Clarification on Shifting from 2x4 to 4x4

The manual is a little confusing to me, but am I correct in interpreting that the "Shift" can safely be done while the Quad is moving?

As opposed to when the quad is stuck (and wheels are spinning uselessly).

Just need to be clear

Thanx!

 

As long as the rear is not spinning it is safe two throw the AWD switch on, running down the trail or stopped. If your stuck, let off the gas, throw the switch and hopefully go.

 

As xcrider said
You can switch when ever you want
as long as the back wheels arent spinning faster then the front

 

Thanks for the responses.....

Which only brought up some more questions..

When should 4x4 be used?

Will 2x4 be more "fun" for trails?

Is there harm in using 4x4 all the time?

Thanx!

 

You will find that 2x4 is actually more fun, but 4x4 is great to have when you need it. Polaris' system is great for providing both. Try sliding around on one of the Hondas or other makes that have full time 4x4 and you'll see that they are good for utility riding but a little lacking in thrill factor. So have fun in 2x4 and be glad you have the 4x4 when you have a little TOO much fun.

If you will look at your front axles while you are riding in 2x4 you'll notice that they are turning, providing no power, but driven by the transmission and rotating along with the wheels. This is why you can engage 4x4 on the fly. Just make sure the rears aren't spinning faster than the fronts when you hit the 4x4 switch or the result will be abrupt and very possibly expensive.

There is one drawback to being in 4x4 all the time. The armature plates that engage the 4x4 by being magnetically attracted to the hubs when the switch is thrown, can become magnetized themselves with constant use. If this happens you can't get OUT of 4x4. Having it when you don't need it is better than needing it and not having it, but it makes steering more difficult and causes more wear. You will discover that you very often do not need the 4x4 in many riding situations anyway.

 

I agree with KEP 100%. I just bought a 1999 Scrambler 400 4x4. Before I had a 1995 Yamaha Wolverine which is full time 4x4. I never new how much fun 4x2 was until owning the Polaris. Also, the 4x4 robs power. I've been in 4x2 most of the time and switching into 4x4 only when needed.

 

Sorry to contradict you, Kep, but my wife and I both have 92 Polarises that have been run in 4 wheel drive mode almost all of their 10 years and no sign of any problems with unlocking the front end when we do occaisionally do it. In fact, we both have broken a wire that runs down along the front strut to energize the mag clutch, and we definately noticed when they stopped working.
The theory sounds possible though, so maybe there's something different about the newer models that I don't know about? Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about leaving it in 4wd all the time if that's the kind of riding you do.

 

I only use the 4X4 when towing a trailer uphill. The 2X4 mode is in use at 90% of time and I dont want to miss the opportunity to turn the 4X4 off when not needed. Just try to ride a Kawi or any permanent 4X4 on a paved or solid surface and you will feel the difference to Polaris. While Kawi is very hard to steer, the Polaris can be steered without much effort. I often thought that it was the right decission to buy a Polaris, just because of that .


Another good deal would be a Bombardier. They engage the 4X4 automatically when the wheels would almost start to spin and turn the 4X4 off when not needed. A very good idea, gives more traction than a Polaris because the wheels virtually never spin as much than at a Polaris. But also more expensive.

Martin

 

Hey YukonRon, don't worry about contradicting me, I've been married for 15 years - I'm used to being contradicted! And the fact is, I don't really know why my armature plates had become magnetized, I just know they were and swapping them out solved the problem. I bought it used so who knows what it had been through. Contantly rubbing the electromagnets while in 4x4 seemed a logical reason they might become that way, but that's just a theory.