Go BottomGator Speed Engine Temp
 | 6x4gator
Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 17 New Jersey 
|
2016-02-23 194603
I have an early 90s gas powered 6x4 Gator. It's limited speed was okay when I lived in NJ and only had to cover several hundred feet. I moved to Maine and brought the Gator with me. I have 78 acres now and my brother has 40 acres 1.25 miles away. We're in a very rural section and I drive the Gator to / from both properties. By the time I get half-way the radiator fan on. I verified there's no debris around the radiator and fluids are at correct level. Is there any way to change the gearing to increase speed a little and reduce RPMS? I bought new chains for the final drive. I was hoping I could change the sprockets, either putting a larger one in front or smaller on wheels.
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoGator Speed Engine Temp
| gatoraider
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 544 Maryland 
|
2016-02-23 194604
Simple answer is you can change gearing with the middle axle but it has to be off the ground. So you have a long wheelbase 4 wheeler and your only limitations are sprocket diameters. Like you said big front/small back or the other way around. Have fun.................. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoGator Speed Engine Temp
| Trainpilot
Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 69 Ukiah, CA
|
2016-02-24 194613
Interesting proposal by Gatoraider. If you took off the intermediate wheels you could change the gearing on the rear. This sounds kind of odd, but if you don't need the tandems in the back, the machine would actually ride and handle better. And you'd have two spares to wear out. The other alternative would be to adjust the governor, which would increase RPMs with speed. You could probably increase speed by 10% without compromising engine life, provided you keep up on service. The fan cycling is normal and expected. The radiator, mounted under the pax seat, doesn't get any ram air from moving, so the fan is just doing its job. I'd be more worried if it didn't come on after 10-15 mins of driving. Let us know what you do. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoGator Speed Engine Temp
| 6x4gator
Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 17 New Jersey
|
2016-02-24 194614
I will not be removing the intermediary wheels. I don't want to change the governor. The Gator needs a major tune-up and some gaskets. I'll see what the local small engine service company says, taking it to a JD dealer isn't really an option in that it's 90 minutes away.
....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoGator Speed Engine Temp
| Trainpilot
Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 69 Ukiah, CA
|
2016-02-24 194615
Understood. Our 6x4 is a diesel, and is probably slower than your gas-engined model. Any good small engine mechanic should be able to work on your motor. Your mechanic could at least verify that the engine is reaching its rated governed speed. One other thing to look at is the CV belt and drive system. As the belt wears (getting thinner in cross section) it does not move up and down in the variable sheaves as far. In essence this limits your minimum and maximum speeds. Last time I put a new belt on our Gator, in conjunction with replacing the primary clutch, I noticed a significant increase in top speed. It's still the slowest side-by-side in our fleet, but it's also one of the most reliable. If you've got acreage and nearby family, count your blessings and enjoy the ride. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoGator Speed Engine Temp
| 6x4gator
Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 17 New Jersey
|
2016-02-24 194616
I haven't replaced the belt and clutch needs work, gears grind going into forward or reverse unless I drop RPMs down by pulling choke lever. We enjoy the ride, just have to watch out for moose. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add Photo
Go Top
Share This