I won't a 2001 rancher es. I have heard that in the tool kit there is a foot shift lever that you can put on it is that true. If so can you use that instead of es? I have also heard that the speedo craps out is that true?
thax

 

I haven't crapped in my speedo's yet but the lever in the tool kit is only used to manually shift with you hand. It fits over the shaft on the side of the crank and lets you move it thru the gears. I've only used mine when occasionally I get so much mud in the ES it won't shift. so I put it neutral and turn the engiune on/off then all is well. I know that doesn't make much sense but it happens. Sometimes you can was off the es buttons it'll start shifting. Sometime you have to re-boot. Since you can only re-boot in N...you get the picture.
The shifter doesn't screw on or anything. It's like a closed end wrench.

 

The manual shift lever is intended for emergency use only. If I remember correctly (correct me if I'm wrong) in the manual it clearly states that with this lever you should not shift gears while moving.