No Engine Braking at Idle RPM

[Coolbreeze]

I just bought a new POLARIS RANGER 800 XP. I really thought it was going to solve my UTV problems with more HP and auto trans, wider wheelbase, etc. for towing a trail mower and mowing on my hillside lot. The first time I headed downhill at the slow pace required for the trail mower, I was surprised that the Ranger went into neutral and started to speed up, requiring immediate and hard braking to control the speed.

I read the users manual and , sure enough, it says no engine breaking at near idle speeds. Does this sound safe to you???? Is there a way to keep the tranny engaged at near or at idle speeds? If not, I may have to take the Ranger back. To me, this is a huge safety issue.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions....

Coolbreeze

[Coolbreeze]

I just bought a new POLARIS RANGER 800 XP. I really thought it was going to solve my UTV problems with more HP and auto trans, wider wheelbase, etc. for towing a trail mower and mowing on my hillside lot. The first time I headed downhill at the slow pace required for the trail mower, I was surprised that the Ranger went into neutral and started to speed up, requiring immediate and hard braking to control the speed.

I read the users manual and , sure enough, it says no engine breaking at near idle speeds. Does this sound safe to you???? Is there a way to keep the tranny engaged at near or at idle speeds? If not, I may have to take the Ranger back. To me, this is a huge safety issue.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions....

Coolbreeze

Well.... I called the Ranger dealer and complained. He said there are two solutions. 1) As you decend the hill, keep your foot on the gas and ride the brake at the same time..... Sounds like the breaks or the tranny would wear out in a hurry. 2) Install an engine breakiing system currently used on smaller 4x4 ATVs which will not allow the tranny to disengage. This sounds like the safest solution but will cost $500+. Since I've had the Ranger for less than a week and only 10 miles on the speedo, I believe I'm going to see if the dealer will provide the system free of charge. I'll keep you posted as to the results.

Coolbreeze

[utvman]

Well.... I called the Ranger dealer and complained. He said there are two solutions. 1) As you decend the hill, keep your foot on the gas and ride the brake at the same time..... Sounds like the breaks or the tranny would wear out in a hurry. 2) Install an engine breakiing system currently used on smaller 4x4 ATVs which will not allow the tranny to disengage. This sounds like the safest solution but will cost $500+. Since I've had the Ranger for less than a week and only 10 miles on the speedo, I believe I'm going to see if the dealer will provide the system free of charge. I'll keep you posted as to the results.

Coolbreeze

Good info, I did not know that you can do that.