Split shifter for a Max IV ??

[Hogneck]

Any thought or suggestions about doing a split shifter for a Max IV with factory rubber tracks. My main question would be; "would there be less stress mechanically and turn easier with a split shift using rubber tracks?" I would tend to think it would take less effort to not skid the tracks. BUT is it a pain in the arse to shift both levers all the time and inconvenient enough not to bother with the fabricating? I think I have more time on the wrench(by choice) than in the seat!!

[Robinhood02]

the split shifter thingy is about the #1 upgrade you can do to any Max reguardless of the model

[Hogneck]

Cool. Thanks,but all I see is a split shift on Max II's .I would like]e to see one done on a MaxIV.

[thebuggyman1]

It would be easy enough to do...just make up a second lever similar to the original.
You may be dissappointed with the turning ability with split shift though. I notice a real big difference with different ground conditions. Sometimes the split shifters make the machine turn easier and sometimes not. I think the stress on the axles/bearings is the same either way. My current theory is; from a stopped position, if the tires are getting too much side bite/grip turning using standard skid steering is easier because you can creep forward losing some side grip as you gain momentum. In the same situation with split shift, that is tougher to do. Where I see the split shift really being of most use is in the water. At the start of this video you can see the attempt of a turn without split shift, then how quickly it it turns around with it. Thebuggyman1 goes for a swim - YouTube

Don't get me wrong, I will put split shift on every machine I ever own (with a t-20). I'm just saying it's not something you will use on every turn.
My machines are low hp (16), and I could see where higher hp would help alot. I really need to upgrade

[smog]

I made it on my 2008 Max IV. Best upgrade ever. I made the shift rods using ½" EMT tube with the ends pressed flat. Had to cut the rear shifting pivot tube and reweld a tab on both. I would say it is easy if you have the tools.

The main advantage for me is to be ble to shift 1 side after the other and not having to fight with gears not aligning. it's a PITA when the Max got it's tracks on.

[thebuggyman1]

Smog: With the 30HP motor,and the tracks....how easy does your machine spin with split shift? How would you compare tracks to no tracks?

[Hogneck]

Smog,you mean PITA with tracks on with split shift??
Thanks Guys for the insight.

[smog]

it spins easily on tires but keep in mind the Bandolero is a 30hp @ 5000 rpm. in the regular power band (up to 3600rpm), it's more like the Vanguard 23hp. we don't hve much snow right now so can't tell how easy it will spin on the rubber tracks.

My problem was shifting when on tracks; it was very hard to get the 2 gear sets in the T20 to mesh at the same time. without tracks I just had to fiddle with the shifters/clutches.

now with the split shifter, it's just easy in all conditions

[Hogneck]

Cool! Thanks Smog ! this is my next project !

[Noel Woods]

MUDBUG 3 has split shifters on the t20 of his MAX4. The split shifters on a Max 4 can be complex to make, but on any t20, they are worth it. My Swamp fox and Max2 with split shifters shift so easily that you would think its got hydraulic drive.

[mudbug3]

Any thought or suggestions about doing a split shifter for a Max IV with factory rubber tracks. My main question would be; "would there be less stress mechanically and turn easier with a split shift using rubber tracks?" I would tend to think it would take less effort to not skid the tracks. BUT is it a pain in the arse to shift both levers all the time and inconvenient enough not to bother with the fabricating? I think I have more time on the wrench(by choice) than in the seat!!

The forum member brushcutter built a split shifter for my Max IV and it works great. Before I had my T-20 set up to split shift, I'd have to rock back and forth while working both sticks to get the T-20 to go from forward into reverse or reverse into forward. With the T-20 now set up to split shift, I put one stick into forward and a slight jiggle on the other stick, and it then goes into reverse. My T-20 goes into forward or reverse so easily now, that I would'nt even consider changing the shifting back to the factory set up. I now have the ability to skid steer or counter rotate if I choose to.


After Brushcutter made my split shifter we both drove down a very muddy trail. When I could,nt skid steer out of the mud I then tried split shifting the T-20 into forward and reverse so I could counter rotate and change lines in the mud. I then found out that this was a big mistake ,because the mud was too thick and I smoked the new clutch belt that I'd installed two months earlier. I have a 25 hp Kolier motor in my Max IV, but I've learned in some situations like this, that its not enough power to counter rotate when the mud is really thick. In light mud, leaves, and in the water a split shifter works a whole lot better than skid steering does.

[brushcutter]

Didn't you post some pics or a video of it Dave? Or was it both?

[mudbug3]

Max IV split shifter

[jstout9]

Has anyone put any thought into an electronic shift t-20? I'm thinking 2 actuators, one for each side, and an "easy"shift kit. A pair of switches on the dash or rigged to the sticks. Only problem I see is I haven't seen any 3 position actuators, so there may be no neutral.


Any thoughts???

[Hogneck]

jstout9 ...now you are reaching . What good would that be in the wet mud and snow at 0 degree f.? ......or below? Might just as well put a fluorescent twisty in there too. Yah I know I am sarcastic ,but an industrial electrician too at -30 below with plc's. plain and simple they do not like the cold .