CARGO BED One of the byproducts of an independent rear suspension is, of course, higher ground clearance, but this often results in a higher cargo bed height--not a particularly good thing when you're loading thousands of firewood...
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CARGO BED One of the byproducts of an independent rear suspension is, of course, higher ground clearance, but this often results in a higher cargo bed height--not a particularly good thing when you're loading thousands of firewood logs or hundreds of hay bales. At 34 inches the work height is a little high, but within acceptable work comfort range. The 44-inch bed width and 50-inch length are on par with the RTV900 and Mule. The Ranger's bed is wider but shorter. The nine-inch bedsides on the XUV could be higher, which contribute to the rather small 11.2-cu.-ft. bed volume rating. The tailgate is nice in that it opens from the top or bottom and is also completely removable. The wheel flares reduce dirt accumulation on the side panels. However, the manual dumping mechanism is awkward and goofy. The Gator line has used this for years, but it seems to have been designed to be difficult to use. To dump the bed you must tilt the driver's seat forward and push (not pull) the release latch with your left hand while trying to lift the bed with your right hand. It's almost impossible for one person to lift an empty bed, let alone a filled one. The passenger side of the box doesn't have a lift handle, so it takes one person in an uncomfortable and somewhat twisted position to manually dump the box. Other OEM's seems have figured out how to fit the release handle into the normal space on the side of the box, and some have gone so far as to put lift and release handles on both sides. The manual dump system should be looked at. We would opt for the factory-installed hydraulic lift kit. It's a first-rate system. SUMMARY When it comes to the world of 4WD heavy-duty UTVs, the gloves are definitely off. Competition is particularly stiff in this segment, and one doesn't know from year to year who might take over as reigning champ. In Deere's case, the only companies that matter, and which have the resources and worldwide distribution, are Polaris, Kawasaki and Kubota. For what it's worth, though, our odds-on favorite among these four heavy haulers this year is the XUV. How does it compare with the competition? * The Ranger has more horsepower and a higher top speed, the traction systems are identical and the XUV carries weight better. * For as much as we like the hard-working Mule, it might have a little catching up to do, as the XUV can carry more weight, has more power, a higher top end, EFI and a better traction system. * The RTV900 is a different animal with all of its hydraulic components and does have a higher rated cargo-carrying capacity, but if you're looking for more backwoods exploring capability, the XUV wins it hands down. While in the past we've had a few issues with some of the Gator's off-road capabilities, we've never questioned the craftsmanship that goes into Deere vehicles. The company has an impeccable-and well-deserved--reputation for building superior quality machinery. This holds true for the new XUV as well. To Deere's credit, we were allowed a "full-on" test of a pre-production unit, a virtually unheard-of situation for a nationally distributed magazine. The summary? Well, our two major gripes were the wheel well intrusion and the dump release mechanism--other than these, there's precious little to pick on. It's a complete re-think of engineering aimed for better real-world off-road use compared to the HPX and TH series. It carries weight well, has IRS and EFI, a sealed CVT tranny, a super traction system, great suspension and the quiet-running engine performed flawlessly. Kudos, Deere! You've done a great job with the XUV. * Gator XUV 620i (Gas EFI) JD Green & Yellow color scheme $9,499 MSRP * Gator XUV 620i (Gas EFI) Olive & Black color scheme $9,599 MSRP * Gator XUV 850D (Diesel) Green & Yellow color scheme $10,599 MSRP SPECIFICATIONS: 2007 JOHN DEERE GATOR XUV 620i
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