10 Frequently Asked Questions About the John Deere Gator

May 15th 2023

Question 1: What does a John Deere cost / how much is a John Deere Gator?

Answer 1: The price of a new John Deere Gator ranges from $12,499 (for the Crossover XUV560E) to $32,399 (for the Full-Size XUV835M HVAC Honor Edition). Below is how much a John Deere Gator costs in 2023 based on the model (surcharges not included).

HPX615E - $14,299
HPX815E - $15,999
TE 4x2 Electric - $14,999
TH 6x4 Diesel - $14,299
XUV560E - $12,499
XUV590E - $14,999
XUV590M - $15,499
XUV560E S4 - $14,499
XUV590M S4 - $17,499
XUV835E - $17,259
XUV835M - $19,749
XUV835M With HVAC - $29,249
XUV835M Honor Edition - $22,899
XUV835M Honor Edition with HVAC - $32,399
XUV825M S4 - $20,199
XUV8555M S4 - $21,899

As far as the cost for a used John Deere Gator is concerned, prices fluctuate wildly based on the year / condition of the machine, the model, and the supply / demand within the vicinity of a few hundred miles of your area. Prices for used Gators were high when there was a backlog in 2020-2022, but they’ve come back down a bit and are expected to keep falling if the economy stagnates. The best way to determine the cash value of a used John Deere Gator is to check the results of some local auctions.

Question 2: How do you start a John Deere Gator?

Answer 2: Starting a John Deere Gator is similar to starting a car. Begin by inserting the key into the ignition, turn it half way, and wait for the electric fuel pump to stop and for the fuel injectors to do their work. Then turn the key the remainder of the way and the engine should turn over and the vehicle will start. If you’re finding it hard to start your machine, or if it won’t start due to issues, there are many potential things that could be wrong; including a dead battery, a starter that’s getting stuck on the engine, or cylinder valves that need adjusting because they’re working against each other. The flywheel could also be cracked, which will prevent your Gator from starting, and bad connections from the battery, fuse block, or starter can also cause starting problems.

Alternatively, there are two other points of testing that can help you diagnose a John Deere Gator that won’t start. The first one is the fuel pressure, which will tell you that you’ve got a bad fuel pump, a bad fuel hose, or a bad regulator / regulator housing. Your fuel pump should put out 45-60 PSI approximately three seconds after the key is in the run position.

Question 3: Where is the serial number on a John Deere Gator?

Answer 3: On an 825 Gator, the serial number is located on the passenger side frame under the box between the back tire and the cargo box. You’ll see a silver piece of metal about 2” by 4”, and the serial number is inscribed on that. On the early 2000s 6x4 Gator, the serial number is stamped onto the frame under the passenger seat in the center of the outer edge. Another place where your John Deere Gator serial number may be located is at the back of the machine right above the hitch.

You might find a serial number for the ROPS on your vehicle, or an engine serial number, so be sure to not mistake those with the actual serial number, which, as mentioned earlier, could be under the right side in front of the right rear tire, or stamped into the side of the body around the air box.

Question 4: What are some must-have accessories for the John Deere Gator?

Answer 4: There are many application-specific John Deer Gator accessories like pull-behind implements or aggressively-knobby mud tires that some riders will want, and other riders will not. But there are also universal accessories for the John Deere Gator like roofs and windshields that nearly every owner will want and use. For wet environments, add-ons like rear wheel bed extenders are a must to keep mud off of the back of the cabin and door handles, and an air intake relocator kit (snorkel) is nearly mandatory as well to assist in keeping your air filter clean. Those who hunt may want an overhead extendable gun rack, which works well in the E and M models, but not as well in the R models that have headliners.

Performance accessories and work-related accessories are great, but you should also think about the accessories that’ll protect your investment. Things like seat covers will protect your fabric, while storage covers and travel covers will protect the entire vehicle during those times when it’s not in use!

Question 5: Where is the fuel filter on a John Deere Gator?

Answer 5: Technically speaking, the John Deere Gator doesn’t have a fuel filter, but rather, a fuel screen, as it lacks the micron rating to be considered a true fuel filter. As such, it doesn’t get gummed up as much, and isn’t usually a problem unless you've used gas that is dead or extremely contaminated. Nevertheless, on all 835 Gators, the “fuel filter” is on the bottom of the fuel pump inside the fuel tank, and you need to remove the fuel pump to access it. On the 825i Gator, the fuel filter is right above the drive shaft steady bearing on the frame on the passenger side of the vehicle under the back dump box. On the HPX Diesel Gator and most other Diesels with a Yanmar engine, the fuel filter is in a canister-looking thing on the back left side of the engine between the fuel tank and the injectors.

Question 6: How wide is a John Deere Gator?

Answer 6: The widths of the assorted John Deere Gator models are as follows:

HPX615E - 58.5”
HPX815E - 58.5”
TE 4x2 Electric - 60”
TH 6x4 Diesel - 60”
XUV560E - 56.5”
XUV590E - 56.5”
XUV590M - 56.5”
XUV560E S4 - 56.5”
XUV590M S4 - 56.5”
XUV835E - 63.7”
XUV835M - 63.7”
XUV835M With HVAC - 69.4”
XUV835M Honor Edition - 63.7”
XUV835M Honor Edition with HVAC - 69.4”
XUV825M S4 - 62”
XUV8555M S4 - 62”

Question 7: When did the John Deere Gator come out?

Answer 7: The John Deere Gator first hit the scene in 1992.

Question 8: How much does a John Deere Gator weigh?

Answer 8: The weights of the various John Deere Gator models are as follows:

HPX615E - 1,500 lbs
HPX815E - 1,525 lbs
TE 4x2 Electric - 1,389 lbs
TH 6x4 Diesel - 1,389 lbs
XUV560E - 1,270 lbs
XUV590E - 1,421 lbs
XUV590M - 1,434 lbs
XUV560E S4 - 1,646 lbs
XUV590M S4 - 1,659 lbs
XUV835E - 1,898 lbs
XUV835M With HVAC - 2,253 lbs
XUV835M - 1,913 lbs
XUV835M Honor Edition - 1,913 lbs
XUV835M Honor Edition with HVAC - 2,253 lbs
XUV825M S4 - 2,101 lbs
XUV8555M S4 - 2,018 lbs

Question 9: What year is my John Deere Gator?

Answer 9: To tell what year your John Deere Gator is, you can use the product identification number / serial number and cross-reference that with a chart from your dealer (or simply ask them and they can look it up for you). If it’s a new-ish machine, the date of manufacture might be on the serial number tag itself -- if the VIN is 17 digits, the 10th digit is the manufacture year. You still might want to cross-referenced this, however, with the auto industry codes to be sure.

Question 10: Where is the fuse box on a John Deere Gator?

Answer 10: Depending on the year and model of your Gator, it might not have a fuse box, but rather, only a fusible wire-connector link that runs from the battery to the main solenoid. On a 625i Gator, the fuse box is located under the dash to your left on the driver’s side. On the TS Gator, the fuses are also up under the dash, and on the 825i, the 835M, and most other 800-series Gators, the fuse box is under the hood near the windshield.