John Deere has enhanced its 2014 Gator lineup of XUV utility side-by-sides by incorporating a host of large and small updates that are intended to improve overall quality and increase customer satisfaction whether the Gators are being used in the field, on the jobsite or just for blowing off a little steam on the trail after work.

As someone might expect from a company as successful as John Deere, these changes aren’t arbitrary. John Deere marketing manager David Gigandet said that the updates, which include operator side retention, winch enhancements, and specific performance tweaks to each model category, are a result of customer feedback and market-driven research to improve the lineup.

“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,” Gigandet said. “Understanding what our customers need and want allows us to build a better utility vehicle year after year.”

Operator Side Retention (or OSR—a fancy name for doors) 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, and stylized poly doors can be ordered for certain models for even better protection. The nets allow for easy one-handed operation, provide great visibility and allow for quick ingress and egress from the utility vehicle. The stylized poly doors feature automotive-style handles, color-matched panels, and a 90-degree opening for easy entry and exit.

But the biggest work-related improvement the Gator line has to be the new Warn ProVantage 3500-lb. or 4500-lb. winch (depending on the model), which increases pulling capacity up to 1500 additional pounds over previous models. That’s a substantial upgrade that not only increases winch capacity but is sure to improve reliability for everyday on the job or when called upon to get the Gator (or its competition) out of a jam on the trail.

The heavy-duty 625i, 825i, 855D Gator models also feature updates to its instrumentation’s digital display. 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 also provide better nighttime visibility. An optional Ag Management Solutions system (AMS) integration kit is also available for the heavy-duty models. The 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.

John Deere also made an important change to its mid-duty line of Gator XUVs--the 550 and 550 S4.  Both feature an improved braking system that is claimed to deliver a 26 percent reduction in brake pedal effort and improved operator feedback while maintaining consistent braking performance.

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

For more information on John Deere’s line of side-by-sides, see your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com/Gator.