Front and rear locking differentials, engine breaking

[Abner]

Hi all, I am looking for a workhorse UTV.  We have some very steep trails, so I want engine breaking in addition to mechanical brakes.  Do the CV transmissions engine break?  In my case, if the transmission failed or freewheeled and the mechanical breaks failed this could be life or death.  Also, I'd like to have a locking front differential. Turning is not really an issue, but there are some straight line situations where I might need it to get a load moving.  Any transmissions or machines you can recommend?  Thanks, Abner

[Travis]

might want to look into  the Polaris RZR series, they have engine braking. However, they're more sporty than work.

[cliffyk]

It is the coupling/decoupling mechanism between the engine and transmission (typically a clutch in UTVs and the like, torque converters in real automatic tranny vehicles) that determines the extent to which "engine braking" is available--not the transmission type (CVT or other)

My Coleman (Hisun) Outfitter 400 (HS400) has a a locked rear end (independent suspension but no differential), a locking front differential, and engine braking to an extent--the "extent" being that if engine speed is over 1800 rpm or so the centrifugal clutch will be locked and there will b e some braking effect. 

So, if you are driving along with the centrifugal clutch is locked up (rpm > 1800), and close the throttle,  and the vehicle's inertia is sufficient to keep the engine speed above 1800 rpm there will be engine braking.  When vehicle inertia falls below that necessary to keep the engine speed above idle the clutch will drop out and the only inherent braking effect is friction of the drive-train and the CVT (which with a "rubber-band" CVT can be considerable. For example, my driveway has about a 1-1/2 to 2 in./ ft. slope;  I can park my UTV on that slope without the parking brake on and it does not roll downhill without a bit of a shove.

This will be true of any vehicle with a centrifugal clutch--for true engine braking you'll need  manual or electric clutch.

[cliffyk]

I was out riding today and did some experimentation re: engine braking. if I release the throttle, when in gear and at speed, it appears that as long as the vehicle is moving faster than 10 mph or so the ECU will hold engine speed above idle keeping the centrifugal clutch engaged and thus providing compression braking. I knew there was an element of engine braking provided  however I had not previously realized the ECUs role in providing it.

 

[Joe Breaux]

you are concerned that the drivetrain will fail and front and rear hydraulic brakes as well as the mechanical Park Brake ..ALL at the same time on a hill????  well, maybe bring an anchor and a short rope 

[Abner]

well, it is like Arlo Guthrie's motorcycle song  "I don't want a pickle, just want to ride my motorcycle...there is a mountain on one side and nothing on the other".   Good point though, I didn't think about the breaking systems being separate. 

[Joe Breaux]

I hear you "can get anything you want...at Alices restaurant"... 

[cliffyk]

"excepting Alice"...

[cliffyk]

7 hours ago, Abner said:

well, it is like Arlo Guthrie's motorcycle song  "I don't want a pickle, just want to ride my motorcycle...there is a mountain on one side and nothing on the other".   Good point though, I didn't think about the breaking systems being separate. 

"braking" systems..."breaking" systems is what we don't want...

[dmit]

if you want real engine braking with a cvt get a yamaha, works at all speeds even below 10 mph

[Joe Breaux]

my engine finally stopped BREAKING .lol

[Travis]

12 hours ago, Joe Breaux said:

my engine finally stopped BREAKING .lol

oh yeah.....

[Ribble]

Hi, can I jump in here? I’ve recently purchased an AG-PRO 1200 diesel and I’m so disappointed that it doesn’t have engine breaking. My property is really steep and it feels dangerous not having it. My question is can it be added? Or is there another solution? 

[MotoFish]

On 8/9/2022 at 2:22 PM, Ribble said:

Hi, can I jump in here? I’ve recently purchased an AG-PRO 1200 diesel and I’m so disappointed that it doesn’t have engine breaking. My property is really steep and it feels dangerous not having it. My question is can it be added? Or is there another solution? 

Look into a "DuraClutch."  I added this to a Polaris Ranger 900 and the clutch system (yes, still a belt system with inner clutch) will engage right away even without throttle and give you immediate engine braking one of the best investments I have added to my rig.

https://www.duraclutch.com