New guy to 6x6

[D.landriault123]

I'm new to the 6x6 world and have some questions about my maxx 4. It has 26 inch tires and sometimes it wont turn them in thick mud. Can anybody tell me what they think the problem is. It has a 16 horse power tecumseh motor. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

[Mike]

The 16HP may be a little underpowered for the 26" tires if the mud is REALLY thick. However, you can start by checking your belt tension to make sure that it is not slipping on the clutches. Does it feel like the belt could be slipping, or does the motor just bog down?

[thebuggyman1]

It could be many things. Is your engine bogging down? If not your drive belt could be slipping, or it could be the bands in your t-20. Try pushing forward on the sticks when this happens. Is it happening to the wheels on both sides?

[D.landriault123]

It feels like the belt is slipping. It makes a real loud squealing noise.

[D.landriault123]

Its also missing the gas tank in the front. Does anybody know where to get one and how many straps hold the tank in?

[thebuggyman1]

Your belt is probably worn. Here is some generic info on adjusting and clutch cleaning. ATV and Snowmobile Belts - by Dayco

[Mike]

Like buggyman said, check the belt to see if it is worn. If not, you can shim the motor up a little to tighten the belt. Since you are hearing squealing, that points to the belt. For the gas tank, it is held in with two straps from the factory. You can post a wanted ad here in the classified section of the site for a tank.

[LarryW]

I agree with the other guys with its probably your belt. More often then not it is. If it is worn down it changes the whole variable speed ratio and is like taking off in 2nd gear kinda thing with no power. If the top of the belt does not rest on or slighly above the driven pulley on the transmission then it is worn. The pulley faces and the top of belt should be near flush.

[D.landriault123]

Thanks you guys i will check the belt tension tommorrow and see if the belt needs to be replaced.

[D.landriault123]

What belt should i use to replace the worn one? The one that came off is a Dayco GTS 712. This belt looks narrower than any other belt i've seen on a max. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mike]

I think the belt should be 1-3/16" wide, but don't hold me to that. If you will search the site, I believe someone has posted the belt numbers before.