[mhutch22]

I believe your CVT belt needs to be replaced, also throughly clean both clutch’s with hot soapy water and or non chlorinated brake cleaner followed by compressed air. As a FYI do not use any lubricants on the clutch’s or belt, doing so will cause dirt and grime to quickly foul up the components.

Bradhill, thanks for responding. That was my suspicion, as well. I'm not familiar with Gators at all but am working my way through it. Do you happen to know the part number for the belt, or is it easily looked up? How difficult is the procedure? I don't have a service manual for the machine but is it something that can be figured out by a mechanically inclined person? For reference it's a 2007 850D. Thanks for any additional help

 

[mhutch22]

Off hand I do not know the p/n for the belt however, you can find the information at jdparts.com. Also Technical Manual s can often be found on eBay.

Bradhill, thanks for responding. I've ordered a new belt and bought a service manual. As soon as the belt arrives I'll tackle the installation.

I hope this takes care of the problem. Hoping also that the clutches aren't causing a problem. I hear you're an expert on the operation and repair of these. Is that correct?

 

[mhutch22]

You’re welcome!

Be sure to clean the belt with hot soapy water and let air dry, this helps remove moulding agents used in the manufacturing process.

I do have knowledge and experience with clutching along with Doc (MBDiagman)

Thanks for the tip. I wouldn't have known to do that. Here's another question for you. I cleaned the transaxle pulley with brake cleaner as advised and noticed that the inside of the pulley (both sides) are super smooth. They feel like ceramic smooth. Should I scrub them with something slightly abrasive, like steel wool? I also noticed the inside of the pulley on the clutch pack was the same. Also, I'm posting a pic of the transaxle pulley to show the rubber "fingers" on it. Being a rookie, I'm wondering if they are worn or look as they are supposed to. I appreciate you're expertise and any advice.

 

[mhutch22]

Update on my slow Gator - so I got the new belt and installed it. I also cleaned the clutches as advised by Bradhill. I was excited to get it going, then crushed to find out the new belt didn't solve the problem. It still is super slow and won't maintain speed going up a small hill in High.

While I had the belt cover off I removed the primary clutch cover to be able to clean the clutch and checked that the outer pulley side would slide smoothly. Not really knowing what to look for, everything looked OK in there.

Any thoughts on what could be the problem? I'm open to all hints, tips, or help. Thanks

 

[mhutch22]

Final update:

Thought I'd give a final update on my problem with the slow moving Gator. After I received the service manual I spent many hours reading it to familiarize with the workings of the Gator. I researched and performed many of the diognostic procedures in the manual. All with no success in discovering a problem. I was stumped! The motor started and idled fine. It just didn't seem to be able to propel the Gator to anything more than walking speed. So...I broke down and took it to an ATV dealer in the next little town closest to me. He started it and drove it and commented that the motor seemed really loud - louder than a normal diesel - and didn't seem to be getting to max RPM. I left it with him thinking "great, now I'm going to have to spent big bucks for motor work".

The next day he called. FIXED! It turns out someone had crammed a piece of crimped up pipe into the end of the tailpipe. Sort of like a baffle. It was almost completely blocking the exhaust. Once he got that out the motor ran much quieter and revved up like it should. I moves out fine now and seems to have gobs of power.

No idea why that "baffle" was there and I would have never thought to check the exhaust but I'm glad the issue is fixed. Thanks to everyone who responded with tips and advice.