How bad is it to just put-around at slow speed?

[dukenyc]

I know this may label me as a wimp, but most of the time my rhino will be going 5-15mph. I am going to be riding in tight woods, so high speed isn't an option. The are is VERY hilly and the engine breakign was a big factor in my decision to go with the rhino.

Is it bad for the clutch/cvt/engine to run these things really slow up and down hills 90% of the time? would it be better for the machine if I used low gear? It has plenty of power in high gear, but I am barely rev-ing the engine at all much of the time.

 

[beenthere]

Sometimes the engine will get loaded down with unburned gasses and carbon up the plugs if idling a lot of the time. Either way, revving up once in a while, or just plan on replacing the plugs more often are solutions. No good formula to go by, but I think you are pretty aware of that it might not be the best for the engine. Its yours to enjoy the way you like to enjoy it, IMO.

 

[Jimbrown]

It will last at least three times longer than the idiots who run them wide open all the time.

 

[roccon31]

just going by my atv experience, if you are going slow, it is better to keep the trans in low. the belts can burn up pretty quick if you are not careful. since the sheaves move by centrifugal force, it is best to keep the engine revved up a couple thousand rpm, versus just over idle.

 

[Dargo]

When I'm just putting around at slow speeds, I generally move mine on up into "L". This seems to be easier on everything especially when putting up a hill. Yes, I am quite aware that the Rhino will pull most hills in high range, but running at slow speeds seems to be easier on everything when in low range. Either way, I don't think you'll kill it.

 

[penokee]

duk - I have a 1984 Big Red 3 wheeler and have been driving it at slow speeds for 21 years and it's still going strong - infact several people have wanted to buy it - about 650 miles on it. It's something like an old friend - don't get rid of those either. Can't hurt it by driving slow in a low gear.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif