Looking at getting a Rancher or Foreman for the family, one of my concerns is I want to get a manual shifter model so my daughter can get use to conventional shifting (minus the clutch) What I need to know is, these models only have a partial floorboard extending off of the rear fender, is the opening between the floorboard and the front fender big enough that she would get her foot down into it? or possibly try to put her foot down if she got that "tipping feeling" and get ate by the rear wheel. I am new to this and this may be a dumb question but I just thought I would ask. (she is 12 yrs old). I guess while I am here asking also, Is the ES that much better than the manual shift or is it just something different?

 

I have an'02 Rancher manual shift, and my buddy has an es. The es has some advantages, for example if we're in deep water, guess who's feet will stay drier, and if you're in deep mud/gumbo/snow sometimes it's hard to get that shifter up or down. On the other hand, I've heard that moisture in the shift motor can sometimes freeze and won't shift properly. My foot shift has never failed me yet. the floorboards on the es are great but I wouldn't worry about her feet slipping off the peg, they are pretty aggressive. Besides, I kind of like going through the gears with my foot, not my thumb.

 

For just a little extra money, the ES is the better choice. First, it is easy for anyone to use. Second, your footware is not important, ie, if it is cold big boots are fine. Second, for the little extra money you get the electronic panel, alone worth the increase in price along with the fan for cooling. My 12 year old learned how to shift with an ES easily. For me the price difference was only $150.00 Easy decision.