Featured Machine of the Month: John Deere XUV 550 S4 4x4 Gator

John Deere has released a new line of its famous Gator utility vehicles, as the XUV 550 S4 4x4 model has been launched to provide owners with a larger and more efficient machine.
John Deere has released a new line of its famous Gator utility vehicles, as the XUV 550 S4 4x4 model has been launched to provide owners with a larger and more efficient machine.
John Deere has released a new line of its famous Gator utility vehicles, as the XUV 550 S4 4x4 model has been launched to provide owners with a larger and more efficient machine.

The Gator XUV 550 S4 Crossover Utility Vehicle is designed for individuals looking for a combination of comfort, customizable options, multi-passenger capability and four-wheel drive for a great value.

Basic options like the color of the Gator can be customized, as owners can ditch the traditional yellow and green for a Realtree Hardwoods HD Camo finish.

John Deere notes that "the Gator XUV550 provides an unparalleled balance of performance and work capability in the mid-duty class."

There are more than 75 attachments available for this latest Gator model, as owners will be able to add on a variety of tools and products that will help to serve their specified needs. These can include brush guards and custom alloy wheels.

John Deere noted that these new improvements will help to increase the comfort and value of the machines.

"These new vehicles provide an unparalleled balance of off-road performance and work capability at a very affordable price," said David Gigandet, tactical marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. "Operators will not only appreciate the smooth ride, they'll love the all new ergonomically designed operator station. The development of these new Gators started in the operator's station, so they offer ample leg room, storage and dash mounted, automotive-type, controls."

This roomy occupant station is outfitted with the best-in-class ergonomics and a comfortable high back bucket and bench seat options. The model can comfortably seat four individuals, as the soft yellow leather cushions even the most weary travelers.

Though the new seating is one of the most notable changes in the Gator line, the double wishbone suspension system also helps to make the ride to any destination more smooth on the XUV 550.

The wheels on the new Gator utility vehicle also contribute to a smooth ride, as the machine comes with a best-in-class 10.3 inch ground clearance, helping to clear obstacles on the designated trail or surface.

These obstacles can also be traversed due to the sheer power that the new Gator vehicle comes with. The machine has a top speed of 28 miles per hour and the four-wheel drive allows for better traction on surfaces that may not contain solid footing.

The 570 cc, air-cooled, v-twin gas engine is able to reach these speeds due to the standard 16 horsepower that the XUV 550 comes with.

Despite the level of power that the 550 comes standard with, it is small enough to fit inside the bed of a pickup truck. This is impressive for the four-passenger vehicle, as it is also capable of holding up to 400 pounds of gear in a newly designed cargo box that is in the rear of the machine.

If the Gator needs to carry more gear, and there are only two passengers, there is a new flexibility with the seating arrangement.

"The rear seat flexibility in the Gator XUV 550 S4 is truly innovative," said Gigandet. "The S4 can transport up to 4 people, but for the times when you need to carry more gear, the back seat can become more useful in seconds and increase your cargo space by 32 percent."

The new features and known reliability of John Deere products help to provide an owner with the latest in comfort and power for a utility vehicle.