Quote:
Originally Posted by DieselDoctor
Jon - yeah I understand the concept. I've been a heavy truck mechanic for 41 years now. I wanted to present the issue in the form of questions to help everyone understand. I knew from past posts that you have heavy truck experience. Few people realize that more tires on the ground can actually hurt traction, and I'll use the example of trucks with a tag axle (non-driving axle(s) solely for weight carrying capacity). When trucks with tag axles are on rough terrain, the first thing the driver does is lift the tag up to the transfer the weight and help keep the drive axles on the ground. I had thought about the JD Gator too. They have a walking beam of sorts and are chain driven between the two rear wheels on the same side and use flotation tires as well. From the looks of things on the Gator the front axle does all the work and probably has an open spool. I doubt you'd turn it if it were a no spin.
Stan
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The JD 6x4 Gator frame actually allows the front drive wheels to be slightly off the the ground. Thus when empty and the posi is not engaged is drives and turns very easily. However, that dynamic changes once significant weight is in the cargo box or two fatties are in the seats. All six tires are low pressure ATV tires that are designed with traction and flotation in mind.