honda rancher 2008 with foot shifting problem

i have purchased a 2008 honda rancher 420 with foot shifter on left side. it is hard to shift the lever,almost impossible. i have to shut the motor off,shift into neutral each time to go to any gear. running, no shift.off, shifts easy as pie. the idle speed is correct.i changed oil with no difference noted. . I have searched everywhere for information,but haven’t found much at all. any help or information would be much appreciated.