Gator 4x2 transmission slip

[beenthere]

'98 4x2 Gator has delay in transmission engaging after sitting overnight. Revving up when in Neutral (5-10 seconds) before engaging in Forward or Reverse solves the issue, whereas engaging immediately is not smooth, and causes sudden engagement jerk in Forward or Reverse.

The tranny oil is "full" on the dip stick. Belt width measures okay according to service manual. 600 hours and started this recently this season.

Appreciate any thoughts ?

 

[dfkrug]

Now THAT'S a gator. Surprised you are not in FL.

CVT system has a centrifugal clutch. May be failing. I would start there.

 

[bigtiller]

Have you ever replaced the clutch buttons?

 

[beenthere]

Have not had to do anything with the CVT. But appreciate the suggestions. Will look at the service tech manual again and see if I detect what the clutch buttons are, and how to replace them. Are they in the centrifugal clutch ?
thanks

Have witnessed an issue over the past couple years that the tranny will not hold back (brake) when going downhill, without me accelerating slightly to gain connection again. I just tolerated it, and didn't think much about it. But may be related to the hesitancy to gain motion.
Figure I should investigate a tranny overhaul, myself or find a knowledgeable mechanic.

 

[dfkrug]

I tried to squeak a few more hours out of this Gator HPX850i. The UTV had many hours on it and it seemed the centrifugal clutch was failing. It was time for a full CVT rebuild. Common problem and you can get aftermarket parts. Symptoms not exactly like yours.

I tried to buy this machine as-is after it quit completely, but no success. After 2y sitting outside, the owner had it picked up to be fixed by a shop in town. After 6mo, it is still there.

 

[bigtiller]

Have not had to do anything with the CVT. But appreciate the suggestions. Will look at the service tech manual again and see if I detect what the clutch buttons are, and how to replace them. Are they in the centrifugal clutch ?
thanks

Have witnessed an issue over the past couple years that the tranny will not hold back (brake) when going downhill, without me accelerating slightly to gain connection again. I just tolerated it, and didn't think much about it. But may be related to the hesitancy to gain motion.
Figure I should investigate a tranny overhaul, myself or find a knowledgeable mechanic.

Yes, they are a wear part of the clutch. I found a few videos but they were 4x6s. This one may help....

 

[CalG]

Have a look at the parts

https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/4x2-gator-transmission-wont-go-in-gear.384145/

Some slide, some roll, they all wear!

 

[beenthere]

My issue isn't getting the drive train into gear. Idle, and it goes into Forward or Reverse okay. Just without the 10-15 seconds "warmup" revving the engine a bit while in neutral, it will hesitate and not engage smoothly. After the "warmup" period in neurtral, then not a problem unless it sits in the shed overnight.
Am looking at the clutch, both primary and driven. Will investigate to see if I can wrap my brain around what to do next. Might do a transmission oil change to see if that might have an effect. Hope I can isolate the issue and move on to a remedy/fix.

 

[berky]

I have a 1997 4x2 that is used on the farm in all kind of severe conditions. Don’t think you will find this in service manual but this works for me so take advice and use as you will. The variable pulleys run on very hard shafts and dirt, water and whatever can cause them to not run smoothly. I raise the bed, remove the belt and the engine driven pulley cover and see if the center shafts are corroded or show and signs of wear. Spray a light coating of silicone on the exposed shaft. Then using a pry bar or whatever you have compressed the pulley spring so you can get to the other side of the shaft. Spray it with silicone also. Repeat this on the driven pulley. Doesn’t take very much to make the pulleys slide freely. I do this about yearly on mine and it still going 30 years later on all original equipment