Just bought a 07 Rancher 4x4 for $2500. It looks to be in great shape. It will only last 3 years before it is rusted out, so I didn't want to spend to much for it. I have a beach service and need it to haul umbrellas and chairs in the sand on the beach. Changed the oil and filter, air filter and spark plug. No owners manual...anything else I need to do?

 

Check the valve lash.

Assuming it is a 5 speed, you would want to adjust the clutch.

I'd probably also change the axle fluid (80W or 75W90 rated GL5), and the coolant (use motorcycle specific).


Welcome to the forum. I'd bet if you take care of the Rancher it will last a lot longer than you think.

 

why will it only last 3 years and rust out?

 

Must be because of the sand and salt at the beach. Probably wears things out faster than we could imagine.

 

Everything he said, especially the valve adjustment!

Sounds like you will be using it for daily short trips. If the engine is not allowed to warm up completely, it will not be able to drive out the condensation, and you will end up with water in the crankcase. Be sure to take it for a good long ride as often as possible.

Where are you located? At Pismo, they rent quads that see salt water and ocean fog every day, and they sure aren't rusted out hulks in 3 years.

 

http://forums.atvconnection.com/hond...her-i-did.html

 

I am in Destin Fl...panhandle. This is the first time I have had a atv to help me on the beach. The companies that do have them have a rust problem before any engine problems...about 3-4 years. I am going to store it on the beach for April-Sept...I hope that will help make it last longer than keeping it on the beach year round.

 

Spray it down with fresh water regularly, even a quick rinse will help. The little effort will pay off in time. I'm in the air force. Everytime we fly below 1000' over salt water, we drive the old girl through a rinse rack when we're taxiing back in - kinda like an open air drive through car wash. It's a quick 2-3 minute rinse that helps keep the rust at bay between the more thorough periodic washdowns. Enjoy your machine.

 

Yeah, ditto that.

Washing, touching up chips, and maybe even some rust treatment may help.

I bet it lasts you many more years than you expect.