The 855D in its basic form has been durable, sometimes frustrating to maintain mostly over access issues (oil and fuel filters, etc.), and from the get-go, definitely not a speedster. Its diesel torque means you can haul that ½ ton, but you'll slow down a lot on even nominal hills. After 2 years, I decided to go with a turbo kit mostly to not slow down to 18mph with a full load going up a medium hill. The inherent underpowered aspect appears to be a conscious decision by JD to avoid having to put smog controls in. That meant not going with the 4-cylinder Yanmar which would have been great. I've heard of some urban legends about a 1000D Gator for Canada but Google says nothing.
There's a turbo kit out there made by SFS Specialties and sold by several vendors. I got mine from Acme Outfitters which was less expensive than the other sites AND the sales people had a decent knowledge about the product. SCS DOES NOT sell direct.
First the ads and instructions will say 4-6 hour install time. Double that. First, most people haven't done 10 of them before. Second, everything is not plug and play.
1. The new exhaust pipe required some grinding just so you can fit new nuts and lock washers.
2. If you have a block heater, it has to go because the oil return port and line geometry won't allow for a proper fit. Even then, the return elbow had to be carefully bent a touch to make the alignment work best. Add time to fabricate a new cover plate because the original is likely long gone.
3. The most difficult aspect is removing the "tamperproof" collar around the fuel stop screw. It's a tight fit getting the vice grips in. You will gnarl up the assembly a bit, but that comes with the territory. You must do this to increase fuel flow otherwise the turbo is a paperweight. The recommended gap turned out to be about spot on.
4. If you thought the fuel filter was a supreme pain for access before, it's impossible now. Relocation to the right frame is mandatory (not part of the instructions). Even if you don't get a turbo, move the fuel filter assembly anyways.
5. The supplied turbo exhaust pipe is way too short. It exits half way down the bed which puts a lot of noise back into the cab. I extended it with 1 ½ inch pipe and clamp. I wish they'd fabricate this to give the proper length and a 45 degree down curve just like the OEM at the same location. I used a pipe hanger for support through existing holes in the frame.
Now the results
1. I didn't want a bunch of black smoke and actually prefer none. The recommended fuel stop screw gap was right on the mark. Once reinstalled, it isn't easy to make adjustments because you don't have much room to work with.
2. Torque is greatly improved. I estimate the horsepower change from 22 to be around 32 based on how it performs. Boost is 5psi for sure.
3. Mileage is about the same at 32mpg.
4. Before 18 mph with ½ ton load going up the hill. After 28mph.
5. Acceleration greatly improved. The Gator behaves differently with the turbo. The RPMs come up much faster and the vehicle comes up to speed as the pulleys are fully using the power. Much less lag time.
6. Noise. The same as the turbo is inherently a muffler of sorts and with the longer pipe, no change. However, the sound is different. Deeper, less tinny.
In conclusion, I'm very happy with the upgrade. The installation issues reflect the variation in JD assembly which SCS can't fret over. But now you have the power, make sure you put all of it to good use. You don't get more speed as the RPMs are limited. However, you can create more speed. 27" tires will give you 2mph. Tossing the OEM belt for a Gates 32G4588 gives you maybe 1mph. It's a thinner cross section, hence rides a bit higher/lower on the pulleys. The speedometer will still read the same as you can't adjust it. Finally, I improve mileage by running 205-75-15 highway radials on trailer rims most of the time. Much less friction, noise, etc. Bottom line, I still have my "Amish Triangle" on the rear window, but need it less often.
There's a turbo kit out there made by SFS Specialties and sold by several vendors. I got mine from Acme Outfitters which was less expensive than the other sites AND the sales people had a decent knowledge about the product. SCS DOES NOT sell direct.
First the ads and instructions will say 4-6 hour install time. Double that. First, most people haven't done 10 of them before. Second, everything is not plug and play.
1. The new exhaust pipe required some grinding just so you can fit new nuts and lock washers.
2. If you have a block heater, it has to go because the oil return port and line geometry won't allow for a proper fit. Even then, the return elbow had to be carefully bent a touch to make the alignment work best. Add time to fabricate a new cover plate because the original is likely long gone.
3. The most difficult aspect is removing the "tamperproof" collar around the fuel stop screw. It's a tight fit getting the vice grips in. You will gnarl up the assembly a bit, but that comes with the territory. You must do this to increase fuel flow otherwise the turbo is a paperweight. The recommended gap turned out to be about spot on.
4. If you thought the fuel filter was a supreme pain for access before, it's impossible now. Relocation to the right frame is mandatory (not part of the instructions). Even if you don't get a turbo, move the fuel filter assembly anyways.
5. The supplied turbo exhaust pipe is way too short. It exits half way down the bed which puts a lot of noise back into the cab. I extended it with 1 ½ inch pipe and clamp. I wish they'd fabricate this to give the proper length and a 45 degree down curve just like the OEM at the same location. I used a pipe hanger for support through existing holes in the frame.
Now the results
1. I didn't want a bunch of black smoke and actually prefer none. The recommended fuel stop screw gap was right on the mark. Once reinstalled, it isn't easy to make adjustments because you don't have much room to work with.
2. Torque is greatly improved. I estimate the horsepower change from 22 to be around 32 based on how it performs. Boost is 5psi for sure.
3. Mileage is about the same at 32mpg.
4. Before 18 mph with ½ ton load going up the hill. After 28mph.
5. Acceleration greatly improved. The Gator behaves differently with the turbo. The RPMs come up much faster and the vehicle comes up to speed as the pulleys are fully using the power. Much less lag time.
6. Noise. The same as the turbo is inherently a muffler of sorts and with the longer pipe, no change. However, the sound is different. Deeper, less tinny.
In conclusion, I'm very happy with the upgrade. The installation issues reflect the variation in JD assembly which SCS can't fret over. But now you have the power, make sure you put all of it to good use. You don't get more speed as the RPMs are limited. However, you can create more speed. 27" tires will give you 2mph. Tossing the OEM belt for a Gates 32G4588 gives you maybe 1mph. It's a thinner cross section, hence rides a bit higher/lower on the pulleys. The speedometer will still read the same as you can't adjust it. Finally, I improve mileage by running 205-75-15 highway radials on trailer rims most of the time. Much less friction, noise, etc. Bottom line, I still have my "Amish Triangle" on the rear window, but need it less often.