Complete rookie ATV question about CVT (I think).

[ArlyA]

I've operated a Rhino, Grizzly, Defender, Outlander and Sportsman (a 6x6 boss) Did do service to these, but no modifications were done to these clutches. All have CTV drives and worked quite hard.

 

[Milo]

Can you tune them to engage more gradually, so they don't lurch from a dead stop?

I'm not sure you could, some CVT designs are jerky starting off. My Polaris Ranger 500 wasn't too bad but after I sold it I tried a Kubota, I think it was a Sidekick 850, and I ruled it out because of its jerky throttle and cvt when starting out. I felt it'd be difficult to smoothly inch up to the log splitter in order to close the garage door. The dealer said "it'll smooth up when the belt breaks in" but I said no thanks. Kubota may have addressed that by now I don't know. The Kawasaki Mule Pro MX I tried was so smooth engaging with its wet clutch CVT which was one reason I bought it. I've had it for over 2 years now and it's still just as smooth.

 

[ArlyA]

To make slight vehicle movements with any machine with a CV transmission. Apply the brakes, increase engine rpm's until clutch is barley engaged, them let off brakes just enough to get the moment you wanted.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

Can you tune them to engage more gradually, so they don't lurch from a dead stop?

Yes you can but that's not something you would typically want to do...you are more likely to slip your belt taking off. That said if that's something you want to do you could talk to any performance CVT company and they will walk you through it. You'll most likely need to purchase an inexpensive spring and possibly weights.

 

[lman]

I replaced the cvt clutch on my 2015 Ranger with a Duraclutch .It's much smoother and I haven't replaced the belt yet.

 

[SylvainG]

I've had a Polaris Sportsman for 6 years and really never noticed a hesitation...So far love the machine, has been trouble free.

I have two Polaris. A 400HO and 800EFI. The 400 is very quick to respond, the 800 not so. People not used to it would give it some gas, nothing happens, give it a bit more gas and it takes off. You have to get used to it but it's a beast. I have no trouble pulling my 1500lb boat plus trailer uphill with it. Just put it in low gear (it's a CTV with a low and high gear) and it will climb it no problem.

 

[Loaderman22]

I have a 2004 Polaris 700 twin with the CVT, but also has a shifter for P, R, N, D, L. When you first start it up, and shift from P to R or D, its best to squeeze brake because it lurches/clunks when it engages the gear if you don't use brake. After that the CVT is fine, even shifting R to D is super smooth and simple. I also apply brake and stop wen shifting from H to L, but I don't use High very often, only for flat open trail riding. I don't do a lot of that with this machine, it's my work machine so spends its life in Low.