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Saudi Arabia. We are proud to provide you with a vehicle that represents the ultimate in amphibi- ous, all-terrain transportation. Your safety and the safety of all ARGO users is of the greatest concern to us. You will find numerous safety statements in this manual. Please read and follow them carefully. Always be safety conscious when you operate your ARGO and remember it is a motorized vehicle.
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Read this manual before you operate your ARGO. It contains safe operating instructions and warns the user about potential hazards that can result in per- sonal injury. Warnings are identified in the text by the following symbol: Warning text warns the user about potential hazards that can result in personal injury or death.
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• No one under the age of 16 should be allowed to operate the ARGO. Children under the age of 16 may not have the skills, abilities or judgement needed to operate the Argo safely and may be involved in an accident causing severe injury or death.
If the engine requires servicing, take the vehicle to an author- 1.1 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION ized engine service outlet. All models of the ARGO are amphibious and capable of tra- 1.3 WIND CHILL FACTOR versing calm water. Special operating procedures and safety...
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SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION Carefully observe the maximum load capacity for your vehicle ARGO 6 x 6 VANGUARD2 (N) on land and in water as listed in the following: Engine: Briggs & Stratton Vanguard, 480 cc (16 h.p.) V-Twin, 4 cycle, air cooled...
25x11.5-9NHS, 2 ply Dry Weight: 542kg (1195lbs) Do NOT use an Argo on water when equipped with a snow plow. Do NOT use an Argo 6x6 in water when ARGO FRONTIER (F) equipped with a ROPS. The increased weight of the Engine: Briggs &...
Argo. Figure 1-1 Location of Information Labels - All Models The label shown below is located behind the seat in the rear compartment of all 6-wheel models.
The throt- changing instructions. tle must operate smoothly and return automatically to the fully closed position. Take the vehicle to an ARGO dealer 4. Change the engine oil in the Vanguard engine after the first if the twist grip requires adjustment.
If parts of your body are pain insensitive, please take extra care to ensure that your skin does not touch components of the Argo that may be hot. Also, be aware of hot air exhaust outlets and moving parts. The information below pertains to safety proce-...
All C, R, B, A, N and S models of the ARGO are equipped with Land Operation a 32 litre (7.0 Imp. Gal., 8.4 U.S. Gal.) “see-thru” polyethelene fuel tank located underneath the driver’s seat.
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Never use gasoline or other harsh solvents to clean the Argo body. All Camouflage material is especially vul- nerable to damage and peeling if it comes into contact with gasoline. Take precautionary action when...
Models The ARGO is a skid steer vehicle. During a turn, the rear of the vehicle swings outward as the vehicle pivots on the front tire on the inside of the turn. To make a right hand turn, the rear of the vehicle skids out to the left.
(N) starting position until the engine idles down com- 8. Release the parking brake. pletely. The ARGO is equipped with an automatic clutch that is activated by engine speed. If the engine idle speed is too high, the transmission will grind during...
All ARGO vehicles are equipped with 2 headlights that are operated through the dash mounted light switch. To turn the NOTE: You will find it easier to engage high gear if the gear lights on, pull the light switch out.
4.3 TURNING THE VEHICLE All V, H, F, C, R, B, A and N Models The ARGO is a skid steer vehicle. The rear of the vehicle swings The Moto-Cross style steering bar is spring loaded to return outward during a turn. Always take precautions when making to a centered position.
SECTION 4 DRIVING PROCEDURES 4.3.1 Left Turn 4.4.1 Turning The Vehicle While Backing Up All S Models Pull the left steering lever back to make a turn to the left. Pull Do NOT oversteer. Avoid the tendency to push or pull the right steering lever back to make a turn to the right.
5.2 ANGLE OF OPERATION Always approach the hill head on to minimize the possibility When operating any Argo vehicle on an angle, (up and down of sliding sideways, or rolling over. Gently apply the brakes to hills or across uneven terrain that causes the vehicle to tilt in control downward vehicle speed.
To install, locate the drain plugs at the rear of the vehicle and thread each drain plug in a 5. Do not use the Argo in water when equipped with tracks clockwise direction into the plug fitting ensuring a snug unless it is also equipped with an outboard motor.
SECTION 5 DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS Figure 5-2. Location of rear drain plugs (AVENGER and FRONTIER models). 4. Visually check the lower body of the vehicle for cuts, punc- tures or holes that will allow water to enter the vehicle. 5.
Accelerate slowly until the vehicle is out of the water. If vehicle is equipped with a ROPS system, re-fasten seatbelts. Using the ARGO on ice-covered bodies of water is po- tentially hazardous. Use extreme caution. Exposure to 5.6.4 Outboard Motor Bracket cold water reduces a person’s chance of survival.
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• Avoid getting the wheels on only one side onto the ice surface as water could enter over the opposite side of the vehicle. • Avoid turning as the Argo is climbing out to avoid vehicle tip-over. • Break the thin ice around the vehicle with the paddle until there is firm ice for the vehicle to climb onto.
SECTION 6 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION 6.1 ENGINE OIL INFORMATION Do not run the engine if the oil level is above the FULL Detailed information on standard workshop and safety mark or below the ADD mark. Premature engine dam- procedures and general installation practices is not age or total engine failure can occur when the oil level included here.
SECTION 6 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION Figure 6-4. Oil Capacities. 6.1.3 Changing Engine Oil During the initial engine break-in period, change the oil after the first 8 hours of operation for the Briggs & Stratton engine, the first 20 hours of operation for the Kawasaki and Kohler Aegis engine.
C, R, B, N, S and A models is 30 oz (.85L) of 80 All models of the ARGO are equipped with an in-line fuel filter W 90 Gear Lube HYPOY-C. Oil capacity for all AVENGER and (replacement fuel filter is ARGO Part No.
SECTION 6 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION the fuel tank. On all other Argo models the fuel filter is located and cause damage to the clutch components. at the engine. A complete service of the clutch units is required after every Replace the fuel filter after every 250 hours of operation or 250 hours of operation.
Allow the idler chains to dry thoroughly, re-lubricate more frequently if the vehicle is operated in dirty or wet condi- them generously with Argo chain lube and re-install. Refer to tions (Figure 6-8). Use only ARGO Chain Lube (ARGO Part section 7.2.5 of this manual for idler chain removal and re-...
SECTION 6 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION dislocating the bearing seals due to excessive grease pres- 6.4.7 Inner Axle Bearing Lubrication sure. The inner axle flanges are equipped with a grease nipple. ( Figure 6-12) Lubricate the bearings with a small amount of a lithium based, NLGI #2 or 3 mineral oil based grease, (such as Do not use high pressure or excessive amounts of grease.
Connect negative cable last, disconnect first. It is not a recommended practice to boost your argo if the battery is dead. If possible, avoid the use of booster cables from an external battery source. Damage can occur to the engine ignition system.
7.1.3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUSES 6. Take out the screen-type spark arrester assembly. All models of the ARGO are equipped with push-in type auto- motive fuses. The fuses protect the electrical circuits of the 7. Shake loose particles out of the screen assembly.
• it becomes contaminated with oil or some other fluid Refer to the ARGO Parts Manual for correct drive belt part number. To Remove the Drive Belt (All C, R, B, N, S and A models) Figure 7-3.
Disassembly and repair of the driver and driven clutch re- • the chain climbs the sprocket teeth, especially noticeable quires special tools. Return the vehicle to an ARGO dealer if when turning. the clutch units need servicing. The following indicates that...
Some drive chains have no slack, and replacement of the connecting link is difficult without this tool. Modi- fied Vice Grips can be ordered from your ARGO dealer (ARGO Part No. 658-08) or refer to Appendix 1 for modification information.
7.2.5 IDLER CHAIN illustrated in Figure 7-13. All ARGO vehicles are equipped with 2 idler chains to transfer 4. Place a new slider block over the shaft of the cam assem- power from the output shafts of the transmission to the drive bly.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION Figure 7-16. Location of power pack clamping nuts and adjusting bolts Idler Chain Replacement Replacement of the idler chains is required if the adjustment bolt is fully extended and idler chain deflection still exceeds 3 mm (1/8"). Figure 7-15.
Modified Vice Grips This will reduce the possibility of tires and rims being dam- can be ordered from your ARGO dealer (ARGO Part No. 658- aged during heavy duty applications. 08) or refer to Appendix 1 for modification information.
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 7.2.8 AXLE BEARING MOUNTING To remove the firewall: The axles are mounted to the Argo using special cork gaskets Remove the front floor pan. between the flanged bearings and the outside surface of the Turn the firewall release catches (located at the top right lower body (see Figure 7-18).
Alter- snug but the bolt can still be turned freely with fingers. natively, an ARGO dealer will replace brake pads for you. 4. Adjust the other brake caliper assembly by repeating steps 1 to 3.
5. Turn the two release catches clockwise 1/4 turn to lock. Figure 7-24. Hydraulic brake cylinder and fluid level Do NOT operate the ARGO with the firewall removed. 7.4 HYDRAULIC BRAKES - VANGUARD2, BIGFOOT, RESPONSE, CONQUEST, CONQUEST 6X6, FRONTIER &...
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 7.4.4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE PAD INSPECTION Inspect the brake pads after every 25 hours of operation. Worn, glazed or contaminated brake pads affect the efficiency of the brake system. To inspect the pads, first remove the firewall. To remove the firewall: (All Hydraulic Brake Models Except Frontier and Avengers) 1.
This can Do NOT operate the ARGO with the firewall removed. result in the steering arm contracting and/or bending the plunger pin guide tab resulting in compromised system operation.
COMPONENTS. A SEVERE BURN CAN RESULT. curely mounted. 7.4.8 ENGINE COOLING & EXHAUST SYSTEM An annual complete check over of your ARGO vehicle Engine cooling air is drawn in on the right side of the engine is recommended. This will reduce maintenance costs compartment and expelled with the exhaust on the left side.
The intervals shown on the schedule are based on average operating conditions. Vehicles which are subjected to severe use and wet or dusty conditions will require more frequent servicing. Use only Argo replacement parts to ensure safe operation of the vehicle and to comply with the warranty coverage.
2. Battery charge low or dead 2. Recharge battery or replace as necessary 3. Faulty starter motor 3. Return the vehicle to an Argo dealer for servicing Engine turns over but will not 1. Engine is cold and choke is not pulled 1.
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MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION (SYMPTOM) Severe vibration when vehicle 1. Engine loose on mounts 1. Take vehicle to an Argo dealer for is operated service. 2. Driver or driven clutch or engine 2. Same as above. defective 3. Axle bent 3.
Read the engine operator’s manual and carry out all recom- mended storage procedures. Add fuel stabilizer (ARGO Part No. 127-77) to the fuel tank and fill with fresh gasoline. Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the treated fuel to reach the carburetor.
Argo. operate this vehicle. the Argo safely and may be involved in an accident causing severe injury or death. Operating or riding as Wear an approved safety helmet and eye...
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WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD HAZARD Operating or driving If you lose control of the Argo in water and it All occupants must wear an approved personal the Argo in water capsizes and sinks, the driver and passengers...
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POTENTIAL WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD HAZARD Use of improper tires on the Argo, or operation Always use the size and type tires specified in Operating the Argo of the Argo with improper or uneven tire this Operator’s Manual for this Argo. Always...
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Opera- tor’s Manual. Skidding or sliding. You may lose control of the Argo. You may also Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by regain traction unexpectedly which may cause practising at slow speeds and on level, smooth the Argo to overturn.
Cargo tie downs are intended to assist in securing a load in 1. Join 2 track segments together, lining up the 1/4" holes. the rear compartment of any Argo. Use rope or elastic cords, See Fig. 11-1. Hammer a track pin through the holes, plac-...
Super Tracks and Rubber Tracks installed, the 8" Allen wrench. TIGHTEN SECURELY. Set screw must wheel nuts of the Argo are tightened to 55 ft. lbs. (75 seat in ground recess of track pin. N.m) initially, re-torqued after the first 10 hours of op- eration, then again after the next 10 hours, followed 3.
Over inflation of the tires will cause excessive and pre- 11. Join the two ends of the track and secure them in place mature wear of the tires and ARGO track system, and with C-clamps as shown in Fig. 11-6, so that the 1/4" holes may cause axle and/or axle bearing damage.
ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TRAVEL OVER LOGS, STUMPS OR ROCKS. Do not use the Argo in water when equipped with tracks un- less it is also equipped with an outboard motor. The tracks do 11.3.7 825-50-1 Rubber Tracks not propel the Argo in water.
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SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION FORMED. PLEASE REVIEW AND ENSURE YOU HA VE FOLLOWED THE PREVIOUS INSTRUCTION BEORE PROCEEDING WITH THE FOLLOWING: Lay the two assembled tracks on the floor. Drive the vehicle forward on to the tracks leaving ap- proximately 8" extending past the front tires. Pull the remaining track around the rear tire and forward to the front of the vehicle.
Under certain winter conditions, such as a rapid drop in tem- perature after a mild period, slush can build up on the track to the point that the ARGO may be unable to move. Stop periodi- cally to clean snow and ice from the axles and track compo- nents to prevent buildup.
The 616-16 receiver style trailer hitch The power winch mounts to the front of the Argo and can be is required to accept the 618-00 bracket. If an Argo amphibi-...
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SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION 8. NEVER HOOK THE WIRE ROPE BACK ONTO ITSELF. Use a nylon sling. (Figure 11-22.) Hooking the wire rope onto itself can damage the rope (Figure 11-23). Figure 11-20 Double Line 2. Periodically check the winch installation to assure that all bolts are tight.
16. Do not use the winch to hold the Argo in place during transportation. Use tie-down straps. 17. Maintain at least five turns of wire rope around wire rope The wire rope was pulled and the loop has tightened to drum to prevent the wire rope from pulling off under load.
24" high x 48" wide laminated safety glass. It conform to the curve of the rear corners of the lower body. mounts to the top of the dash area of any Argo model, folds They are recommended for use with either track system to down and secures in place over the hood and is required for block the mud and snow thrown up during higher speed travel.
‘up’ position. Fold the top down and secure it properly to the vehicle The snow plow assembly attaches to the front of the Argo at bodyor remove it from the vehicle for high speed trans- two mounting brackets that bolt to the front axle bearing ex- portation.
The Argo four wheel amphibious trailer is designed as an ad- ards that have to be carefully weighed against the safety ben- ditional cargo carrier for any Argo model. It is not intended for efits of these devices: the transportation of people. Trailer load capacity is 600 lbs or 270 kgs at a recommended tire pressure of 4 psi.
DO NOT rely on it to protect the occupants from irresponsible driving. The dump box kit can be installed on any Argo 8 x 8 (except the The ROPS has been designed to meet the requirements of the Avengers).
& fuse, and the neces- sary hardware to mount the outlet in the upper body of any Argo model. When mounting the outlet, be sure to select an area within reach for the wire harness. The wire harness gets...
APPENDIX 1 SPECIAL TOOLS 7R VICE GRIP MODIFICATION As detailed in Section 7, a pair of modified 7R Vice Grips is required to hold the ends of the drive chain together while inserting the connecting link. This tool can also be used to hold the ends of the idler chain together while inserting the connecting link.
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ARGO vehicle or its sale and no agent, employee or other person has any authority to vary any of the foregoing provisions. Provided, however, that this clause shall be severable where voided by...
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ARGO RETAILER... Please complete this page at the time of sale to the new owner so your customer has all pertinent information that may be required. ARGO MODEL __________________________________________________ ARGO SERIAL NO. _______________________________________________ ENGINE SERIAL NO. _____________________________________________ TRANSMISSION SERIAL NO. _______________________________________...
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