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Front Drive Systems

Hilliard Front Drive Differential

On Demand Four Wheel Drive for ATVs and UTVs

Hilliard Front Drive Systems utilize an electromechanically activated, bidirectional overrunning clutch to provide on demand four wheel drive for ATVs, UTVs, and off road vehicles. Activated through a 12 volt electrical signal, the system automatically engages the front wheels when the rear wheels lose traction and allows the clutch to overrun when traction is restored.

Drive train component showcasing a metallic motor with visible wiring and mounting brackets, designed for efficient power transmission in vehicles.

Hilliard Front Drive System Key Features:

Automatic Traction Engagement

Engages the front wheels when rear wheel traction is lost, providing additional driving torque without requiring the operator to manually engage a mechanical shift linkage.

Electric 4WD Activation

Uses a 12-volt electrical signal from the vehicle’s 4WD switch, allowing the operator to select between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

Automatic Overrunning

Allows the front wheels to overrun when appropriate, reducing interference with normal steering and accommodating different wheel speeds while turning.

Bi-directional Operation

Provides positive front wheel engagement in both forward and reverse, supporting traction
requirements in either direction of travel

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HOW IT WORKS

Electrical Activation and Automatic Front Wheel Engagement

The Hilliard Front Drive System combines electrical activation with automatic mechanical clutch operation. When four-wheel drive is selected, a 12-volt signal activates the system, allowing the front wheels to engage automatically when rear wheel traction is lost. As traction returns, the clutch automatically overruns, allowing normal steering operation.

Off-road vehicle navigating sandy terrain, showcasing a front drive system with highlighted differential components and rugged tires designed for enhanced traction and performance.

Hilliard Front Drive Systems Respond to Traction Changes Through Automatic Clutch Operation:

4WD Activation

Uses a 12-volt electrical signal from the vehicle’s 4WD switch to activate the front drive system.

Automatic Traction Engagement

Engages the front wheels when rear wheel traction is lost, providing additional driving torque.

Overrunning During Turns

Allows the outside front wheel to overrun during cornering, accommodating wheel speed differences and reducing torque steer.

Automatic Wheel Engagement

Automatically engages the outside front wheel if the inside front wheel loses traction during a turn.

The system uses internal gearing geometry to enable smooth differentiation between left and right wheel speeds while continuously transmitting torque through the front axle assembly.

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Industries

Front Axle Traction and Steering Control for Mobile Equipment

Hilliard Front Drive Systems are used in vehicles requiring controlled front axle torque distribution combined with reliable steering performance across variable terrain conditions.

All Industries

Outdoor Power Equipment

ATV/UTV, Offroad (OHRV)

WHY HILLIARD

Why Companies Choose Hilliard Front Drive Differentials

Why Hilliard

about

Application-Focused Engineering

Hilliard’s drivetrain engineering team assists OEMs in evaluating front drive system requirements and integration into new or existing equipment platforms.

Manufacturing Expertise

In-house manufacturing allows Hilliard to produce and adapt drivetrain components to meet application-specific requirements and evolving equipment designs.

Quality You Can Count On

Built under strict quality control standards to ensure repeatable mechanical performance, reliability, and long service life in industrial and mobile equipment.

Support Beyond the Product

Backed by engineering support and a global distributor network to assist with integration, application selection, and long-term drivetrain system performance.

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