General Operating and Safety Precautions
Care, caution, experience and driving skill are the best precautions against
the hazard of DRX2 operation. Whenever there is the slightest doubt that
the vehicle can safely negotiate an obstacle of a particular piece of terrain,
always choose an alternate route. In off-road operation, power and traction,
not speed, are important. Never drive faster than visibility and your own
ability to select a safe route permits. Constantly watch the terrain ahead for
sudden changes in slopes or obstacles, such as rocks or stumps that may
cause loss of stability, resulting in tip-over or roll-over. Never operate the
vehicle if the controls do not function normally.
Uphill Driving
Due to configuration, DRX2 have excellent climbing ability, so much so that
tip-over is possible before traction is lost. For example, it is common to
encounter terrain situations where the top of the hill has eroded to a point
that the hill peak rises very sharply. The DRX2 can readily negotiate such a
condition, however, in doing so, when the front of the vehicle is driven to a
point that the vehicle’s balance changes rearward tip over can occur.
The same situation may apply if an embedded object causes the front of the
vehicle to climb more than desired. If such a situation occurs take an
alternate route. Be aware of side hilling dangers when doing so. It is also
wise to know the terrain condition on the other side of the hill or bank. All
too often there exists a sharp drop-off that is impossible to negotiate or
descend.
Downhill Driving
As a rule, DRX2s can climb slopes that are steeper than they can safely
descend. Therefore, it is essential to assure that a safe route exists to
descend a slope before you climb it. Decelerating while negotiating a
slippery downhill slope could “toboggan” the vehicle. Maintain steady speed
and/or accelerate slightly to regain control.
Side Hilling
Whenever possible, such operation should be avoided. If necessary, do so
with extreme caution. Side hilling on steep inclines could result in roll-over.
In addition, slippery or un-firm surfaces could result in uncontrollable side
sliding. Do not attempt to turn the vehicle downhill with the slide. Avoid all
objects or depressions that will intensify the raising of one side of the
vehicle higher than the other, thus causing roll-over.
Drop-Offs
A DRX2 will “bottom-out” and usually stop if either the front or rear wheels
are driven over a drop-off. If the drop is sharp or deep, the vehicle will nose
To Next Page
Loading...