The venerable tractor manufacturer John Deere has decided to enter the sport UTV/Side x Side market with their 2012 Gator RSX 850i. The all new Gator has been engineered to be faster, more powerful and more agile than any Gator ever built. The new Gator has clearly set its sights on the sport performance market that is currently dominated by Polaris’ RZR line.
John Deere built their first Gator in 1992 and could be described as the grandfather of today’s UTV market with the Gator line. Over the 20 year history, John Deer has built a reputation for durability, utility and safety. This latest Gator model has made a giant leap towards the sports market.
“The Gator takes a huge evolutionary step forward with the launch of the new Gator RSX850i,” said David Gigandet, marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. “Gators have always been known for durability, utility and safety. The RSX maintains all these qualities at its core, but the incredible power, exhilarating speed and precision handling are what set it apart in our portfolio. It’s the Gator fully evolved.”
There are three RSX models – the Gator RSX850i Sport, the RSX850i Trail and the Base RSX. The Sport model was designed for harsh desert and rocky, sandy terrains and includes sport seats, alloy wheels with Maxxis tires, PreRunner bumper, cargo box rails, sport steering wheel and FOX® 2.0 Performance Series shocks.
RSX850i Trail was uniquely adapted for back country trails and perfect for the hunt. Trail Model includes: Sport Seats,Alloy wheels with Maxxis tires, Winch, Front Brushguard, 2” Front Receiver Hitch with Recovery Loops, Rear Bumper and Cargo Box Rails.
The RSX base model is stripped down version that can be modified to need and taste with factory installed options. John Deere has worked with aftermarket suppliers to produce more than 70 products available for the new Deere.
All models come with a fuel-injected 839 cc V-Twin that produces 62 horse power. Power is sent to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and to a full time locked rear differential with a selectable limited-slip or fully locked front. Top speed is 53 mph with 0-30 mph acceleration in three seconds.
The suspension is double A-arm with coil over shocks and features 9 inches of travel.
Learn more at johndeere.com.
2013 John Deere Gator RSX 850i UTV Specifications: |
| Engine and Electrical | |
| Type | 4-cycle gas, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) – Closed Loop System |
| Cylinders/Valving | V-Twin, OHV |
| Horsepower* | 62 (46.2 kw) |
| Displacement | 839 cc |
| Maximum torque | 57.5 (42.4 ft lbs) @ 4000 rpm |
| Cooling | system Liquid |
| Battery | 340 CCA |
| Alternator | 38 amp @ 7250 rpm,13.5V – regulated |
| Lights | |
| Headlights | Four 27 watt halogen |
| On-demand true 4WD system | |
| Front Differential | Selectable Limited Slip and Full locking |
| Rear | Differential Locked (full-time) |
| Transmission Type | Enclosed and sealed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Ground speed, mph (km/h) | 0-53 (0-85) Hi Forward, 0-30 (0-48) Lo Forward, 0-15 (0-24) Reverse |
| Transaxle | Two speed, oil bath |
| Front/Rear Brakes | Front/rear hydraulic disk |
| Park brake | Foot brake;mechanical actuation |
| Wheel Bearings | Sealed, double-row ball |
| Suspension and Steering | |
| Front Suspension | Independent;double A-arm with coil over shocks & anti-sway bar |
| Front Suspension Travel | 9in. (229mm) |
| Rear Suspension | Independent; Semi-trailing double A-arm with coil over shocks & anti-sway bar |
| Rear Suspension Travel | 9in. (229mm) |
| Turning radius | 19.7 ft. (6.0 m) |
| Hitches | |
| Front and Rear | Optional 2-in receiver (front), Standard 2-in receiver (rear) |
| Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) | |
| Tubular overhead structure | 1.75 in (44.4 mm) steel tube |
| Seat belts | 3-point seat belts |
| Certification | ISO 3471 and OSHA ROPS |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Ground Clearance | Front 10.3 in. (26.2 cm) |
| Under Foot Platform | 10.3 in. (26.2 cm) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 119 in. (302) |
| Width | 56.5 (143.5) |
| Front/Rear-tread Centers | 48in. (1220mm)/46 in. (1170mm) |
| Height (with OPS) | 72 in. (183mm) |
| Wheelbase | 77.8 (1975mm) |
| Weight (dry), lb. (kg) | 1360 lb (617 kg) |
| Towing Capacity | 1200 lb. (544 kg) |
| Payload Capacity | 800 lb. (363kg) |
| Seating | Capacity 2 |
| Cargo Box | |
| Material | Composite |
| Dimensions, in. (mm) | 32.3L x 47.6W x 11.7D (82cm L x 120.9cm Wx 29.7cm D) |
| Volume | 8.9 cu. ft. (0.25) |
| Weight | 400 lb. (181 kg) |
| Dump | 2-sided – Manual release |
| Tailgate | 1 handed release; Hinged at bottom; Removeable without tools |
| Tires, Front / Rear | |
| Maxxis Big Horn 2.0, Radial | 26×8-14/26×10-14 (w/alloys) optional on base |
| Ancla MT (Mud Terrain) | 25×8-12/25×10-12 (w/ steel) |
| Terrahawk AT (All Terrain) | n/a |
| Color | |
| Options | Green/Yellow, Olive/Black, Camo |
| Storage | |
| Front | Sealed oversized Glove Box, Under hood storage 1.82 ft3 (0.052m3) |