Notes for RTV1100 owners

[ttowne66]

Hello Gents

Some of you may remember the post I made with all the issues outlining the Mattracks set-up with our RTV. One of them was that the machine seemed to have some transmission issues. The machine just simply didn't seem right and as it turns out it most certainly was not working properly. The symptoms were that the machine would slow considerably when encountering anything even resembling an incline, the rpm would not drop a bit but travel speed would go to a 3-5mph on flat, any fairly steep hills and we would go to a crawl (this was in low range!!!!). The machine would not even move in hi-range on hard level surface. Again, rpm not dropping a lick through all this. We called the dealership, explained the situation and they said "that is how this transmission works!!!!!! Obviously we were going nowhere with them so we ordered a work shop manual and had our local mechanic (club member) have a look. Issue #1 was that the shift assist circuit (lever you pull to assist in shifting) was mis adjusted to the point that the tranny fluid was by-passing to the sump at what he figured as 75% to sump 25% to tranny. Issue #2, major water contamination in tranny fluid. The vent line for the hydro reservoir was positioned in a way where it was inviting water into the system. We had a collapsed transmission filter and the fluid needed replacing. We properly adjusted the previously mentioned shift assist system, vacuumed the hydro system of all contaminated fluid, replaced the tranny fluid and filter, relocated the vent line then test drove. What a difference!!!!! We can now take off easily in hi-range on a flat surface. The machine will stall out in hi-range going up a reasonable incline so we now know that the full 25hp is being used. Medium range is now a very usable range. Low range now holds 6-7 mph even going up decent inclines in 1ft of heavy wet snow with no RPM drop. Another interesting point is that the tranny shifts very smooth now and I don't see where we would need to use the assist lever at all. I hope this post helps serve a logical process to go through if you are experiencing any similar symptoms. Cheers.

 

[TWO GUNS]

this is the most interesting post i have ever read >>>

all RTV owners need to listen to this one !!!!!!!!

 

[ttowne66]

Thanks TG

Yea, I would suggest that everyone have a look at the shift assist adjustment because that could be out a bit so that it is bypassing any amount. I guess it was actually a good thing that ours was so far out because it was so extreme, so noticeable that we had to do something. While talking with our mechanic member I asked if the return spring might be the culpret and he said "not a chance", had me look at the spring and showed me how strong it is. It was all an adjustment issue. It is possible that there are several of these units running around with differing amounts of bypass from mis adjustment. I am not sure if this is factory set or if dealers are supposed to set this. From what I have seen so far I'd say that it is VERY likely our dealer doesn't even know the circuit is there! I'll see if I can post the adjustment procedure out of WSM in next few days.

 

[Deerlope]

Alll very interesting. My 05 model does not have that hydro release feature.

 

[Dargo]

Apart from the water, I posted the same results about the RTV900 here back in early 2004. I had considerable transmission issues until I changed the fluid and filter. That made it nearly perfect. I ended up again changing the fluid and filter at 50 hours and never again had any issues. The thread is here somewhere, but it's from way back in early 2004. I was hoping the 1100 didn't have the same need to change the filter and fluid early. Oh well...

 

[ttowne66]

Dargo

We changed the fluid once before at around 50 hrs and this last change at 110 hours, both times with very heavy filters (water) and again this last time with an exploded (internally) filter. The first change helped a bit but frankly it didn't make a whole lot of difference in the performance. The adjustment of the shift assist circuit has made a tremendous difference (if 75% of fluid is being by-passed you'll certainly notice it on hills). On another note I spoke with a friend about his RTV900 and he said to be careful leaving it outside as under the right circumstances water will drain off the cab and make its way between cab and dump box onto the alternator. If it is below freezing then the alternator freezes then goes up in smoke (this happened to him). I believe this only applies to the 900 though.

 

[ddivinia]

Dargo
with very heavy filters (water) and again this last time with an exploded (internally) filter. The first change helped a bit but frankly it didn't make a whole loh.

What brand filter are you using?

D.

 

[ttowne66]

Kubota Filters!

 

[Dargo]

Me too. I've never put a non-Kubota filter on any RTV I've had.

 

[ddivinia]

Kubota Filters!

What does Kubota have to say about it?

Defective filter?

D.