Precision-engineered drivetrain system
The Gatorâ„¢ HPX Utility Vehicle has a precision-engineered drivetrain system to better utilize engine power, to improve acceleration, hauling, towing, and hill-climbing capabilities. Power is transmitted from the engine through a continuously variable clutch system to the transaxle.
Key elements of the drive system include:
- Transaxle with high and low ranges, neutral, and reverse
- Engine
- Variable-speed drive
Variable-speed drive
Variable-speed drive
The variable-speed drive consists of two clutches and a drive belt:
- Drive clutch is attached to and rotated by the engine.
- Driven clutch is attached to and drives the transaxle.
How variable-speed drive works:
- As the engine speed increases, the spring-loaded drive clutch is closed by weights being forced out by centrifugal force.
- As the drive clutch closes, the belt rides up to the largest diameter of the drive clutch and forces open the driven clutch.
- With the belt running in the smallest diameter of the driven clutch, the speed being transferred to the transaxle is increased.
- The driven clutch is designed to sense varying loads (inclines, mud, etc.) and constantly adjusts drive speed upward or downward so that engine rpm remains constant at constant throttle position.
Transaxle and mechanical front-wheel drive (MFWD)
Transaxle and MFWD
- Two-speed fully enclosed oil bath transaxle allows superior pulling ability
- Low range is 0 km/h to 19 km/h (0 mph to 12 mph)
- High range is 0 km/h to 40 km/h (0 mph to 25 mph)
- MFWD and rear transaxle are protected by skid plates
- Helical forward and reverse gears are used for quiet operation
- On-demand true four-wheel drive (4WD) system with an auto-locking front differential and dash-mounted electronic rocker switch; when the rocker switch is in the on 4WD position, the front differential will automatically lock for extra traction when needed, but when the rocker switch is in the off two-wheel drive (2WD) position, the vehicle will remain in 2WD
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Provides exceptional traction in challenging conditions
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Maintains turf-friendly operation in 2WD mode
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Combined with rear traction assist - (differential lock) can provide full, locking 4WD