Heya,
New forum member here and on top of that a new owner of two quads. This is my first set of quads but have done a fair amount of dirt bike riding when I was younger, which let’s just say was more than a few years ago.

I ended up buying a 10’ Polaris 550XP and 09’ Trail Boss 330 for the boy. The majority of use will be for hunting and camping on hardpack, trails, dirt and the occasional mud/water hole and rocks.

Anyway, I pick up the quads later this week and would like hear any advice, lessons learned, or ideas on what to do or not to do with them to prolong their life. I’ll follow the maintenance schedule of course but would like to hear what you all have done on top of this? I’ve already decided to get some stronger protection for the A arms and perhaps other parts of the under carriage. As far as general cleaning goes, I’m a bit on the meticulous side when it comes to my vehicles and other toys it will get a thorough cleaning after each use. On that note, are there any particular areas to really pay attention to after a ride as far as cleaning goes? I can remember reading that some folks grease the wheels more than what the service manual states too? Any thoughts on that?

Lastly, any suggestions on a good shop manual? I'd like to do most of the maintance and repairs on my own but will need a good pub. Many thanks!

I’ll take any advice or pointers you wanna throw my way! Thanks in advance for helping the new guy out and I look forward to many hours on the trails!

Cheers,
JG

 

I almost always do a pre-ride and post-ride inspection. (oil,rad fluid,air filter,tires, look for any thing out of place or broken, etc. I also use dialectic grease on all electrical connections to help keep moisture out. I do service's at the normal scheduled maintenance time unless I've been riding or working the quad excessively hard. (May not be necessary but it gives me peace of mind) I hit all the grease zerts more often than the book recommends. And If I've been in deep water I always grease afterward to push out any water that may have gotten in. (Once again my peace of mind) Aftermarket CV boot guards are not a bad idea. Pending on where and how you ride a winch is always advisable IMO. Many guys use different products to clean with, I use a silicon based tire shine on everything to help keep the mud from sticking so bad, not to mention me likey shiny! When I clean after a ride, I pay particularly close attention to the CV boots to make sure there's no rips or tears and to make sure I get all mud and debris out and away from them. By the way WELCOME!

 

Welcome and a huge ditto on readymixer's post! Keep an eye on ebay for factory manuals as they are the best. I've gotten mine for $20 and under. Sometimes you can get lucky and find free pdf downloads online. As far as cleaning goes, I never use a pressure washer because they can force water in places it doesn't belong. I will go through mine and remove as much debris by hand and then hit her with the hose thoroughly. Enjoy the ride!!!

 

Welcome to forum and congrats on new rides...On my 550 XP after riding in mud i remove the rear skid guard..(about six-seven bolts) to remove the mud and debris under trans and rear end..that is the only spot that is hard to clean on this atv...

 

Good advice and thank you for replying. Good idea about hitting the zerks after riding in water, will put that one of the post ride list. I do have a Warn hitch on order, which I'd rather have and not need that need and not have. Is there anything you keep the water off of during the post ride cleaning, besides the digital gauge assembly? Thanks again.

JG

 

Thanks for the pointers, would have probably missed that one.

JG

 

Switz,

The 09' manual should work for a 550XP, correct? I don't believe there was much in the way of changes between the two years? Thanks.

JG

 

Welcome to the forums.

Like the others have said, pre and post ride maintenance will make both last a lot longer. Got my manuals on ebay as well. One for my trail boss was the factory hard copy, and another one for my trail blazer was a cd. Obviously whoever made the cd did it from a copy as the picture quality was off a bit. Not enough to make them unreadable though. Just be sure if you do go the cd route to make sure it is the correct year model. Had gotten one for my 06 kfx400 and when it arrived it was for an 03. Quite a few changes in those two.

Enjoy the new rides.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to the 4M!!! This is a awesome place for tip, tricks, and all around info regaurding ATV's... I hope you get as much use out of it as the rest of us