Eric Halfman, Go-To-Market Manager for John Deere Gator Utility Vehicles, discusses the new XUV845 gas and XUV875 diesel models showcased at the Farm Progress Show with Oklahoma Farm Report’s Maci Carter.
In July, John Deere launched their XU845 and XU875 SUV Signature Edition John Deere Gators. The XU845 is the gas-powered version, and the XU875 runs on diesel. The full-size crossover machines are designed for production precision ag, livestock, and rural lifestyle customers.
Key features include HVAC cab comfort, optional Green Star Ready for boundary mapping, and an auto-track ready option for spraying applications.
“Yes, you can auto-track with a Gator,” Halfman said. “Specifically, a great opportunity for that would be in a spraying application where you can hook up a tow-behind sprayer, and rate control with that sprayer.”
He noted that technology in the agricultural industry is growing and changing very quickly. “With that technology, we are trying to drive efficiency, and productivity, and save real money for our customers.”
He added that the real advantage that John Deere has for its customers is integrated technology which provides a plug-and-play experience. The cargo boxes that come standard on these new John Deere Gators are composite, which allows for flexibility in design.
“Our engineers did an awesome job giving customers the ability to customize that cargo box with dimensional plywood, 2’x4’s, and 2’x8’s to really configure the cargo box the way they want,” Halfman added. “There are multi-levels of ability with that cargo box, and one really cool application is setting the box up for fencing. You could separate your fencing material – posts, post pounder, and wire.”
The cargo box also has a 12V plug-in adapter for spraying applications, so the days of running wires to the battery are over with these new Gators. There is even easily accessible an on/off power switch on the dashboard.
The cargo box’s side rails even feature stake-bed pockets for even further customization with dimensional wood. It even has a stake-pocket clamp that could be used for a chainsaw.
“We have early adopters that are always ready to jump in and try something new,” Halfman said. “Then we have a middle group that waits until the technology is proven, and then they’ll jump in when they’ve seen that there is a return on investment. Then there are customers who may not farm as much ground and technology may be too expensive for them, or they may not need the most advanced technology in their operations. So, we try not to sunset our technology. It becomes very viable in the user market. It may not be the latest and greatest, but it is tried and proven, and they can take advantage of it down the road.”
The best place to view, buy, and ask questions about John Deere equipment is at a local dealership. Another good place is deere.com.