By Des Keller
Progressive Farmer Contributing Editor

Model XUV 825i (Progressive Farmer image by Des Keller)

In a recent test drive of the new John Deere Gator XUV 825i utility vehicle -- Crossover Utility Vehicle -- we knew there would be plenty of speed. The muscular 50-hp workhorse scooted down the straightaways at an all-terrain park near the 44 mph top speed advertised.

The real test came at less than 5 mph the first time I began to ease the front end over 2-foot-deep ruts carved into red clay ground. "Ooh, this is going to be a hard bump," I thought to myself. Not so at all.

Thanks to Double-A Arm Independent Suspension and breezy ground clearance on the 825i, the rut felt more like a minor dip. The machine continued to impress by smoothing out rough ground as each tire moved independently, easily swallowing the dips and bumps simultaneously.

The new 825i certainly seems a natural progression to make something that's already successful even bigger and faster to encompass even more buyers' tastes. Deere's tactical marketing manager, Vehicles Group, Dave Gigandet said as much when he noted during the product's introduction that there are new customers using all-terrain vehicles all the time, whether for work or for recreation. Quite often they are the same people—farmers and ranchers who are likely to use the 825i for chores most days, but take it hunting and fishing in their off hours.

More buyers are looking for more power and versatility, says Gigandet. They want a vehicle that can haul materials in all-terrain and "outrun a cow" when the need arises.

Starting prices for the models are: $11,199 for the 825i, $9,899 for the 625i, and $11,299 for the 855D. These Gators come with numerous tire choices and three types of seats, in addition to more than 100 tool attachments. You also can choose full or partial windshields and even full cab enclosures.

Unless you're climbing mountains every day, the Gator 625i can do most any job, with 23 hp and a top speed of 30 mph. But the bar is always being raised higher—or should we say faster, and Deere is merely recognizing that fact with a flourish.

You can get more information through the John Deere dealer network and on www.JohnDeere.com.

WHAT'S NEW?

Deere & Co. has launched a more powerful, faster utility vehicle that treads the line between being a farm and ranch workhorse and a pure recreational all-terrain vehicle.

The new 825i XUV is the most powerful so-called XUV around, with a three-cylinder, 50-hp Chinese-built engine capable of generating speeds of up to 44 mph.

Deere also has launched the 625i, an upgraded version of the 620i, and the 855D, an upgraded version of the diesel-powered 850D.

The 825i has a 1,500-pound towing capacity and can carry a 1,400-pound payload in a new 16.4 cubic-foot cargo box.

The new gasoline-powered models also come with reverse lights as standard equipment, in addition to front and brake lights.

More than 100 attachments and tools are available as accessories to all three models. All the attachments use Deere's Quik Clamp system for easy removal and change-out. The cargo bed also can be quickly converted to a flatbed.

The models come in three color schemes: traditional John Deere green and yellow, olive and black, or Realtree Hardwood HD Camo.

(AG)

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