Assisted mechanical continuously variable transmission

A vehicle comprising:

• a frame and defining an operator area;
• a plurality of ground engaging members configured to support the frame;
• a powertrain assembly supported by the frame, the powertrain assembly including:
• an engine operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground engaging members;
• and
• a continuously variable transmission driven by the engine, the continuously variable transmission including:
• a driven clutch;
• a drive clutch operably coupled to the driven clutch, the drive clutch including a stationary sheave, a moveable sheave positioned adjacent to the stationary sheave along a common axis of defined by a shaft and operable to translate axially relative to the stationary sheave, and a load member;
• a spider nut;
• a belt extending between the drive clutch and the driven clutch;
• and
• an actuator coupled to the moveable sheave of the drive clutch, the actuator operable to apply a force to the moveable sheave in a direction towards the stationary sheave and substantially along or parallel to the common axis, wherein the actuator includes a piston fixed to the spider nut and a cylinder fixed to the movable sheave.