Argo 6 x 6 Vanguard Operator's Manual

Argo 6 x 6 Vanguard Operator's Manual

Argo off-road utility vehicle operator's manual
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OPERATOR'S
MANUAL
MODELS - S, SN, BF, RB, C, CB
from 1997
MANUAL NO. 671-04 Rev. 9
Printed in Canada
09/2002
5C

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Summary of Contents for Argo 6 x 6 Vanguard

  • Page 1 OPERATOR’S MANUAL MODELS - S, SN, BF, RB, C, CB from 1997 MANUAL NO. 671-04 Rev. 9 Printed in Canada 09/2002...
  • Page 2 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.
  • Page 3 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.
  • Page 4 • 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.
  • Page 5 NOTES...
  • Page 6 NOTES...
  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .................. 1 WIND CHILL FACTOR ....................1 MODEL IDENTIFICATION .................... 1 1.4.1 Argo Vehicle Capacity ..................3 REAR SEATS - 8 WHEEL MODELS ................3 IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION OF CONTROLS ..........4 INFORMATION LABELS ....................5 GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS NEW VEHICLE “BREAK-IN”...
  • Page 8 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ....................22 7.1.1 GENERAL ......................22 7.1.2 BATTERY - Argo Part No. 127-54 ..............22 Checking Fluid Level ..................22 Cleaning the Battery Terminals and Cable Connections ........22 Cleaning the Battery .................... 23 7.1.3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUSES ............... 23 7.1.4...
  • Page 9 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE 7.2.5 IDLER CHAIN ....................27 Idler Chain Adjustment ..................28 Idler Chain Replacement ..................28 Removal of Idler Chains ..................28 Installation of Idler Chains ................. 28 7.2.6 TIRE INFLATION ..................... 29 7.2.7 TIRE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT ............29 7.2.8 AXLE BEARING MOUNTING ...............
  • Page 10 OUTBOARD MOTOR SUPPORT (PART NO. 618-00) ............45 11.7 OUTBOARD MOTOR BRACKET - SIDE MOUNT (PART NO. 618-10) ......45 11.8 ARGO STORAGE COVERS (PART NOS. 621-10; 621-20; 821-10; 821-20 ......45 11.9 POWER WINCH (PART NOS. 622-40 & 622-70) ..............45 11.9.1 Rules for Safe Operation ....................
  • Page 11: General Information

    Refer to the chart to identify these symptoms. Take immedi- “V”, followed by five numbers. The four or five digit serial ate corrective action or take the vehicle to an Argo dealer for number begins with one of the following prefixes: service.
  • Page 12 SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ARGO 6 x 6 VANGUARD2 (SN) ARGO 6 x 6 VANGUARD (S) Serial Number: SN-7888 Serial Number: S-6999 Engine: Briggs & Stratton Vanguard, 480 cc (16 h.p.) V-Twin, Engine: Briggs & Stratton Vanguard, 480 cc (16 h.p.) V-Twin, 4...
  • Page 13: Argo Vehicle Capacity

    Rear Bench Seat (15) (15) Do NOT use an Argo on water when equipped with a snow plow. Do NOT use an Argo 6x6 in water when equipped with a ROPS. The increased weight of the snow plow out front or the top-heavy weight of the ROPS...
  • Page 14: Identification And Location Of Controls

    SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.6 IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION OF CONTROLS...
  • Page 15: Information Labels

    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.
  • Page 16: New Vehicle "Break-In" Procedure

    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.
  • Page 17: Fueling The Vehicle

    All models of the ARGO are equipped with a 32 litre (7.0 costly repair procedure. Imp. Gal., 8.4 U.S. Gal.) “see-thru” polyethelene fuel tank located underneath the driver’s seat.
  • Page 18: Operating Instructions

    (Figure 3-2). To stop the vehicle, pull both steering levers back evenly (Figure 3-3). 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.
  • Page 19: Holding Brake System - Vanguard

    All ARGO models are equipped with key operated, electric cle’s wheels. start systems. Starting procedure is identical for all models.
  • Page 20: Stopping The Engine

    GEARS it in all the way as the engine warms up. All models for the ARGO are equipped with a four position 8. If the engine fails to start, refer to the trouble-shooting transmission. The gearshift lever extends through the firewall chart in Section 8 for corrective action.
  • Page 21: Changing Transmission Gears

    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.
  • Page 22: Driving Procedures

    This is unusual for most people who are not familiar with skid steer vehicles. The ARGO is a skid steer vehicle. The rear of the vehicle Carefully practice backing up and turning in an open area un- swings outward during a turn.
  • Page 23: Driving Procedures During Unusual Conditions

    Gently apply the brakes to control downward vehicle speed. Do not jam on the brakes When operating any Argo vehicle on an angle, (up and down while traveling downhill. Sudden braking can cause the vehi- hills or across uneven terrain that causes the vehicle to tilt in cle to roll over frontwards.
  • Page 24: Side Slope Operation

    3. Lift the rear floor pan and make sure both drain plugs in the rear of the lower body (Figure 5-1) are in place and ARGO vehicles may sink if they fill with water. If water properly tightened. To install, seat the rubber portion of...
  • Page 25: Entering Water

    An optional outboard motor bracket (ARGO Part No. 617- and repair the leak before re-entering the water. 00) and support (ARGO Part No. 618-00 or 618-10 Outboard Motor Bracket - Side Mount) are available to mount an out- If the body of water must be entered from a steep slope or board motor up to 9.9 h.p.
  • Page 26: Winter Operation

    • Avoid turning as the Argo is climbing out to avoid vehicle • Store the vehicle indoors or under cover. tip-over. •...
  • Page 27: Oil, Filter And Lubrication Information

    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 mark or below the ADD mark. Premature engine dam- Detailed information on standard workshop and safety age or total engine failure can occur when the oil level procedures and general installation practices is not in- is not properly maintained.
  • Page 28: Changing Engine Oil

    6.1.3 Changing Engine Oil Check the transmission oil level every 50 operating hours. All models of the ARGO are equipped with a transmission oil During the initial engine break-in period, change the oil after dipstick (Figure 6-4). Clean the area around the dipstick be- the first 8 hours of operation for Briggs &...
  • Page 29: Changing The Transmission Oil

    (replacement fuel filter is ARGO Part No. 125-64). On OVERFILL. Replace the dipstick securely. Conquest models the fuel filter is located in the fuel hose, next to the fuel tank. On all other Argo models the fuel filter is 6.2.2 Changing the Transmission Oil located at the engine.
  • Page 30: Drive Chain Lubrication

    We recommend that you return your vehi- rag or simple cardboard shield (Figure 6-7). DO NOT SPRAY cle to an ARGO dealer to have the clutch units serviced. CHAIN LUBE ON THE BRAKE DISCS OR PADS. Roll the vehicle so that all of the idler chain is accessible for lubri- cation.
  • Page 31: Outer Axle Flange And Bearing Lubrication

    Allow the idler chains to dry thoroughly, re-lubricate them generously with Argo chain lube and re-install. Refer to section 7.2.5 of this manual for idler chain removal and re- installation instructions.
  • Page 32: Maintenance Information

    If the battery loses its electrical charge, remove the battery wire. from the ARGO and recharge it with a 12 volt battery charger at the rate of 10-12 amps maximum. The battery should re- 7.1.2 Battery- ARGO Part No. 127-54 main on charge until the specific gravity reaches 1.265 on a...
  • Page 33: Cleaning The Battery

    7.1.3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUSES 7. Clean the screen with a wire brush. (Soak it in oil solvent All models of the ARGO are equipped with push-in type au- if necessary.) tomotive fuses. The fuses protect the electrical circuits of the vehicle.
  • Page 34: Drive Belt Removal

    Drive Belt alignment and tension are pre-set at the factory and are not adjustable. They are critical for proper operation 2. Remove the engine access hood. of the drive system. Return the vehicle to an ARGO dealer if rapid belt wear occurs. 3. Remove the firewall.
  • Page 35: Clutch Inspection

    Modi- fied Vice Grips can be ordered from your ARGO dealer 1. Place the gearshift in the N (neutral) position. (ARGO Part No. 658-08) or refer to Appendix 1 for modi- fication information. 2. Remove the floor pans.
  • Page 36: Drive Chain Take-Up System

    SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION Figure 7-7. Removal of the spring clip Figure 7-10. Wear groove on the slider block The chain tensioning system consists of a torsion spring loaded cam assembly with a slider block which takes up the slack on the bottom side of all but the front final drive chains.
  • Page 37: Removal Of Slider Blocks

    7.2.5 IDLER CHAIN illustrated in Figure 7-13. All ARGO vehicles are equipped with 2 idler chains to trans- 4. Place a new slider block over the shaft of the cam assem- fer power from the output shafts of the transmission to the bly.
  • Page 38: Idler Chain Adjustment

    Idler Chain Replacement connecting link difficult without this tool. Modified Vice Grips can be ordered from your ARGO dealer (ARGO Part No. 658- Replacement of the idler chains is required if the adjustment 08) or refer to Appendix 1 for modification information.
  • Page 39: Tire Inflation

    Rawhide III 25x12.00-9 is between 2.5 to 3.5 psi (17 to 24 kPa). Maximum operating pressure is 5 psi (34 kPa). A special low pressure tire gauge (ARGO Part No. 619-10) is available from your ARGO dealer. 7.2.7 TIRE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT Repair a flat tire by removing the tire completely from the rim.
  • Page 40: Mechanical Brake Inspection Procedure

    (2 pads) using 8 of 120-09 rivets and a pop riveting tool to fasten the pad in place. Alternatively, an ARGO 3. Tighten the adjustment lock nut with a 1/2" wrench so it is dealer will replace brake pads for you.
  • Page 41: Steering Lever Adjustment

    3. Add only fresh clean SILICONE - DOT 5 BRAKE FLUID 1. Pull the left steering lever back. (ARGO Part No. 126-19) to the correct level. 2. While holding the lever, lift the spring loaded brake lever 4. Replace the cover on each master cylinder, making sure until it contacts the pin in the steering lever.
  • Page 42: Changing Brake Fluid

    Use only SILICONE - DOT5 BRAKE FLUID. Other each brake caliper from the transmission using a 5/16" hex brake fluid may not be compatible with ARGO brake driver to remove the two 103-41 SHCS mounting bolts acces- components and operating temperatures. Use of other sible through the brake disc holes as shown in Figure 7-25.
  • Page 43: Re-Installation Of Firewall

    4. Line up the firewall release catch with the mounting clasp on the frame and turn clockwise 1/4 turn to lock. Do NOT operate the ARGO with the firewall removed. 7.4.5 HOLDING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT Figure 7-25. Hydraulic brake assemblies The holding brake system has been factory adjusted to ensure proper braking effectiveness.
  • Page 44: Brake Cooling System

    DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO TOUCH THE EX- HAUST COMPONENTS. A SEVERE BURN CAN RE- SULT. An annual complete check over of your ARGO vehicle is recommended. This will reduce maintenance costs over the life of your vehicle and ensure it will function...
  • Page 45: Maintenance Schedule

    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.
  • Page 46: Troubleshooting

    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.
  • Page 47: Trouble Shooting

    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.
  • Page 48: Cleaning And Storage

    After the bottom of the vehicle is dry, lubricate the drive chains with ARGO chain Lube. Make sure the drain plugs are re- placed. 9.2 STORING THE VEHICLE Do not store the battery near flames, sparks or any source of fire.
  • Page 49: Potential Hazards

    The risk of accident is greatly increased if the Operating the Argo and understand the Operator’s Manual. They operator does not know how to operate the Argo without reading and should then regularly practice the operating properly in different situations and on different understanding the techniques described in this Operator’s Manual.
  • Page 50 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...
  • Page 51 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...
  • Page 52 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.
  • Page 53: Accessory Information

    625-35 & 825-00) Over-inflating the tires will cause excessive and prema- ture wear of the tires and the Argo track system. Over- There are two different types of track systems available for inflation may also cause axle and/or bearing damage.
  • Page 54: Standard Tracks

    ACCESSORY INFORMATION 11.4 ICE CLEAT KIT (Part Nos. 625-20 & 825-20) ARGO ice cleats are stamped steel cleats that bolt to the outer CAUTION should be observed when operating in win- edges of the Super Track segments to grip on hard pack snow ter conditions and a drop in temperature occurs.
  • Page 55: Outboard Motor Support (Part No. 618-00)

    617-00/618-00 com- 11.9 POWER WINCH (Part No. 622-40 & 622-70 ) bination. The power winch mounts to the front of the Argo and can be 11.7 OUTBOARD MOTOR BRACKET - SIDE used for self-recovery and to raise and lower the snowplow MOUNT (Part No.
  • Page 56 SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION Figure 11-2 Double Line 2. Periodically check the winch installation to assure that all Figure 11.4 Incorrect and correct hook-up bolts are tight. 9. It is a good idea to lay a heavy blanket or jacket over the 3.
  • Page 57: Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Winch

    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 drum to prevent the wire rope from pulling off under load.
  • Page 58: Handrail Kits (Part No. 639-20 & 839-20)

    24" high x 48" wide laminated safety glass. If this decal is not attached to the windshield, contact your It mounts to the top of the dash area of any Argo model, folds Argo retailer for a free-of-charge replacement. The part number down and secures in place over the hood and is required for is 126-84.
  • Page 59: Alternator Kits (Part Nos. 650-60, 850-60 & 850-40)

    11.18 SNOW PLOW KIT (Part No. 657-13) The snow plow assembly attaches to the front of the Argo at two mounting brackets that bolt to the front axle bearing ex- Hearing protection is strongly advised when operating tension housings.
  • Page 60: Heater Kit - Conquest (Part No. 848-10)

    (Part Nos. 848-40-2, 848-40-4 & 648-40) sons riding in the rear compartment of any current Argo 8 x 8 model. The seat cushion and back rest are easily removed to Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS) are designed for use use the rear compartment for cargo.
  • Page 61: Dump Box Kit (Part Nos. 835-00 & 835-01)

    Drive & Gear 648-15 Roll Bar specific accesso- ries. The dump box kit can be installed on any Argo 8 x 8. It im- The Roll Bar reduces vehicle stability. Always use com- proves the load carrying versatility of the Argo.
  • Page 62: Appendix 1

    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.
  • Page 63 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...
  • Page 64 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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