Powertrain unit with compact dipstick

A powertrain unit, comprising a continuously variable transmission mechanism for continuously varying a speed of rotation output by a rotational drive force, a housing for accommodating said continuously variable transmission mechanism, and a dipstick removably mounted in said housing for checking an oil level therein;

• said continuously variable transmission mechanism comprising a swash plate plunger pump, a swash plate plunger motor and a closed hydraulic circuit connecting said pump and said motor,
• one of said swash plate plunger pump and said swash plate plunger motor being of a fixed displacement and the other being of a variable displacement;
• wherein the outer circumference of a casing of said one of said swash plate plunger pump and said swash plate plunger motor comprises a reduced diameter swash plate supporting portion;
• wherein said dipstick comprises a handle portion and a gauge portion attached to and extending away from said handle portion, and wherein said gauge portion of said dipstick extends within said housing from an area near the outer circumference of said reduced diameter swash plate supporting portion down to the bottom of said housing.