6 hours ago
Gehl is a well‑known American compact equipment maker founded back in 1859 in Wisconsin. Over the years it evolved into a major player in skid steers and compact loaders, and was acquired by Manitou in 2008. The Gehl 3825 is part of that legacy — a reasonably compact loader that balances simplicity with capability.
Specs & Performance
For owners or mechanics working on a Gehl 3825, here are some useful references / parts:
Some users on forums have shared their experience with Gehl skid steers: one noted that although their 3825 is “slow compared to newer high‑flow machines,” it runs reliably for daily jobs like moving dirt or clearing brush. Others emphasize that as long as the machine is well maintained, chain-case and hydraulic leaks — two common older‑machine issues — are manageable.
Terminology Explained
The Gehl 3825 is a no‑frills skid steer ideal for small-to-medium tasks. It’s not the most powerful or fastest, but its simplicity and compactness make it a solid choice for landscapers or contractors who don’t need ultra high-flow hydraulics. Regular maintenance — especially on the drive chain and hydraulic system — is key to keeping one of these running smoothly for years.
Specs & Performance
- The hydraulic system: ~10 GPM (≈ 38 L/min) flow, with a relief pressure up to ~3,000 psi (≈ 207 bar) based on some spec resources.
- Rated operating capacity: about 1,000 lb (≈ 455 kg), tipping load ~2,000 lb (≈ 910 kg).
- Boom: a radial‑lift style, which means the loader arm swings in a circular arc — common in skid steers meant for general use rather than max reach.
- Tires: equipped with 27x8.5‑15 as an option per tire spec sources.
- Hydraulics VS fluid capacities: the hydraulic reservoir holds ~8.0 gal (≈ 30.3 L), and the chain‑case oil (for the drive chains) is ~1.0 gal (≈ 3.8 L).
- Recommended fluids: engine oil can be SAE 10W–30; hydraulic fluid equivalent to Mobil DTE 15M or similar; chain case uses similar oil to hydraulic.
- Because of its relatively small frame and moderate rated capacity, the 3825 is well‑suited for landscaping, small site work, or light construction tasks.
- The radial lift design gives good reach at lower heights, which is useful for loading wheelbarrows, filling small dump trucks, or doing grading at ground level.
- Its low‑flow hydraulics make it efficient for attachments like augers, grapples, or trenchers that don’t demand super high flow.
- Being an older or simpler model, some operators report hydraulic sluggishness or lower power compared to more modern high‑flow machines.
- Drive chain reliability: Gehl uses 60HE roller chains for the drive, and these need regular lubrication and inspection to avoid premature wear.
- Parts / service availability can be more limited compared to major brands — several users with older Gehl machines have noted difficulty finding specialized parts.
- Change hydraulic fluid and filters regularly to keep the pump and circuits healthy — dirty fluid is a common cause of poor performance.
- Keep the chain‑case well lubricated. Neglecting the chain drive system will shorten the life of rollers and sprockets.
- Monitor hydraulic pressure and make sure relief valves are properly set, as over‑pressurization can stress components.
- Use the correct hydraulic fluid — using low-grade fluid can lead to faster wear and less efficient operation.
For owners or mechanics working on a Gehl 3825, here are some useful references / parts:
- Gehl 3825-to‑Universal Mounting Plate: This bracket helps adapt 3825’s mounting system to universal skid steer attachments.
- For repair or maintenance manuals, consider obtaining a service or parts manual specific to Gehl skid steers — having the correct manual makes diagnosing hydraulic or drive issues much easier.
Some users on forums have shared their experience with Gehl skid steers: one noted that although their 3825 is “slow compared to newer high‑flow machines,” it runs reliably for daily jobs like moving dirt or clearing brush. Others emphasize that as long as the machine is well maintained, chain-case and hydraulic leaks — two common older‑machine issues — are manageable.
Terminology Explained
- Radial Lift: Loader arm style in which the boom pivots in an arc around the machine — favors reach at lower heights.
- Relief Valve: Protects the hydraulic system by limiting maximum pressure — if incorrectly set, it can limit machine power or cause overheating.
- Chain-Case: A housing containing the drive chain system; it often has its own lubrication separate from the main hydraulic system.
- Rated Operating Capacity: Maximum safe load the skid steer can lift and carry under ideal conditions without tipping.
The Gehl 3825 is a no‑frills skid steer ideal for small-to-medium tasks. It’s not the most powerful or fastest, but its simplicity and compactness make it a solid choice for landscapers or contractors who don’t need ultra high-flow hydraulics. Regular maintenance — especially on the drive chain and hydraulic system — is key to keeping one of these running smoothly for years.
