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SECTION 2
GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION
2.1 NEW VEHICLE “BREAK-IN” PROCEDURE
To obtain long term, trouble free service from your vehicle,
observe the following break-in guidelines:
1. Vary the speed of the vehicle for the first tank of fuel.
Avoid full throttle operation during break-in period.
2. Check engine and transmission oil levels daily during
break-in period.
3. Change the transmission oil after initial 20 hours of opera-
tion, or after 2 tanks of fuel have been used. Failure to do
so can result in damage to the transmission bearings or
gear surfaces. Refer to Section 6.2.2 for transmission oil
changing instructions.
4. Change the engine oil in the Vanguard engine after the first
8 hours of operation & the Kawasaki and Kohler engine
after the first 20 hours of operation. Refer to Section 6.1.3
of this manual and the oil change section of each engine
owner’s manual for oil change information.
5. Check the idler chain adjustment each day before driving
the vehicle, and after the initial 2 hours of operation. Refer
to Section 7.2.5 for idler chain inspection and adjustment
information.
6. Never overload your vehicle. Trying to steer an overloaded
vehicle can overheat the brakes. This will lead to brake
fade which means loss of steering control and the ability
to stop the vehicle. Overloading the vehicle can lead to
premature brake system failures and costly damage to drive
chains, axles or bearings. Follow the recommended load
capacity for the vehicle listed in Section 1.4.
7. Do not allow the brakes to drag, particularly during the
first 10 hours of operation. To maximize brake pad life, start
by making several low speed turns to both sides. Allow
the brakes to cool by driving in a straight line. Repeat the
low speed turns. Allow the brakes to cool again. This pro-
cedure will properly seat the brake pad friction material to
the brake disc. The steering levers should be fully forward,
against the dash or handlebar (if equipped) kept centered,
during straight ahead operation. Dragging the brakes will
cause overheating of the brake components and result in
brake fade.
8. The axle flange gaskets and bearing extension gaskets have
a tendency to settle on new machines which could result
in a loosening of the flange and extension bolts. Check
and if necessary re-torque the bolts to 30 ft. lbs. (360 in.
lbs.) See Section 7.2.8.
2.2 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Carefully follow the engine manufacturer’s recommended pre-
operation/daily checks as well as the following:
1. Check the fuel level in the see-through tank located under
the driver’s seat.
2. Check the air pressure in all tires. NOTE: Improperly in-
flated tires can cause the vehicle to pull to one side, requir-
ing constant steering correction. See Section 7.2.6 for tire
pressure specifications.
3. Test the operation of the twist grip throttle control by turn-
ing it to the fully open position and releasing it. The throt-
tle must operate smoothly and return automatically to the
fully closed position. Take the vehicle to an ARGO dealer
if the twist grip requires adjustment.
4. Check hand operated brake lever on left hand steering bar
for braking capability. (All models except Vanguard) Sec-
tion 7.4.5. Check steering handle bar travel to the left and
to the right for steering capability. See Section 7.4.6 for
Plunger Pin Adjustment.
5. Check the steering lever travel by pulling both steering
levers fully to the rear (Vanguard Mechanical Brake Mod-
els). See Section 7.3.4 for proper adjustment details.
6. Check the engine intake and exhaust screen for obstruc-
tions. Clear any debris that has accumulated.
2.3 CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO
1. Keep cargo as low as possible and evenly distributed.
2. Use extreme CAUTION when negotiating inclines with a
loaded vehicle. Heavy loads and high loads decrease the
stability of the vehicle and may cause it to roll. Be pre-
pared to shift occupant weight and load forward or have
passengers get out of the vehicle to climb an incline.
3. Secure cargo to prevent it from shifting while driving.
4. Do not mount any heavy fixtures to the upper body with-
out support to the vehicle frame. The added weight may
cause body deformation that could result in the tires rub-
bing through the body.
The rear compartment capacity of all 6 wheel
ARGO vehicles is 65 kg (140 lbs.) MAXIMUM.
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