this may sound stupid but when should i shift?

 

Go by ear, shift when the motor sounds like its reving to fast, down shift when the motor sounds like its lugging. Just keep the rpm in the sweet spot that sounds right. If you bought the auto you do not even have to think about the correct gear selection.

Use low range when doing heavier slow pulling or pulling or on slow rough muddy trails or sections.

 

thanks a lot. I tried "playing it by ear" but was still worreid about not doing that well of a job and possibly burning something up or messing up my machine. i noticed that when the motor seemed to sound like it needed to shift i would do so but sometimes it jerked pretty hard. am i doing something wrong?

 

Let off the throttle when you shift to another gear and the transaction will be smoother.

 

You'll get the hang of it.
FYI: you got a mighty durable machine. I doubt you'll hurt it while your learning.