2014 John Deere Gator XUV Lineup Preview

John Deere‘s Gator XUV line of Side-by-Sides has received a host of minor updates for 2014, including some particularly useful ones for those who plan to use their Gators for a lot of work.

“The growth of the John Deere utility vehicle portfolio allows us to collect customer feedback from trails, farms, jobsites, and other applications where the Gators are used,” says David Gigandet, John Deere marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. “Understanding what our customers need and want allows us to build a better utility vehicle year after year.”

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i Sport

Operator Side Retention (OSR) is now standard on all Operator Protective Structure (OPS) equipped Gator utility vehicles. A net OSR is part of the base configuration for the HPX, XUV heavy-duty, and mid-duty models. Stylized poly doors can be ordered in lieu of nets for certain models. John Deere says the nets allow for one-handed operation. The stylized poly doors feature automotive-style handles, color-matched panels, and a 90-degree opening.

Operator Side Retention nets are now standard on all ROPS-equipped Gator XUVs.

A new Warn ProVantage 3,500 or 4500 lb. winch increases pulling capacity up to 1,500 additional pounds over previous models.

A new Warn Pro Vantage winch offers more pulling capacity.

The heavy-duty line of XUVs (625i, 825i, 855D) features digital display and operator station updates. The new digital display now includes a glow plug indicator light (diesel), a flashing water temperature icon, and a power steering indicator (if equipped). New illuminated dash switches provide better nighttime visibility.

This John Deere Gator XUV 825i S4 has optional poly doors.

An ag management solutions system (AMS) integration kit is also available for the heavy-duty models. This kit allows a customer to mount a StarFire receiver and GS display (both sold separately) to the Gator to assist with boundary mapping, flagging field obstacles, and soil sampling.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Kubota RTV X-Series

As for Gator mid-duty line of XUVs (550, 550 S4) is an improved braking system. According to John Deere, this system delivers a claimed 26 percent reduction in brake pedal effort and improved operator feedback while maintaining superior braking performance.

Mid-sized Gator XUVs come with improved braking.

All Gator XUVs are available in Realtree Hardwoods HD Camo, olive and black or John Deere green and yellow color schemes. As well, more than 100 factory and dealer-installed attachments are available for customization.

Visit JohnDeere.com for more information.