Can I remove the rear driveshaft from a 4x4 ATV (eg. Vinson) and continuously power front axles
only? I know it sounds goofy but I have my reasons.

 

Yeah I think you could do it. On my old Polaris Xplorer 300 when the back chain would fly off i'd take it off and put it in 4x4 and take it home in front wheel drive. I wouldn't recommend it though because it was the hardest steering I've ever done. I'm just trying to help out your arms!

 

If that's the situation, it won't work. I read some posts here that said the Vinson's steering was just as easy in 4x4 as in 2x4. I've never driven an ATV. Did your Polaris normally steer harder in 4x4? Also, I wonder if constantly running in front wheel drive would damage the transfer section of the transmission or front differential. And do operator's manuals warn against constant use in 4x4?

 

i'm not a 4x4 expert but if you've never rode an ATV then maybe you'll like it better in 4x4 mode than in 2x4. also may i ask what is your reasoning to want front wheel drive only?

 

Our company is building a prototype drilling vehicle that needs a PTO. I thought maybe the ATV could provide that power source. You would drive to a site in front drive and shift to rear drive to power the PTO. Using an existing vehicle would save time and money. I suspect some drivetrain designs would work better than others for this project. I'm particularly interested in the Vinson for other reasons.

 

I've ridden my Polaris a couple times in front wheel drive when I had rear drive problems. Its hard to steer because as soon as you turn the wheels a little, they pull the handlebars full force in that direction. I had to let off the gas for every little turn. Also, I had to have someone behind me to give me a push up some very easy hills, cuz all I would do is spin and go nowhere. I did feel quite buff after I got home though, its a hell of a workout for your arms!

 

scooter, if you have a divice hooked up to the rear output shaft, it will turn when in 4wd. You would have to cluch the shaft to turn off power. If you are going to do that, you might as well cluch the power to the rear wheels and use the 4x4 switch to turn on the pto or front shaft.

 

The drill machine has a transmission in it, and I thought it could be left in neutral while driving in front drive
(4x4) but I need to look into that further.It sounds like a Polaris definately won't work, but I wonder about the other brands of 4x4?

 

you know they did make a quad with a PTO already on it, you could save your time and just get one of them. If you can find one, that was a little bit ago.