Turf mode vs two wheel drive

[bluegrassboy70]

Got a question, have seen on other sites that folks are breaking right side axles. Could running in turf mode on pavement and or other places be putting too much torque fatigue on the one side, vs running two wheel drive where torque is distributed along both axles? Not sure if my theory is sound, just want to bounce it off you guys and get some thoughts.
Thanks,
KY

 

[Rupp Collector]

Got a question, have seen on other sites that folks are breaking right side axles. Could running in turf mode on pavement and or other places be putting too much torque fatigue on the one side, vs running two wheel drive where torque is distributed along both axles? Not sure if my theory is sound, just want to bounce it off you guys and get some thoughts.
Thanks,
KY

I would think pavement and any other hard surface is exactly what turf mode is for. That's what I use, and this is my 5th SxS and have never had an axle failure. Had two cv joints but those were wear issues not breakage.

 

[bluegrassboy70]

I would think pavement and any other hard surface is exactly what turf mode is for. That's what I use, and this is my 5th SxS and have never had an axle failure. Had two cv joints but those were wear issues not breakage.

I typically run turf mode too, just had seen a few reports of broken right axles and was curious about whether there would be any added torque strain to that area with just one axle pulling. You’re right though and it stands to reason because that is how regular road vehicles run.

 

[Big Red]

If you don't run in Turf Mode on pavement your outside wheel (I think) will drag and chirp on the pavement, it will sound like it's binding up. I have done burnouts in turf mode and can light the tire up without any axle damage. I would think running in 2 wheel drive would be MUCH harder on the drive train on pavement.

 

[Rupp Collector]

If you don't run in Turf Mode on pavement your outside wheel (I think) will drag and chirp on the pavement, it will sound like it's binding up. I have done burnouts in turf mode and can light the tire up without any axle damage. I would think running in 2 wheel drive would be MUCH harder on the drive train on pavement.

The drivetrain should certainly hold up just fine, but you will get more tire wear running with the rear end locked.

 

[Big Red]

I agree the drivetrain will be just fine, there are a lot of lower end UTV's that don't have Turf Mode and do just fine. They are easy to spot too as they are the ones with chirping tires when the turn on pavement. My point was driving in Turf Mode should not harm axles and I see no logical reason to drive in 2 wheel to avoid doing it.

 

[Lil red 02]

Question on this. When the light is flashing is that turf mode or 2wd? Is there a way to put it in turf mode constant?

 

[bluegrassboy70]

Question on this. When the light is flashing is that turf mode or 2wd? Is there a way to put it in turf mode constant?

The light goes solid once turf is engaged. It blinks when in park until it is put in gear. You can also confirm turf by looking at the display, it will light up one rear wheel when in turf.

 

[Lil red 02]

Ok so blink is turf.....when u put it in park does it return to turf? Also I do not believe mine shows 1 wheel on the display. I have had mine for 2 ish months and have not ridden it yet. Been under construction getting ready for hunting season and back at the dealer twice for issues

 

[Rupp Collector]

The display will show the rear locked while in park. Once started and shifted it will go to turf mode.

 

[jtschnel]

Ok so blink is turf.....when u put it in park does it return to turf? Also I do not believe mine shows 1 wheel on the display. I have had mine for 2 ish months and have not ridden it yet. Been under construction getting ready for hunting season and back at the dealer twice for issues

Default for rear axle is locked, no light on the rear axle button. Pushing the button unlocks the rear axle (turf mode) and the light on the rear axle switch illuminates. When the transmission is put in Park the rear axle locks and the illuminated light flashes. Taking the transmission out of Park into to Drive or Reverse the axle will once again unlock and the switch light will stop flashing and remain on.

I had not heard about right rear axles breaking. Having the rear axle locked while on pavement when turning can cause significant torque on the rear axles. You'd have each side working against the other on an unforgiving surface, especially during those tighter turns. Might that be the cause of the broken axles?

 

[Rupp Collector]

Default for rear axle is locked, no light on the rear axle button. Pushing the button unlocks the rear axle (turf mode) and the light on the rear axle switch illuminates. When the transmission is put in Park the rear axle locks and the illuminated light flashes. Taking the transmission out of Park into to Drive or Reverse the axle will once again unlock and the switch light will stop flashing and remain on.

I had not heard about right rear axles breaking. Having the rear axle locked while on pavement when turning can cause significant torque on the rear axles. You'd have each side working against the other on an unforgiving surface, especially during those tighter turns. Might that be the cause of the broken axles?

You're not going to break either rear axle driving on any surface with the rear axles locked!

 

[jtschnel]

You're not going to break either rear axle driving on any surface with the rear axles locked!

I would hope not, but am surprised hearing about broken axles. Curious what was being done to cause it.