Argo Frontier 650 8x8 User Manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
MANUAL NO. 100-0103
Printed in Canada
08/2020
Do not remove this
manual from this vehicle.
Frontier 650 8x8
Frontier 700 8x8
Frontier 700 Scout 8x8
Frontier 600 6x6
Frontier 700 6x6
Frontier 700 Scout 6x6
Frontier 650 8x8 iFrontier 600 6x6 i

Argo Frontier 650 8x8 Specifications

General

Brand	Argo
Model	Frontier 650 8x8
Category	Offroad Vehicle
Language	English

Summary

A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT YOUR ARGO

PREFACE

SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

Amphibious Operation

Procedures and safety precautions for operating the Argo in water.

Maintenance Procedures

Overview of operator-performed maintenance tasks including checks and replacements.

Wind Chill Factor

Explanation of wind chill and its effects on operators in cold conditions.

Legend for Operator's Manual

Explanation of icons used throughout the operator's manual.

Argo Vehicle Capacity

Details vehicle capacity limits for occupants, cargo, and accessories.

Amphibious Trailer Capacity

Specifies load capacities for various Argo amphibious trailer models.

Rear Side Seats - 8 Wheel Models

Instructions for removing and installing rear side seats on 8-wheel models.

Rear Bench Seats - 8 Wheel Models

Instructions for removing and installing rear bench seats on 8-wheel models.

Frontier 6x6 Vehicle Matrix

Specifications and features for Frontier 6x6 models.

Frontier 8x8 Vehicle Matrix

Specifications and features for Frontier 8x8 models.

Frontier 6x6 i Vehicle Matrix

Specifications and features for Frontier 6x6 i models.

Identification and Location of Controls

Diagrams identifying key controls and their locations on the Argo.

Information Labels (8x8)

Overview of safety and operating labels found on 8x8 models.

Information Labels (6x6)

Overview of safety and operating labels found on 6x6 models.

SECTION 2 GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION

New Vehicle "Break-in" Procedure

Guidelines for initial break-in of a new Argo vehicle for optimal service life.

Pre-Operation Checks

Essential daily checks to perform before operating the Argo vehicle.

Carrying Passengers and Cargo

Recommendations for safely carrying passengers and cargo, including weight distribution.

Operators with Disabilities

Safety precautions and considerations for operators with disabilities.

Fueling the Vehicle

Safe procedures and guidelines for fueling the Argo with gasoline.

Vented Fuel System - All Models

Description of the vented fuel system and installation precautions.

Instrument Cluster

Explanation of the LCD instrument cluster displays and indicators.

SECTION 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Brakes and Steering

Detailed explanation of the skid-steer system, braking, and steering controls.

Emergency/Parking Brake System

How to apply and release the emergency and parking brake system.

Throttle Control

Instructions on using the finger throttle for speed control.

Starting Procedure

Step-by-step guide for starting the Argo engine safely.

Priming Procedure (EFI Models Only)

Procedure to prime the fuel system for EFI models after running out of fuel.

Stopping the Engine

Correct procedure for shutting down the Argo engine.

Selecting and Changing Transmission Gears

Important safety and operational guidelines for shifting gears.

Headlights

Instructions for operating the high/low beam headlight switch.

SECTION 4 DRIVING PROCEDURES

Driving Straight Ahead

How to drive the vehicle straight using the steering bar and throttle.

Stopping the Vehicle

Procedure for safely stopping the Argo vehicle.

Turning the Vehicle

Techniques for making turns, including skid-steer dynamics and precautions.

Backing the Vehicle Up

Instructions for backing up the vehicle and turning while reversing.

SECTION 5 DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS

Remote Area Use

Essential items and precautions for operating in remote areas.

Angle of Operation

Effects of operating on angles and limitations to prevent engine damage.

Uphill Operation

Safety guidelines and techniques for driving uphill to prevent rollovers.

Downhill Operation

Safety guidelines and techniques for driving downhill to prevent rollovers.

Side Slope Operation

Risks and precautions associated with operating on side slopes.

Amphibious Operation - General

General safety precautions and operational guidelines for water use.

Entering the Water

Precautions and best practices for safely entering the water with the Argo.

Driving Procedures in Water

Operating techniques and safety considerations for driving the Argo while floating.

Driving Out of Water

Procedure for safely exiting the water onto the shore.

Outboard Motor Bracket

Information on the optional outboard motor bracket and its use.

Winter Operation

Precautions and recommendations for operating the Argo in winter conditions.

Use on Ice Covered Bodies of Water

Specific warnings and important safety considerations for operating on ice.

SECTION 6 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION

Engine Oil Information

Information on engine oil types, checking levels, and recommendations.

Checking the Engine Oil Level

Detailed steps for checking the engine oil level daily.

Recommended Engine Oil

Guidance on selecting the correct API service class and viscosity for engine oil.

Changing Engine Oil

Procedures for draining and refilling the engine oil.

Transmission Oil Information

Information regarding transmission oil level checking and capacity.

Checking the Transmission Oil Level

Steps for checking the transmission oil level every 50 operating hours.

Changing the Transmission Oil

Procedure for changing the transmission oil at specified intervals.

Filter Information

Details on air, fuel, and oil filter types and maintenance.

Air Filter

Maintenance procedures for the air cleaner assembly and filter elements.

Fuel Filter - Kohler EFI

Location and type of fuel filter for Kohler EFI engines.

Fuel Filter - Briggs and Stratton

Location and type of fuel filter for Briggs and Stratton engines.

Oil Filter

Procedure for replacing the engine oil filter.

Lubrication Information

Overview of components requiring lubrication and recommended lubricants.

Clutch Lubrication

Information regarding clutch lubrication requirements and precautions.

Drive Chain Lubrication

Procedure for lubricating drive chains and maintenance intervals.

Automatic Chain Oiler System (if equipped)

Operation and maintenance of the automatic chain oiler system.

Idler Chain Lubrication

Procedure for lubricating idler chains and access instructions.

Outer Axle Bearing Lubrication

Procedure for lubricating outer axle bearings and frequency.

Idler Shaft Bearing Lubrication

Procedure for lubricating idler shaft bearings and recommended grease.

Inner Axle Bearing Lubrication

Procedure for lubricating inner axle bearings and frequency.

SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

Electrical System

General information and precautions for the vehicle's electrical system.

AGM Battery - (Yuasa) ARGO Part No. 10005B

Details on AGM battery activation, charging, and safety.

Electrical System Fuses

Location and function of electrical system fuses.

Spark Plugs

Procedure for inspecting, cleaning, and replacing spark plugs.

Spark Arrester

Instructions for cleaning and inspecting the spark arrester.

Drive System & Tires

Maintenance procedures for the drive system, belts, and tires.

Drive Belt

Inspection, adjustment, and replacement of the drive belt.

Clutch Maintenance

Information on clutch inspection, disassembly, and when service is required.

Drive Chains

Procedures for removing, installing, and maintaining drive chains.

Drive Chain Take-up System

Description and maintenance of the drive chain tensioning system.

Idler Chain

Maintenance and adjustment procedures for the idler chains.

Tire Inflation

Recommended tire pressures for different rims and terrain conditions.

Tire Repair and Replacement

Guidelines for repairing flat tires and replacing worn or damaged tires.

Axle Bearing Mounting

Procedure for checking and re-tightening axle bearing mounting nuts.

Hydraulic Brakes

General information and procedures for the hydraulic brake system.

Hydraulic Brake Pad Inspection

Procedure for inspecting brake pads for wear, glazing, or contamination.

Emergency/Parking Brake

Instructions for checking and adjusting the emergency/parking brake.

Brake Plunger Adjustment

Importance of proper brake plunger adjustment for preventing overheating.

Brake Cooling System

Maintenance of the brake cooling fan system for optimal performance.

Engine Cooling & Exhaust System

Information on engine cooling air flow and exhaust system inspection.

Daily Checklist - Minimum Recommendation

A list of essential daily checks for safe operation.

20/20 & 100/20 Service

Service charts outlining inspection and maintenance tasks at different intervals.

Maintenance Schedule

A comprehensive schedule for vehicle maintenance tasks based on operating hours.

SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION

General

Overview of accessories designed for the Argo and installation precautions.

Cargo Tie Downs

Information on using cargo tie-downs for securing loads in the rear compartment.

Argo Track System - Rubber Track

Description of the rubber track system and its benefits for traction.

Track Installation Preparation

Steps for preparing tires, including sizing and inflation, before track installation.

Installation Rubber Track System

Detailed instructions for installing the rubber track system onto the Argo.

Removal Argo Rubber Track System

Procedure for safely removing the Argo rubber track system.

Operating Precautions (Track Systems)

Safety guidelines for operating the Argo with track systems installed.

Ice Cleat Assembly

Information on ice cleats for improving traction on snow and ice.

Outboard Motor Bracket - Side Mount

Details on the side mount outboard motor bracket and its installation.

Argo Storage Covers

Information on Argo storage covers for protection against elements.

Power Winch

Overview of the power winch accessory and its capabilities.

Rules For Safe Operation

Essential safety rules and precautions for operating the power winch.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Winch

Advice and best practices for prolonging the lifespan of the winch.

Rear Mud Flap Accessory

Description of rear mud flaps for protection against mud and snow.

Handrail Accessory

Information on handrail accessories for passenger support and tie-down points.

Tow Hook Accessory

Details on the tow hook accessory for front or rear attachment.

Windshield

Specifications and installation notes for the Argo windshield.

Convertible Top

Information on the convertible top assembly, including folding and storage.

Snow Plow Accessory

Operation and safety precautions for the snow plow accessory.

Amphibious Trailer (4-Wheel & 8-Wheel)

Description of amphibious trailers for additional cargo carrying.

Operating Precautions

Recommendations for safe operation of amphibious trailers.

Rear Bench Seat

Information on the rear bench seat assembly and its installation.

Brushguard Accessory

Details on the brushguard accessory for protection and integrated tow hook.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Warranty Coverage Period

Defines the duration and scope of the limited warranty coverage.

Warranty Limitations & Exclusions

Lists conditions that will void the warranty and items not covered.

U.S. EPA & CARB EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE

U.S. EPA & CARB Evaporative Emissions Warranted Parts:

Lists components covered under the US EPA and CARB emissions warranty.