering to the Gator?
 
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Max444
50cc nipper


Joined: 25 Jan 2010
Posts: 10
Location: Victoria

PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 11:48 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Just watch out for the open clutch system on the Gator that may not be that good on a dairy farm you may want to look at something like the Polaris Ranger 400 and i think there is some kinda deal on these at the moment
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Oldrodder
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Joined: 14 May 2007
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PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 2:59 pm Post subject: John Deere Reply with quote Back to top

Yes the John Deere Gator we have changed to the Kubota RTV and they seem good so far.
 
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Jim
50cc nipper


Joined: 10 Jan 2010
Posts: 18

PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 9:40 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Thanks guys, I've decided to go with the Ranger, despite my initial misgivings. The 500 has three seats, which is a big deal for us and it looks much more mud and poo resistant than the Kubota.
 
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Oldrodder
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PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 9:45 am Post subject: Dual Cab Reply with quote Back to top

I know Kubota are bringing out a dual cab type version if you need more seats
 
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Jim
50cc nipper


Joined: 10 Jan 2010
Posts: 18

PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 9:54 am Post subject: Reply with quote Back to top

Thanks for that, Oldrodder - the dealer didn't even tell me that - but the complexity of the rear end of the Kubotas was a real turn-off for us.

As dairy farmers, we subject our machines to a hell of a lot of sticky stuff. We hose our quads down at least once a week during the wetter months to get the mud and manure off the suspension and brakes.

This isn't too difficult given the openness of the quads but the back of the Kubota is a mess of cables, struts and ledges. The Kubota set-up would trap a lot more muck in the first place and be quite difficult to clean. We're worried this would affect the longevity and serviceability of the machine.

I can only imagine the cost of a dual-cab Kubota too! eek
 
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