Hello. Thanks for all of the information so far...it's really great to have forums like this. Every tid bit if info counts.
So I have another question. My Kawasaki KVF 360 (prairie) 4x4 manual states that I cannot shift into 4x4 while moving. Is this for personal safety reasons or is there a mechanical reason?
Thanks

 

they say that because it changes the handling while moving, or you could say they are covering their azz.

 

what i do is when i shift to 4 wheel drive, i make sure im going slower then about 10 mph while both my front and back wheels are spinning at the same speeds. When shifting back to 2 wheel drive I slow way down to a crawl(less then 2 mph).

 

The 4x4 engagement system works based on the speed data (rotational) received from the speedo sensor from the output shaft of the crankcase. You can press the 2/4WD button at any speeds, but the system would not actually engage/disengage at that moment you want all the time. It is programmed to shift only beeen 0.5 and 12.5 mph (your 360 may not have a speedo and you can't really tell when...). So, it is not really a function of distance, but rather the function of the rear wheel speed. And your front gear box would appreciate if you would drive at slow speeds (closer to 0.5 mph) when trying to engage/disengage 4WD since there would be less grinding and impact on dog gears.

 

Sounds like good info. I accidentally engaged the 4WD at about 5 MPH one time. Made a heck of a clunk and shook the quad. I prefer to stop to engage or disengage the 4WD as per the manual.

 

Thanks folks
Hayashi hit it on the head perfectly....I just called my local dealer and he mentioned the sleeve that slips over the spline coupling and how it can cause grinding and wear when selected at speed. Especially important is that all wheels must be turning at the same rate, and not during a turn.
Dave

 

I've just been banging it in for the last few years....

shift on the fly works well, I am usually between 5-10 when I engage...if going into thick mud or up steep climb where I know I'll need it, I fli[ it into 4x4

works great....some tough mud and hill climbs the last 2 years....