6 Common John Deere Gator 855D Problems and Solutions

John Deere Gators are excellent off-road vehicles that can be used for golf carts, safari parks and resorts. Its outstanding features include a maintenance cart that can support 500 pounds and is powered by eight 6V batteries. It also has 25hp power, adjustable front and rear coils and fully independent twin A-arms. The hill climb time is approximately 2:57.6*.

Nevertheless, the JD Gator has some occasional issues that might make you worried. Starter problems, frozen engine, continuous battery draining problems, hard to shift, clutch problems, battery not charging etc., are the common issues of John Deere Gator 855D. However, you do not need to be overwhelmed as the issues can be solved easily. `

Common Problems of John Deere Gator 855D

Before purchasing a vehicle, you should study its typical faults so that you are ready to address and resolve them. When you know the causes beyond their immediate causes, several common issues are pretty simple to remedy. By preventing user mistakes, you may also decrease the number of problems.

1. Starter problem

John Deere Gator often fails to start if the spark plugs or connection plugs are corroded or worn. This can also occur due to a damaged battery. So, to solve the starting problem, you need to check the battery condition. If the battery is damaged, then replace it. You can check the connection plugs and wires if that is not the issue. If they are worn out or corroded, you should change them. This will solve the starting issue of John Deere Gator.

2. Frozen engine

The engine might freeze when you try to start a typical issue of the JD Gator. It usually happens when the weather is too cold, or the lever is not in the full choke position. You might experience problems starting even with ignition timing and low RPM when the engine is frozen.

To solve the issue, you need to check the lever and ensure it is in the correct position. Then, give time for the engine to warm up enough before starting. Make sure to try cranking the ignition cycle several times. You can also keep the vehicle’s lights on to warm up the battery fast if your engine gets frozen due to extreme cold weather.

3. Battery draining problem

When your Gator has a battery draining problem, it will not be solved just with enough charging. This issue is usually caused by an old battery, low-quality battery, rusty power cord, etc. To solve the issue, you need to check the battery condition first. If it is too old or damaged, you need to replace it. Also, make sure to check the power cords and connections. If the cords are damaged, then replace them cords. 

4. Hard to shift

If you experience challenges while changing the speed or the shift does not work, that means there are some shifting issues. This can happen due to a lack of lubrication on the clutches, and the primary clutch’s basket is clogged.

 To solve the issue, firstly, check the primary clutches. Replace them if they are damaged. Then, check the adjustments of the pressure belt. And lastly, add necessary lubricant to the clutch slides.

5. Clutch problem

Clutch issues are not related to clutch. Sometimes, you might experience clutch issues due to poor connection or belt problems. So, if you experience it, you need to check the clutches, then the connection wires, and the belt.

If the clutches are doing fine, check the wire connection, tighten them, and replace them. However, if that is not the case, you can check the pressure and the belt. Replace them if necessary.

6. Battery not charging

If the battery is not charging, there can be a lot of reasons for it. Most people only replace the battery when they face any battery issues. But it can occur due to damaged chargers. To address the problem, Look for any loose connections in the power cable. Using a voltmeter, check the voltage and the charger. If the battery is harmed, replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you adjust the shift linkage on a John Deere Gator?

The shift lever rod is located under the cargo box on top of the transmission. The transaxle makes a clicking sound when the shifter lever is moved into the “Neutral” position. The rod for the shift lever will be parallel to the transmission. Find the rod that connects the shift lever to the adjustable rod.

What kind of transmission does a John Deere Gator have?

John Deere Gator features a conical pulley arrangement and a belt-driven continuously variable transmission. They may therefore be used without a clutch or gear changes. Snow ploughs, sanders, and gun racks are a few of the numerous third-party accessories that can be purchased for the Gator.

What does Gator stand for?

Gator stands for Genuine, Accurate, Trustworthy, Origin and Readability. John Deere off-road Gators have all the given qualities; thus, they are called the gators.

Final Thoughts

That concludes the list of problems with the John Deere Gator 855D. If you have one or own one, I hope this article will assist you in solving any problems you face.  However, the problem does not denote the John Deere 855D as a bad vehicle. You can minimize the level of problems by maintaining and troubleshooting properly.

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