There are many ways to propel ATVs and all similar off-road vehicles in the market today. The transmission type deployed by the manufacturer often points to the target audience they’ve got in mind with the product. What are the different types of ATV transmission, and how do they work?
ATV transmissions are mostly manual, semi-automatic, or automatic. Each of the transmission options can also have further variations. For example, some transmissions will shift from two-wheel to four-wheel drive or go from high to low gear, depending on the situation.
The rest of the article will look at the different types of ATV transmissions and how they work. Watch out for tips on how to choose an ATV with the best transmission for you.
In ATVs with a manual transmission, you have to choose the best gear for the situation. The lower gears are best selected for low traction scenarios, hauling heavy stuff, uphill climbs, and takeoff. The higher gears are best used when you’re cruising.
In a manual transmission setup, you have to disengage the engine from the transmission using the clutch stick before shifting between gears. Once the gear is locked in, you have to re-engage the engine by releasing the clutch.
So, in manual transmission, you have to control the clutch, the gear lever, and the throttle. If you’re on a hill, you may have to engage the brakes as well. The brakes here work like those on a motorcycle. The rear brake is operated by the right foot, while the front brake is controlled by your right hand.
This type of transmission also makes getting into or out of turns easier. Transmission shifting as you’re about taking a sharp turn can upset the balance of the ATV.
Some people shy away from ATVs with manual transmissions based on the knowledge of how difficult it is to manage manual transmission on motorcycles.
However, ATVs are different because the four wheels of the ATV means you don’t have to worry about keeping it standing while managing the clutch and gear at the same time.
If you already have lots of experience with manual motorcycles and cars, operating an ATV with a manual transmission should be straight forward.
Here’s a video showing how a small engine manual transmission works:
ATVs with semi-auto transmissions are similar to those with a manual transmission, but the main difference is in the operation of the clutch.
You still have to choose the optimum gear for the scenario, but the clutch doesn’t have a separate lever. The act of shifting gears automatically controls the clutch as well.
With this setup, you’ll have one less thing to worry about while staying in control of the power generated by the engine. This type of transmission is also popular with sport ATVs.
It’s also deployed in vehicles made for inexperienced operators that are not yet experienced enough in gear selection but have a decent grasp of riding an ATV.
ATVs with automatic transmission are designed to handle gear selection for you, with the right gear chosen at the right time. This type of transmission is popular in utility ATVs, where the focus is more on the reason for riding the ATV, such as hauling, towing, or plowing.
Automatic transmissions in ATVs also work like what you get in cars, with some of them featuring levers that allow riders to shift between “hi” and “lo” gearing.
The system is based on centrifugal force. The foundation of the operation is based on the fact that the force moving away from the center of any spinning object will increase if the speed of rotation increases.
If the ATV is in “hi” gear, it will travel at speed much faster than normal, but it won’t generate enough power as it slows down. In “lo” gear, the max speed of the ATV reduces, but the amount of power generated at a lower speed increases greatly. In this scenario, you can haul or tow a lot more weight.
When discussing automatic ATV transmission, there are two main distinctions you’ll come across: CVT and wet clutch technologies.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a transmission mode you’ll find in many adult ATVs. The design’s focus is to keep the engine within the best possible rpm range at all times. Once the engine is within this range, it will work more efficiently and produce the maximum power necessary for a given scenario.
ATVs with the CVT technology allow you to focus on maintaining stability and traction when on treacherous terrains or engaging in heavy-duty hauling or towing. You don’t have to worry about selecting the right gear for the situation.
The CVT mechanism contains two pulleys held together by a V belt. The two pulleys act as built-in clutches that control and vary the drive ratio between the output and input shaft in a controlled, smooth and continuous manner.
With further increase in speed, the belt will ride higher inside the main clutch, leading to an increased gear ratio between the output and input shaft.
The secondary clutch in the system works similarly to the main clutch, but its main role is to ensure there is no slack within the V belt, especially while the main clutch opens and closes.
The secondary clutch’s other role is to connect to the output shaft and the rear wheels, usually through a drive shaft or a chain.
Here’s a cool video showing how a CVT transmission works:
The wet clutch approach to automatic transmission is less convoluted than the CVT technology. It is mostly deployed in four-wheelers made for new riders of teenagers.
The system incorporates one wet clutch, which is linked to the engine via a range of gears. The transmission is only engaged at specific preset RPMs.
Models with this technology only have a single speed and the option of reverse. There’s only one forward gear. This design means you can’t rely on ATV models with this transmission for heavy-duty use or navigating rough terrains.
They are best for new riders that are still learning how to control and handle an ATV without worrying about shifting gears.
We’ve seen how each of the transmissions you’ll find in an ATV work. To choose the right option for you, pay attention to how you intend to use the machine.
If you’re getting an ATV for leisurely adventure on the beach and some mild competitive sport, one with automatic transmission will work just fine for you.
However, if your ATV will double as a recreational and utility vehicle, you should seriously consider going for one with a manual transmission. If you must go with automatic transmission, it should be a powerful CVT variant that can handle everything you intend to throw at it.
If you’re in the market for an ATV that can help your teenagers learn how to ride, a model with a wet clutch is a good idea.
The various models of ATVs in the market come with transmission technologies tailored with specific audience segments in mind.
With what you’ve learned thus far, you should be able to instinctively determine what type of transmission to go with any time you need a new ATV.
Experienced riders with the need for an ATV that can serve different (and often demanding purposes) will almost always choose a manual transmission. In contrast, casual or leisurely riders can get by with some types of automatic transmission.
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Your vehicle’s maintenance is paramount and should not be overlooked. Changing your oil regularly will extend the life of your vehicle and allow it to perform at its peak level.
We created this step by step guide of how to change your vehicle’s oil, pay close attention and please share this content with others in need!
10W40 Non-synthetic ATV oil (Click here for oil)
Oil drip pan (Click here for oil drip pan)
Ratchet with 15 or 17mm Socket
Oil funnel
If you own a 110cc or 125cc Coolster / Tao-Tao / BMS / Apollo etc… ATV or Dirt Bike this tutorial will apply to you.
Always refer to your vehicles owners manual when performing any maintenance.
STEP 1: We strongly suggest placing your ATV or Dirt Bike on a lift or jack-stand to allow the maximum amount of oil to drain from the vehicle and also to provide you ample space to work. Always lock the vehicles front brakes to avoid having vehicle rolling around while you perform maintenance.
STEP 2: Locate your vehicle’s oil drain plug located directly under the right side of your engine.
Note: There are two bolts under the engine that look similar. Only touch the larger one on the right side facing vertically. Do not unscrew the smaller bolt.
STEP 3: Place your oil drip pan directly underneath the oil drain plug. Using your 15 or 17mm wrench, remove the oil drain plug screw to allow the oil to drain into the oil pan. Allow the vehicle 20-30 minutes to fully drain of all oil. If the oil smells burnt or has metal shavings/particulates present this may be indicative of internal engine issues, and should be brought in for service immediately.
Note: Do not lose the silver washer that is attached to the drain plug or else the vehicle will leak oil. Make sure you reinstall the washer along with the oil drain plug bolt.
STEP 4: Once all oil has been drained, re-install the oil drain plug along with the drain plug washer.
STEP 5: Locate the oil dipstick (sometimes silver or yellow cap) on the right side of the engine. Unscrew the dipstick using pliers or fingers.
STEP 6: Insert oil funnel into the dipstick cavity and add the appropriate measure of 10W40 Non-synthetic ATV oil.
Note: For 110cc models add approximately 1/2 quart (500ml) oil and top off using dipstick as a guide when vehicle is flat. For 125cc models add approximately 3/4 quart (700ml) oil and top off using dipstick as guide when vehicle is flat.
STEP 7: To check oil level, screw dipstick fully in and then pull back out to verify oil level is at its required mark.
Add oil as necessary to meet the top line circle of dipstick.
Your oil change is now complete, congratulations! Periodically check you oil dipstick to see if you oil is getting dirty. If you oil look dirty, it’s most likely time for an oil change!
Approximately 8 hours of riding will require an oil change.
We hope this helped, please check out our other informative guides on how to properly maintain your vehicle.
Articles
02 Dec
Any wheeled vehicle - from a bicycle to a multi-ton truck - has a transmission in its device: a system that transmits rotation from the engine to the wheels. The operation of the transmission - and therefore the speed of driving - can be controlled by shifting gears.
Gear shifting is organized differently in each mode of transport.
In the article below, we will tell you exactly how to shift gears on ATVs, and what gearboxes are found on such equipment.
Gearboxes for ATVs can be of two types:
Rare and mostly found in older models, but other variations can be found. For example - "automatic" with the ability to manually shift gears.
Manual ATVs are a little more difficult to drive (at least at first, until you get used to it), but you can more accurately select the appropriate mode.
And vice versa: CVT "boxes" are much easier to operate, they are easy to master for a beginner who gets behind the wheel of an ATV for the first time. But on the other hand, with active driving along a route with variable difficulty, riding a CVT will be a little less convenient.
For example: you are driving on a flat packed dirt road on H and you see a large stretch of muddy road ahead with deep mud (or a steep hill, or bumps, or stones). You will have to come to a complete stop and shift to L, drive through mud, and when you get back on a dry road, come to a complete stop again and shift back to H. , like motorcycles, and a manual clutch lever on the handlebar on the left.
The foot lever device can be of two types:
The rear lever shifts gears up, the front lever shifts down. The shift itself is carried out in the same way as on motorcycles:
When exactly to switch speeds up and down is determined by the tachometer, speed, road complexity, weight of the load taken and the characteristics of the ATV itself (power, weight).
CVT gearboxes are much more common on ATVs. The clutch in them does not need to be squeezed out, and the “mode” of driving forward is selected from two (most often) options: in high (suitable for driving on an easy route) or in low (for difficult sections, steep climbs and towing) gears.
An important difference from driving in a manual transmission: switching between L and H is carried out only when the ATV is completely stopped, with the brake applied. To select a mode, move the knob to the desired position.
Switching between L and H on the go is impossible.
The rest of the gears - park, neutral and reverse - of course, are also included when the ATV is standing still.
Published: Author: Alekseev Aleksey
Like any auto and motorcycle equipment, the ATV has the ability to work in two transmission options - automatic and mechanical. For this class of equipment, each of the gearboxes can have its own pros and cons, so before choosing the model you like, pay attention to the type of transmission.
The main task of an ATV gearbox is to transfer torque from the engine to the wheels as accurately as possible. The second important task of the transmission is to adjust the number of revolutions of the wheel by increasing the gear ratio.
That is, the faster you want to move, the higher you have to shift into gear. In the case of an automatic-type gearbox on an ATV, you still have to change gears, in particular, engage in reverse or choose between 2D or 4D drive.
In low-cost models, including those made in China, the equipment is equipped with an automatic transmission, but more expensive sports ATVs are equipped with a fully manual transmission.
Contents
The mechanics are identical to the standard motorcycle and allows the driver to more accurately feel the moment of shifting gears at the optimum pace. As a result, such sports ATVs have better power and maneuverability. And when you're on the track, the power can be reduced by adjusting the gearing. And finally, the last advantage of a mechanical sports transmission is the ability to enter corners more comfortably. But try not to change gear directly during the turn, in which case you will lose balance. The 150cc gearbox is usually made as simple as possible, so you can not hope for excellent sensitivity and smoothness.
The main advantages of mechanics on an ATV can be considered:
Also, shifting gears on a similar gearbox is much easier than on a motorcycle, because such a technique has 4 wheels, which means that all the emphasis can be placed on gear shifting control. The movement on the mechanics is carried out similarly to other vehicles in the manual transmission, only when driving to a hill, you will have to simultaneously hold the clutch and brake.
Therefore, if you choose a model for the most dynamic and confident operation, pay attention to the type of transmission, mechanics will be the best choice.
Whereas manual ATVs are more for real racers and power lovers, automatic transmissions are more relaxed. The principle of its operation is similar to a car, where your task is only to shift gears.
Automatic transmissions are most common on utility vehicles, the main feature being the choice between high and low gears. If you want to go fast, you will have to turn on high speed, but the disadvantage will be weak power. Conversely, at high power, the box will limit top speed. Buying an automatic shift ATV gearbox is recommended for kids or beginner riders who want to get comfortable and get used to the movement.
Let's give an example of the operation of a mechanical box, because it may differ in operation from other equipment. The main component is the gearbox, its power is transmitted from the second shaft with the variator pulley to the third shaft - the intermediate one. It is he who allows the box to continue working, transferring force to the last 4 shaft with the wheel mounted on it. All the described design details are located inside the protective casing, and the constant presence of oil in the system allows to increase the lifespan.
