Bull Series UTV Pre-Operations Checks

Yanmar UTVs are rugged vehicles that can take you off the beaten path to all the places you want to go. But before you head out, it’s important to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. In this guide, we walk you through all of the checks you should make on your UTV each time you use it.

Daily Maintenance for Your UTV

In this section we’ll run through the daily maintenance items that should always be checked before operating your UTV.

Tools Needed

To successfully complete all of the pre-operation maintenance checks, you’ll need a few simple tools. This list includes:

14 mm socket
19 mm socket
Ratchet
5-inch extension
Torque wrench
Clean rags
Tire gauge

Brake Pedal Check

The first place we start is with the brake pedal, checking for free play in the pedal itself. Sit in the driver’s seat and apply pressure to the pedal. If you do find there is some free play, the best thing to do is contact your local Yanmar dealer and have the brake system checked.

Master Cylinder

The next check is the master cylinder. Inside the wheel well, check the cup that contains brake fluid to ensure it’s between the minimum and maximum fill level. Should it need to be topped off, only use Dot 4 brake fluid in your Yanmar UTV. If levels are too low it can impact your stopping power, while levels that are too high can damage calipers and seals in your system.

While you’re inspecting the brake fluid levels, also check this area for any leakage. Inspect both caps and fittings on the master cylinder to make sure no fluid is dripping out.

Brake Calipers

Moving on, we head to the brake calipers. These should be checked for each of the four tires, and can be found on the inside of the tires. All you need to do is ensure there is no leakage where the brake line connects to the caliper.

Engine Oil

At the back of the vehicle under the passenger seat you can check the engine oil. Always make sure the engine and components are cooled before touching or handling this area. Locate the dipstick and pull it out, then give it a quick wipe before putting it back in. Pull it out again and inspect the engine oil level. It should be between the high and low level fill lines. If your oil is below the low level, add oil to prevent damage to the engine. Similarly, if the oil is above the high level, drain it until it reaches appropriate levels.

Engine Coolant

Now we move along to the engine coolant. Go to the front passenger side wheel well where the coolant reservoir is located. Like with the other checks, make sure the coolant levels are between the high and low marks, adjusting as needed.

Final Gear Oil

The next check in line is the final gear oil on the backside of the machine. Wipe the area clean with a rag to prevent any dirt from contaminating it. Then, use your ratchet and socket to remove the bolt. Verify the oil level is at the bottom side of the bolt hole. If low, add additional oil. The recommended final gear oils are GL-4, GL-5, or SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil. Reinstall the bolt and use your torque wrench to tighten to 16 foot pounds.

Accelerator Pedal

Just like the brake pedal, the accelerator pedal needs to be inspected as well. Apply pressure to ensure it moves smoothly and depress to the floor, ensuring it springs back to the high position when you release it.

Seat Belt

The seat belt is one of the most important safety features your UTV offers. Pull it all the way out and check the webbing for any signs of tears or frays. Then release it to ensure it pulls itself back in fully. Next, check to see if it’s locking property by pulling it out slightly and then giving it a jerk or firm tug that will engage the lock. Finally, make sure the latch fits into the buckle and releases.

Passenger Hand Hold

On the passenger side of the vehicle, check to ensure the pins on the hand hold are secure. Grab the hand hold and give it a firm tug to confirm it’s not loose.

Steering Wheel, Display Panel, and Lights

First, sit in the driver’s seat and turn the wheel left and right, looking for excessive play, abnormal noise, or any rough feeling.

After checking the steering wheel, move on to the display. Turn power on to the machine and look at the display lights. Start with the parking brake light. Confirm the brake is engaged and the light is turned on. Next, go through all transmission lights, shifting from park through all of the different gears. From there, check the helmet reminder and seat belt warning lights and confirm they’re illuminated. Finally, shift the vehicle into 4WD and make sure the display comes on.

The last check here is your headlights. Turn them on and off to make sure they’re working, clean, and fully illuminated. Also shift them into high beams to ensure the extra visibility is available when needed. You should also tap the brakes a few times to confirm the brake lights in the rear are in good working condition.

Tires

With the light check completed, move on to the tires. To start, give them a quick visual inspection for damage like gouges in the tread or the front face of the tire. Using your tire gauge, verify the tire pressure. Correct tire pressure for your UTV is 11 PSI in the front and 15 PSI in the rear.

You can also use the opportunity to make sure the torque on the lug nuts is correct. They should be torqued to 54 foot pounds. Perform this check on all lug nuts for all four tires.

Axle Boots

The final check in this process is the CV axle boots. Walk around the UTV and verify there are no tears or holes in the inner or outer that could allow for contamination. Once you’ve inspected all four wheels, your pre-operation checks are complete!

Connect With Yanmar

At Yanmar, we want to help you get the most out of your equipment like tractors, attachments, and UTVs. From walkthrough videos like this to a wide range of Tractor Tips articles that help you understand the ins and outs of your machines, our Customer Experience Team is here to help you with all of your service and maintenance needs. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us online or give us a call at 678-551-7369.

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