By Tom on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Does anyone know if there is a way to modify the Max II to create engine braking? I've had an ongoing problem controlling my Max going down steep slopes. There is very little compression helping to slow the vehicle.

By Eugene Kochnieff on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hi Tom,
From my reading of the Max design, engine braking does not happen as the cvt tends to go into the highest possible ratio when the max is running down hills. you are going to have to use the brakes.

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max Dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

The Max does have a little bit of engine braking, but you need to have the engine revved up enough to keep the drive belt engaged. It is effective going down 20 degree, maybe 25 degree slopes - anything steeper than that (if you want to go real slow) requires using the tranny brake/and or the foot brake. If you have a 1995 or earlier machine with the drum brake, make sure the brake band is degreased and adjusted right (using brake parts cleaner works real well - better if you take the band off to clean it up). The disc brake also needs to be adjusted and grease free to work, but is a much better setup.