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March 5, 2024
Read MoreWhen it comes to door options on your John Deere Gators, there are a few things you need to know. First off, not every Gator model is going to be equipped for doors. Models like the TS 4x2 and TX 4x2, which are more work-focused Gators, don't have a ROPS (Roll-Over Protection System) or cab, so doors aren’t even an option for those. The door options we’ll be talking about today are specifically for Gators with a cab or a ROPS system like the one seen here. So, if you’re in the market for a Gator that offers a bit more protection or just curious about your options, let’s break down what’s available.
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The first and most basic door option you're going to encounter on Gators with a ROPS system is the standard net door. You can see an example of this here. These net doors come standard on Gators with ROPS and are primarily designed as a safety feature. They act as a barrier to keep you or your passengers from falling out of the machine. They feature a seatbelt-style clasp to secure them and are made of a tough netting material. While they do provide some security, they won't do much to protect you from dust, debris, or the elements.
That being said, net doors are definitely more breathable, which can be a plus in warmer weather. But if you need a bit more protection or plan to take your Gator on rougher terrain, there are some other options to consider.
The next level up is the half door option. Just like the name implies, these doors come up halfway, giving you a bit more security than a net door while still offering some openness. Here’s an example of what a half door looks like on a four-seater Gator. You can see how it provides more coverage than the net door but still has that open-air feel at the top.
Half doors are a popular choice for those who want a bit more protection without going all the way to a fully enclosed cab. They're sturdy, but because they’re only half doors, you won’t have a matching color option like you do with full doors. These doors are a solid black, which gives them a utilitarian look. If you’re riding in areas with a lot of brush or bumpy terrain, half doors can offer more peace of mind than the net doors, especially if you’re riding with passengers or kids.
Now, if you’re looking for the most protection and comfort, the full door option is what you want. The Gator I’m showing you here today is the 835M Honor Edition. This machine is fully enclosed with a cab, and you can see it has full doors with a matching color panel. The great thing about these full doors on the 800 Series Gators is that they come in color-matched options, so whether your Gator is the classic John Deere green and yellow, olive and black, or camo, the doors will match the machine.
Full doors give you that automotive-style feel, complete with a cup holder at the bottom and a mechanical roll-down window. You’ve also got a traditional latch and handle like you’d expect in any vehicle. These doors are designed for comfort and protection, especially in the 800 Series.
Now, if you’re looking at the 500 Series Gators, the full door option isn’t quite as polished as the ones on the 800 Series. They’re still going to give you full coverage and keep the elements out, but they don’t come with all the bells and whistles like cup holders or fancy handles. Still, they do the job of keeping you secure and protected from debris, rain, and whatever else you might encounter out there.
There’s a common misconception out there that you can’t fully enclose a 500 Series Gator. In reality, you can add full doors, windshields, and rear panels to create a fully enclosed cab on these models. It’s not as popular, but it’s definitely an option for those looking for more protection.
That being said, most people who own a 500 Series Gator tend to go with the half door option. It gives you more protection than the net doors, but without the full enclosure of the cab. The net doors a great job of keeping passengers safely inside the Gator while operating. But if you’re riding on rough terrain, or maybe you’ve got kids riding along with you, we would recommend considering either the half or full doors.
I’ve personally tested the net doors, and I can tell you from experience, they work as advertised, but they aren’t as solid as the hard doors. I’ve pulled hard enough on the net door to pop it loose from the clamp. So, if you’re looking for something that’s going to provide a bit more security, I’d definitely look into the half or full door options.
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Hopefully, this clears up any questions you may have had about the different door options available for your John Deere Gator. Whether you’re sticking with the standard net doors for light work, upgrading to half doors for a bit more protection, or going all out with full doors for maximum comfort and security, John Deere has options to suit your needs.
And remember, whether you have an 800 Series Gator or a 500 Series, there’s no need to feel limited in your door choices. Just be sure to choose what’s best for the kind of work you’re doing and the conditions you’re working in.