JD,
The Gators use a CVT that engages and changes ratios based on RPM. If you never drove anything with one, they seem a bit unusual at first. The engagement RPM is relatively high. Easing into the rpms will seem to take forever before movement happens. I use more of the stab method... quickly depress the throttle a fair amount and you'll learn to judge the engagement point.
Is this new? If not you might want to search the forum for sticking primary or difficulty engaging forward or reverse... They have a tendency to stick.
Here's a link to better describe how they work from Team. Team supplies a large number of Gator clutches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCEvBGT8twM
Hope this helps.