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SECTION 5
DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
5.1 REMOTE AREA USE
When traveling in remote areas or when traveling long dis-
tances, the following items are essential:
• a first aid kit
• a complete survival kit
• protective clothing and footwear
• waterproof safety matches
• candles
• emergency flares
• communications equipment
• adequate fuel supply in approved, watertight containers
• fire extinguisher
• back-up battery
• basic mechanic’s tools and Argo spare parts
Before venturing into remote areas, carry out all inspections,
adjustments and lubrication checks detailed in this manual.
Do not proceed unless your vehicle is in good working condi-
tion.
Inform someone of your departure and return plans and your
route so that help can be dispatched if you do not return as
scheduled. Do not travel into a remote area alone.
Choose your equipment and supplies to meet the climate and
terrain conditions that you may encounter.
Practice safe driving habits when traveling in remote areas.
Avoid terrain that may be impassable.
5.2 ANGLE OF OPERATION
When operating any Argo vehicle on an angle, (up and down
hills or across uneven terrain that causes the vehicle to tilt in
any direction) the engine oil level and fuel delivery to the
engine is affected.
If the engine oil level falls below the oil pump intake, damage
can occur because of inadequate lubrication. To avoid engine
damage and costly repairs:
• Do not operate your engine continuously on angles or
inclines that are greater than 30 degrees in any direction.
• Make sure the engine oil level is near the “full” mark (How-
ever, do not overfill.)
The engine may also starve for fuel if the angle of operation is
excessive. An engine starved for fuel is likely to sputter and
hesitate, and may cause the vehicle to “buck.” This can lead
to loss of control and rollover. To prevent this, do not operate
the vehicle on slopes greater than 30 degrees.
5.3 UPHILL OPERATION
Never accelerate or brake suddenly while driving up
or down a hill. Sudden acceleration or braking can
cause the vehicle to roll over, causing serious personal
injury or death.
The rear compartment capacity of all 6 wheel ARGO
vehicles is 65 kg (140 lbs.) MAXIMUM. Exceeding this
weight limitation will decrease the stability of the vehi-
cle on inclines and increase the possibility of rolling
over backwards when climbing a grade. Do NOT ex-
ceed this weight in the rear compartment.
Never attempt to turn the vehicle around on a steep hill
or grade. Turning the vehicle around on a hill can
result in the vehicle rolling over.
Approach the hill head on to minimize the possibility of slid-
ing sideways or rolling over. Accelerate slowly to prevent loss
of traction. When traction is lost, the vehicle may slide side-
ways or backwards. If this occurs, apply the brakes gently
and evenly to stop the slide. Allow the vehicle to coast to the
bottom of the hill by carefully releasing the brakes.
Try to avoid steep hills. When a steep hill can’t be avoided, be
prepared to shift occupant weight forward, or have them get
out of the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from rolling over. As
a general rule, driving up a steep hill greatly increases the
possibility of rolling over.
5.4 DOWNHILL OPERATION
Always approach the hill head on to minimize the possibility
of sliding sideways, or rolling over. Gently apply the brakes to
control downward vehicle speed. Do not jam on the brakes
while traveling downhill. Sudden braking can cause the vehi-
cle to roll over frontwards.
An alternative to applying the brakes while going down a
gentle decline is to use engine braking. Select low range and
keep the engine speed up just enough to keep the clutch en-
gaged.
Avoid steep declines when possible. When a steep decline
cannot be avoided, shift occupant weight to the rear of the
vehicle to prevent the vehicle from rolling over. As a general
rule, driving the vehicle down a steep decline greatly increases
the possibility of rolling over.
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