BudgetATVs / TaoTaoUSA ??

[PoManzATV]

Does anyone have any feedback in regards to this online order outfit? Reason I ask; I mail-ordered an ATV from them, initial [layaway] pymt on 12/5/09, paid in full as of 12/27/09 and have yet to receive any type of confirmation, email, etc. I called them this AM inquiring about my order, was asked what the last name was on the order, then put on hold for 15min. I had other stuff going on so had to hang up. I just tried them again (4:15pmEST) only to get "all circuits are busy" on all their numbers. I know this is a busy week being between Holidays and tonight is New Year's Eve and all, but this all still concerns me. :? I know there's a few complaints floating around online if you research this, but given they've been in business ~3yrs, it looks like they do a LOT of sales. Hopefully this will pan out. Just thought I'd share so far.

Joel

[Weldangrind]

My guess is that most small business owners are there in spirit only this week. It will likely be business as usual next week; do you have an email address for them that you can use? That will at least communicate your message, vs. a busy signal.

[PoManzATV]

Yeah, hopefully that's just it. The Holiday week shuffle. Still can't help being a little paranoid what with all the 'belly-up' going on as of late. 8O The only time I emailed them was in regards to simple question for which I never got a reply.

Joel

[Q]

Did you pay in full by using a credit card? That's the only way I would buy an ATV, motorcycle, or any expensive item on line.

Q

[PoManzATV]

Yup. Credit card. It's paid for, just waiting for some semblance of a conformation and I'm reaching here.. but a tracking #, ship date, etc..

Joel

[PoManzATV]

I called again today. It rang a bunch of times and a fella finally answered (Steve, sounded like a decent dude). I asked about the order status, he took my name and asked if I'd hold for the billing department. I was on hold for about 5min and Steve came back on. Billing is busy, they had my order but for what ever reason the last payment didn't go thru. They'll put it through and (hopefully) send me an email confirmation. From there Steve said I'll get a call from the shipping company when the unit arrives in my State, so they can schedule a drop-off.

Joel

[TurboT]

I called again today. It rang a bunch of times and a fella finally answered (Steve, sounded like a decent dude). I asked about the order status, he took my name and asked if I'd hold for the billing department. I was on hold for about 5min and Steve came back on. Billing is busy, they had my order but for what ever reason the last payment didn't go thru. They'll put it through and (hopefully) send me an email confirmation. From there Steve said I'll get a call from the shipping company when the unit arrives in my State, so they can schedule a drop-off.

Joel

Keep us posted! Hopefully all goes according to plan!

[PoManzATV]

Got a confirmation email late yesterday afternoon. My order has been processed and I should get it within a week. So far so good!

Joel

[Weldangrind]

Good news! Please post photos of the uncrate and assembly process.

[PoManzATV]

I'll definitely post pics on how it looks shipped, etc. I got another email 1/8/10 from BudgetATV stating it's been shipped, they used Old Dominion shipping and supplied me with a tracking number. It's on it's way to Columbus OH from Carrollton TX, then to Buffalo NY. Interestingly enough the Old Dominion freight terminal is right around the corner from where I work. I could prolly slide the crate in the back of one of our vehicles (Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Santa Fe). If I needed to, but it looks like the estimated shipping date is 1/13/10. Someone has to be there to sign off on the shipment.

Joel

[katoranger]

If it is easier for you to get it from the terminal I would do that. You won't have to wait around half a day for them to deliver and sign for it. Just call the terminal and tell them.

Allen

[PoManzATV]

I did just that. The terminal is literally a quarter mile from where I work so I scooted out and picked it up today. They fork lifted it out and we slid it into the back of my Hyundai Santa Fe (yeah I know... 3 kids and a wife will do that to you). It actually fit with room to spare, rear seats folded down obviously. It's packed/bolted into an angle iron frame, covered in plastic and then covered in a heavy cardboard box. The packing doesn't look like it took to bad a beating on it's journey, but I won't have a chance to get at it until Friday or beyond. The whole 'box' weighs in at 250lbs per the shipper, I was able to slide it out of the back of my car and onto the garage floor with the help of a set of car ramps. Kids dunno anything about it yet. I'll post back with pics as soon as I can!

Joel

[PoManzATV]

The only issue is I paid for a 110D1 and got a 110D, so they owe me a plastic cover that bolts over the steel tube front bumper/guard.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/002-2.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/003-1.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/004-1.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/005-1.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/006-1.jpg

Joel

[Weldangrind]

It looks good! Don't forget that the tires are meant to be directional; they're pointing the wrong way in the crate.

[katoranger]

At least you got it. Also I see its an upgrade from the powerwheel there.

The kids willnot care about a piece of plastic. The will be too busy tearing up the grass. Or right now the snow.

Allen

[TurboT]

It looks good in the crate! Looks like a sharp piece.

I bet you'll have fun slappin' it together. Don't forget your loctite!

[PoManzATV]

Bwhahaa! I think they actually put more attention to detail in the shipping frame than they did the ATV! I cant break it apart!! Nahh.. it's not that bad. It's pretty much what I expected for $650, 'cept they sent me the $640 one and charged me $650 (cheaper front bumper). The structural welds actually look pretty good. Non-structural like bird poop. The steering knuckles are a different design and not like the ones pictured on the site. These look good. They are cast and look sturdy. The A-arms are gusseted well, and the engine looks good. One totally ridiculous thing is; The ONLY way to get access to the engine oil dipstick is to remove the right side foot-well which takes 8 nut/bolts. I suppose it's 'safer' this way since it seals off the hot engine from your kids. Another crazy thing is; The carb bowl vent hose terminates into something that looks just like a fuel filter, except the open end is plugged off?!?! I snipped off the sealed end w/ pliers. Otherwise there'd be no way for the carb bowl to vent. There is also no fuel shut-off valve or a fuel filter on it. In fact it's only about 6" of fuel line between the tank and the carb. Very little room in there. Oh.. and a WHOLE mess of wiring. It's got the two headlamps on the body and one on the handlebar. I'll snap some photos in the next day or 3..

Joel

[FastDoc]

Fun project. Sounds like you are doing a thoughtful assembly. You'll have a great time, So will the kids. How many cc's is the ATV?

[TheRealWorld]

I enjoy hearing about your experience as if it was mine, cant wait to hear more.

[PoManzATV]

Some pics as assembled. Note how the right side footwell has to be completely removed to check/add/change oil and the "California" emissions package.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/006-2.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/005-2.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/009.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/007.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/008B.jpg




Joel

[FastDoc]

My thoughts, bearing in mind I don't have an ATV. Both are oil drains. Q's, Lifanoids, and I think Zongs each have more than one oil drain. I don't know why. It may be so the engine can be used in ATV's or motorcycles.

I'd consider cutting an access hole in that panel to better be able to check the oil.

Too bad Spud does not have one of these, all the modifications options would have been pre-explored. 8)

[PoManzATV]

Doc, what's even funnier (or sad.. depending how u look at it), any "service manual" you can dig up online for these engines will show the belly of the engine w/ the two plugs just like I pic'd, but even the MANUAL doesn't tell you which to remove!!

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/mtpockets06/110ccOildrain.jpg

Joel

[FastDoc]

Yup. ChinaBike Standard Operating Procedeure. :roll:

Pick one and figure it out. 8)

Good thing we have American, and Canadian, ingenuity!

[PoManzATV]

That's a fact. Sites like this make these ATVs possible as far as I'm concerned.

Joel

[TurboT]

If you take the plug out that is on an angle, you'll find there is a spring in there that launches out at you. Virtually no oil comes out of there and I'd recommend you leave it on. Take the bolt out that is in line/flat with the bottom of the motor, I think it's a 17mm, and it will drain the oil for you.

The one on an angle that is leaking, you can remove carefully and add some teflon tape to the threads to enhance sealing. It is a 'pipe' thread, so should seal for you automatically, but.. :) Just be aware of that spring. I almost lost the hardware taking it off the first time.

[PoManzATV]

Yep. Indeed it's the 17mm plug. It's got a nice aluminum crush washer, but they still glopped it up with pipe dope.
I was able to get out in the garage today and finally got it fired up. Boy does that 107cc run nice! I added a plastic fuel cutoff inline between the tank & carb and gassed her up. I pulled the right side footwell so I could check the oil. It looked and smelled like motor oil, it's just as thick as honey at ~28degF out. Figured out you have to mash the foot brake to energize the starter. Then cranked and cranked and cranked it. No fire? It is cold out. I got nervous, pulled the sparkplug to check for spark. A wicked blue arc there. Popped the plug back in and tried again. It lit right off! Within 10-20sec of running I could idle it right down as smooth as butter. It is very smooth for something solidly mounted like it is. I set the throttle lock screw real low for the kids, ran it a good 20min until it was good and HOT. I let the kids try it in the driveway a bit and then changed the oil. The only issue so far is I have no headlights. The round cyclops headlight has a small amber 'running light' setting that does work (it's got 2 bulbs in it), but none of the 3 headlights are working. I poked around until it got too dark and cold and gave up for now.

Joel

[MICRider]

Yep. Indeed it's the 17mm plug. It's got a nice aluminum crush washer, but they still glopped it up with pipe dope.
I was able to get out in the garage today and finally got it fired up. Boy does that 107cc run nice! I added a plastic fuel cutoff inline between the tank & carb and gassed her up. I pulled the right side footwell so I could check the oil. It looked and smelled like motor oil, it's just as thick as honey at ~28degF out. Figured out you have to mash the foot brake to energize the starter. Then cranked and cranked and cranked it. No fire? It is cold out. I got nervous, pulled the sparkplug to check for spark. A wicked blue arc there. Popped the plug back in and tried again. It lit right off! Within 10-20sec of running I could idle it right down as smooth as butter. It is very smooth for something solidly mounted like it is. I set the throttle lock screw real low for the kids, ran it a good 20min until it was good and HOT. I let the kids try it in the driveway a bit and then changed the oil. The only issue so far is I have no headlights. The round cyclops headlight has a small amber 'running light' setting that does work (it's got 2 bulbs in it), but none of the 3 headlights are working. I poked around until it got too dark and cold and gave up for now.

Joel

Grats! It's alive! :) Those lil 110's purr like a kitten. My son's does too, wish my beast sounded as smooth!

[PoManzATV]

Yes, impressive indeed and makes me happy it runs well in temps below freezing. Apparently I've got an 'emissions compliant' carb with little/no adjustability. Just an idle screw. It's this carb with a plug in place of the mixture screw (towards the airfilter end)

http://syndication.syntric.net/inventory/images/128/parts/big/11575_3.JPEG

I also figured out I overfilled the engine oil. The goofy plastic dipstick is next to useless and the only place to find specs/fluid capacities is fine sites like this one! I added a quart of Napa Fleet 15w40, when it looks like the 110cc holds 0.62 quarts (just over half a quart??)

Joel

[TheRealWorld]

You did not particularity care for the dealer you purchased your ATV from, is this machine available any where else. And just for clarity can you tell me the actual model?

[waynev]

Are you saying that screw with the blue paint above it is not adjustable as your air/fuel mixture screw? As for oil you should be using motorcycle grade oil not automotive oil.

[TheRealWorld]

Would you be so kind as to sit on that ATV and take a pic of yourself so we can see about how big it is? It looks bigger than it should.

[VinceDrake]

Just as an aside, Usually 15w40, and 20w50 are *not* friction modified oils, so they should be more or less fine. Not as good as a dedicated "Motorcycle oil" But still okay.

Generally speaking if the SAE circle on the back of the bottle does *Not* say "Energy conserving" it should be alright in a motorcycle engine.

--Vince

[waynev]

Are you saying that screw with the blue paint above it is not adjustable as your air/fuel mixture screw? As for oil you should be using motorcycle grade oil not automotive oil.

Oh.....i get it now, that pic shows the normal air screw, your's is plugged

Good point on the oil vince.

[PoManzATV]

Would you be so kind as to sit on that ATV and take a pic of yourself so we can see about how big it is? It looks bigger than it should.

It's a tiny ATV. The seat is just under 2ft off the ground. At 6ft, 225lbs I can get on it, but it ain't pretty . :oops: May be worth a few laughs.

Joel

[PoManzATV]

Generally speaking if the SAE circle on the back of the bottle does *Not* say "Energy conserving" it should be alright in a motorcycle engine.

--Vince

Yep, that's what I was thinking Vince. I'm more concerned about proper level at this point. Web info indicated 0.6qts, then I read of owners who just fill it to a quart?!? What's a poor boy to do.

Joel

[TheRealWorld]

Thanks, it does look much bigger, and that is what I thought for its size. Your a good sport!

[Weldangrind]

Good news! Glad to here that it runs. I hope you figure out the headlight issue.

BTW, the bolt with a spring behind it that TurboT described is the cam chain tensioner. It's best to use the other bolt.

[FastDoc]

Wow. Glad someone knew! 8O

[TurboT]

:) I couldn't remember if it was for the cam chain or something to do with the oil pump, so I kept my mouth shut. :) I just knew the spring comes out of there at 100 miles an hour when you hit the last thread, and parts go everywhere. 8O

I've run 15-40 Diesel oil in my 110cc since it was new, basically because I hadn't discussed oils on the forum before, and I followed what the manual that came with it said. I've had no transmission or engine problems on my 110 so, as mentioned, you're more than likely fine. Next oil change, which I plan to do before it gets ridden again, 10-40 motorcycle oil will go in.

[PoManzATV]

You did not particularity care for the dealer you purchased your ATV from, is this machine available any where else. And just for clarity can you tell me the actual model?

It's kind of hard for me to rate BudgetATVs. The online ordering/purchasing process went smooth aside for the last CC payment I had to re-do. Their phone availability was not good around the holidays which is somewhat understandable. It shipped quick with tracking info and I was able to pick it up at the loading dock instead of waiting a few more days to have it delivered to the house. I did get the basic machine I ordered in the color I wanted, but I paid $659 for an ATA-110D1, but instead I was sent a $649 ATA-110D. The only difference is in the front bumper. Not a huge deal and when I called them and explained the situation, they were very cool about it and said they would call me when the parts come in and send them to me no charge. They had the plastic part of the bumper in stock, not the metal framework for it. No call as of yet. In actuality, I'm fine w/ what I've got and would be happy with a $10 refund. Not a great loss if it doesn't happen. The only 'hardware' issue is the headlights don't work. If it wasn't 20degF out, I'd poke around some more. I guess with my experience so far, I'd give BudgetATVs a 7 out of 10 rating. There's a lot out there that are better I'm sure.

Joel

[TheRealWorld]

PoManzATV said,

" Their phone availability was not good around the holidays which is somewhat understandable".

I know what you mean, but hey, I am just glad when they can speak English!

Thanks for the info!

[PoManzATV]

Yep, they were definitely Texas boys. YEEEhaw and whatnot.

Joel

[TurboT]

There is a full model list of all TaoTao ATV's here:
http://www.taotao.us/index.htm

It doesn't look like TaoTao uses the Zong engines. Some better photos of them and you can pretty clearly see "Loncin" on most of them. You will also see the other one that's been discussed in the ATV forum with the strange shock resovoirs. Think it was from powermaxatv.

[PoManzATV]

I still can't figure the freaking headlamp issue out. I found the only fuse holder on the machine and managed to shatter the spare fuse inside in the process of trying to open the the fuse holder. The fuse that's in place meters fine. I tried calling Budget ATVs today to see if they could guide me in the right direction, email me an accurate wiring diagram, etc. A Chickedy answered, told me their 2 Techs were currently with customers. She took a message. I never got a callback. When it gets warmer out and I have the time (and patience), I'll pull the plastic body so I can get at the wiring easier. It's a freaking nightmare trying to get in there on a tiny quad. BTW, I had to throw the battery charger on it today because it was 18degF out, but it fired right up and ran excellent. Had the boys out in the yard on it, but it doesn't go too well in 4-6" of snow. Not well at all with the 4" of ground clearance it has. In short, I don't think I'd recommend BudgetATVs to anyone at this point.

Joel

[TheRealWorld]

A little help on the lights. You should be able to see what wire color you have at the lights, one will be the ground, trace it to be sure it is grounded or meter it to be sure the ground leaving the light is grounded to the frame.

The other wire at the lights should be traced back to the positive side of the battery but it will go through the switch. If all is good, then jumper the switch or ohm it out to make sure the switch is closing. It might not hurt to be sure that the lights are good.

Good luck with it.

[fishman10]

yes ,good idea to check the bulb also ,the last one i bought for my son the 2 lights in the front bumper worked, but the one onthe handlebars did not,it was just the bulb filament was broken, probably from the long voyage.

[PoManzATV]

Yeah, of course it's a maze of wiring because of the settings; Hi/lo beams. High mounted lamp only, lowers only or all three. A separate setting for the amber running light. Lots-o-wires and a little space to work. Once the weather warms, I can pull the plastic body to gain better access.

Joel

[TurboT]

I still can't figure the freaking headlamp issue out. I found the only fuse holder on the machine and managed to shatter the spare fuse inside in the process of trying to open the the fuse holder. The fuse that's in place meters fine. I tried calling Budget ATVs today to see if they could guide me in the right direction, email me an accurate wiring diagram, etc. A Chickedy answered, told me their 2 Techs were currently with customers. She took a message. I never got a callback. When it gets warmer out and I have the time (and patience), I'll pull the plastic body so I can get at the wiring easier. It's a freaking nightmare trying to get in there on a tiny quad. BTW, I had to throw the battery charger on it today because it was 18degF out, but it fired right up and ran excellent. Had the boys out in the yard on it, but it doesn't go too well in 4-6" of snow. Not well at all with the 4" of ground clearance it has. In short, I don't think I'd recommend BudgetATVs to anyone at this point.

Joel

Wiring on these things can be real gremlins. The connectors are of poor quality and can slide out easily as well. I've found none of the chinese atv's I've had have come with well functioning lights. Not sure why that is.

I don't know your reseller at all, but it's very unlikely you'd get support from anyone selling these things for this type of issue. I'm not surprised you didn't get a call back. Maybe that's a sad state of the industry, I'm just not surprised. :)

Wish I could be of more assistance on the lights, but it's one of those things you need to dive in with your tester and poke around and find the one bad wire in the mix. 8O

[FastDoc]

Once you get the plastic out of the way and have the time you'll sort it out. :D