Gonna go pick up a Max IV I just bought... need a measurement, open to suggestions

[TripleTriple]

I just bought a Max IV I need to go pick it up this coming Saturday

Of course I have to carry it in the bed of my truck (Ram 2500, 8' box) because both my trailers are full of scrap. So I made a platform out of 2x10's and plan on taking 4 more for ramps (8footers make a STEEP ramp!!) I'll find a ditch or bank or something-no worries there.
I would like to avoid running a Max IV through my rear window if at all possible so, I was hoping someone could tell me what the measurement from the leading edge of the front end (no winch... YET) to the leading edge of the front tires so I can make a "bump stop" for it.
The plan is to get it home, into the garage and change all the fluids (Type F with 4oz LSD additive for the T-20) Mobil 1 Synthetic 10w 30 for the 18 HP vangard and clean,lube and adjust the chains and anything else I see. Any suggestions there? I hope to be tearing up the yard by Sunday afternoon- the wife will be SO proud!

[liflod]

Back it into the bed of the truck. The tires stick out farther than the body. Definately find a ditch or a bank so the ramps are real close to level. If this is your first machine, see if the previous owner will back it in for you. Just put a 4x4 at the forward wall of your truck bed. Watch out for the trailer hitch on the max, it sticks out a little farther.

[TripleTriple]

Good info! That is what I will do. Thanks liflod!

[TripleTriple]

Got it home. Was that the hard part???

So... got home tonight with the "new" Max IV. I LEARNED a few things.

1) The truck bed platform is a pain-SCARY to load and puts the Max rollbar about 9' in the air. (ask the girl at the McDonalds Drive through )-Served a purpose though.

2) NEED to shut the key off.. Battery died, then froze on the trip home.
3) Throttle cable froze on the trip too. Tried to unload it with my buddy running the throttle from the back seat. This Max had sat for a long time so I assume the clutches were sticky or something because first I smelled belt... then I saw the sky! The wife says it never touched the ramps... OOPS!!

So I got it home at 1800 and it is now 0255 It is completly tore apart in my garage. The chains are adjusted,the oils changed, the clutches off, apart, cleaned and back on and the tub is CLEAN. Gonna go pick up a solenoid and a belt tomarrow morning and start putting it back together. Hope to ride it in the evening

[Bud]

I am glad that you got it home safely, and learned a few things in the process.

Congratulations on your new AATV.

[Noel Woods]

I would drain the fuel out, clean the tank, air dry it out, then reinstall. Its a good time to check fuel lines as well. Carb could no doubt use a cleaning. Change plugs, etc. These things along with the other things mentioned should get you ready to roll. The modern fuel additives, especially ethanol, cause many issues.

[TripleTriple]

I have A couple of bugs that I could use some direction on. (Its a 2000 Max IV 18hp Vanguard)

1) Headlights wont work
2) Won't start with the key (Battery and solenoid are new.) I replaced the ignition switch with a new RI 6 prong replacement switch. I have power at the switch, where it should be and I can jump across the solenoid to get it to start. I have power at the exciter wire for the solenoid when the key is moved to "Start". I've tried 2 different solenoids and my grounds look good (tightened and cleaned.) The fuses are new and verified with a multimeter..... HELLLLP!!!
3) I haven't gotten any of the manuals and such from RI yet so I could use some guidance in adjusting the valves.

Besides that, This thing is AWESOME!! just need to tinker a bit more then it's off to the hunting grounds to see if I can drive to where I always had to walk.

Oh and Noel-I thought about that last night as well- gas tank is flushed, new fuel line, inline filter and new gas

[TripleTriple]

Well,,, the third solenoid was the charm-starts right up now. Tractor Supply is on the "Naughty" list. Figured out the Headlights too- I have to get some bulbs.
I put the throttle cable heater on a seperate switch that lights up when it is on (I had an extra hole in the dash) and stuck in two 12V accessory ports along with an onboard trickle charger for when (if?) it sits.
Next on the List is the mods I know I want (underseat tool box, Body band, winch,snow plow, gun rack and a rear rack.) is the body band- everything else kinda builds off that.
I did take it out for its Maiden voyage tonight and had a GREAT time. It did take a while to figure out a few things. Down-hilling in particular is a whole new experience-it can get wierd if you don't stay calm and finesse the laterals just right.

[Mike]

You got those problems sorted out quick enough. Enjoy your Max.

[TripleTriple]

Thanks Mike... Sleep is optional! I'll post up some pics after my next outing.

[TripleTriple]

Winch is Mounted



During the process I also tied it into the lower tub-used some huge backing plates- doesn't budge!

Started working on my interpretation of storage compartments as well


Gonna fab up a under the rear seat box and try to advantage of some other nooks, and crannies.

Also went for my first "swim" yesterday... just keeps getting cooler