Tips for a long-lasting Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Below are guidelines that will help lengthen the life of the CVT (belt system). The CVT allows for very simple operation (no gear shifting), but it must be driven by an informed driver. The CVT offers many advantages, but it is also the easiest component for an uninformed person to damage.

• Maintain a vehicle speed of 5 km/h or more (at least walking speed). This prevents the belt from slipping which generates heat / wear.
• Do not overload the vehicle. An overloaded vehicle causes excess slippage/heat to the belt (especially when starting uphill).
• Always have a mud guard on front wheel (it helps prevent dust and debris from getting into the CVT).
• Try to always stop on level surfaces or in a downhill direction (reduces belt wear over the long term).
• If you ever smell burnt rubber, stop the vehicle (its probably the belt).
• If the CVT or powertrain begins to vibrate beyond normal, do NOT continue to drive.

HILLS

• If starting uphill from a stop, use the brake until the transmission engages (do NOT let the vehicle roll back as you push the throttle)
• Do not utilize the throttle to resist rolling backward (as people do with cars when on an incline)
  • Use the brake to resist backward motion AND release the brake as you press down the throttle
• If you must go up a steep hill, get a running start (don't try to start from a dead stop)
• If you are going to "coast" down a mountain for an extended period
  • Do NOT go faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) unless you remove the chain or driveshaft
  • If you are coasting for many kilometers, remove either the chain or the driveshaft
• When going down a steep hill, it is fine to allow the CVT to engage so that you have engine braking
• If possible, stop the BUV on flat ground or on a slight decline.
• If pointed uphill when parked, accelerate firmly for 1 second (this allows the belt to grab without slipping).
• If on a hill or heavily loaded, ask bystanders to help push the BUV into motion as you press the throttle (as people did with the Model T’s). This reduces stress on the belt and powertrain.

IF STUCK AND BUV IS IMMOBILIZED

• Do NOT continue to push the throttle (a common way that belts are damaged)
  • Ask others to push the vehicle back and forth (accelerate during the forward motion only)
  • or, have several people remove the obstacle
  • or, use a hand-winch or cable-come-along (keep one with you if in rough terrain)

OTHER

• Do not tow the BUV by raising the front wheel only (unless you remove the driveshaft)
• Do not tow other vehicles with the BUV
• If a small fray occurs on the belt edge, cut it off.
• Don't allow a rope, or twine, fishing line, string, etc near the CVT or the engine.
• If the belt gets wet, either let it dry, or dry it by putting a very light load on the CVT
• Store extra belts in a protected area and away from sharp tools & objects
• If driving through long grass, tall bushes, yearling trees, take caution because a twig can damage the belt if ingested by the CVT.
• When parked, always remove wheel chocks instead of driving over them.
• Do not substitute the the big sprocket (i.e. the driven sprocket) with a smaller size.
• Avoid driving the vehicle during a sand/dust storm (wipe-down inner surfaces of the CVT afterwards)
  • Before wipe down, park the vehicle on level ground, turn off engine, and use wheel chocks.
  • Do not let engine oil, gasoline, or diesel get on the belt.
• If the belt gets muddy, stop the vehicle and wipe down the belt and inward surfaces of the CVT
• Do not use a different size belt (write CVT part numbers on the BUV for easy reference)
• To observe CVT operation, put the vehicle on blocks & run the powertrain in a stationary position.
• Belt tension when engine is off: at belt midpoint, one can push the belt in about 2" & pull outward 1"
• If driving up a step or curb,
  • Instead, hit the curb at 1 mph (and accelerate as each wheel contacts the curb).
  • If possible, hit the curb at an angle (so each rear wheel climbs the curb separately)
  • Do not get to the curb, stop completely, and then floor it