John Deere has now updated its popular autonomous R-Gator utility vehicle with a refined chassis, based from the M-Gator military platform vehicle.

The go-anywhere R-Gator now features independent suspension and improved ground clearance. And it also boasts a faster top speed, travelling up to 35 mph in manual mode.

“Since we’re always looking to improve our products, we’ve been running R-Gator exercises with soldiers and marines,” said Mark Bodwell, worldwide military affairs group manager for John Deere. “Through those exercises, we’ve come to appreciate just how important it is to be able to navigate hilly or rough terrain quickly. The improved R-Gator was developed in direct response to the military feedback we received.”
The R-Gator has 11 inches of ground clearance and its four-wheel, independent suspension is fully adjustable for improved mobility and superior fording capabilities.

Based on the proven M-Gator military vehicle platform, the R-Gator employs commercial off-the-shelf technology and includes precision guidance, navigation and obstacle avoidance technology that has been at work for two decades in John Deere’s agricultural products. The R-Gator can be operated in manual, tele-operational or fully autonomous mode during day and night and supports military personnel through lightening the load, persistent stare, cargo carrying, point-man reconnaissance, roving patrols, resupply, casualty evacuation and more.

“John Deere has a long history of supporting the U.S. military,” said Bodwell. “We’re proud to do so and we’re committed to providing the products and features our servicemen and women need and request. The R-Gator is just one more example of that commitment.”