Variable-speed drive
On the Gator™ TX Turf, power is transmitted from the engine through a continuously variable clutch system to a transaxle and finally to the rear axle.
Key elements of the drive system are as follows:
Variable speed drive
The variable-speed drive consists of two clutches connected by a drive belt:
- Drive clutch is attached to and rotated by the engine.
- Driven clutch is attached to and drives the transaxle.
Features include:
- Infinite selection of speeds (0 km/h to 25 km/h [0 mph to 15.5 mph])
- No shifting necessary as operator increases speed
- Easy operation
Adjusts speed to the load to avoid bogging down when going up a hill or through challenging conditions because the wrong gear was selected.
Clutches are tuned to provide engine braking when going downhill if the throttle remains engaged.
Variable-speed drive functionality
Here is how the 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 the drive speed upward or downward, so the engine rpm remains constant at constant throttle position.
Transaxle
The transaxle is fully enclosed and runs in oil for reliability.
The differential design reduces scuffing of the turf during turns because the inside wheels turn slower than the outside wheels (other vehicles that have a solid axle shaft must skid the inside wheel when making a turn).
Helical gears are used to reduce transmission noise.
The neutral start safety interlock is provided for the engine ignition system.
Heavy-duty rear-axle housings
Large, sealed bearings are located inside the housing for better protection. One-piece forged axles are splined for maximum strength:
- Large sealed bearings for better protection and load-carrying capabilities
- Forged-splined shaft for increased torsional strength
- Nodular cast-iron housing for increased durability