New Vehicle "Break-In" Procedure; Pre-Operation Checks; Carrying Passengers And Cargo - Argo 6 x 6 Vanguard Operator's Manual

2.1 NEW VEHICLE "BREAK-IN" PROCEDURE

To obtain long term, trouble free service from your vehicle,
observe the following break-in guidelines:
1. Vary the speed of the vehicle for the first tank of fuel. Avoid
full throttle operation during break-in period.
2. Check engine and transmission oil levels daily during
break-in period.
3. Change the transmission oil after initial 20 hours of opera-
tion, or after 2 tanks of fuel have been used. Failure to do
so can result in damage to the transmission bearings or
gear surfaces. Refer to Section 6.2.2 for transmission oil
changing instructions.
4. Change the engine oil in the Vanguard engine after the first
8 hours of operation and in the Kawasaki after the first 20
hours. Refer to Section 6.1.3 of this manual and the oil
change section of each engine owner's manual for oil
change information.
5. Check the idler chain adjustment each day before driving
the vehicle, and after the initial 2 hours of operation. Re-
fer to Section 7.2.5 for idler chain inspection and adjust-
ment information.
6. Never overload your vehicle. Trying to steer an overloaded
vehicle can overheat the brakes. This will lead to brake
fade which means loss of steering control and the ability
to stop the vehicle. Overloading the vehicle can lead to
premature brake system failures and costly damage to drive
chains, axles or bearings. Follow the recommended load
capacity for the vehicle listed in Section 1.4.
7. Do not allow the brakes to drag, particularly during the
first 10 hours of operation. To maximize brake pad life,
start by making several low speed turns to both sides. Al-
low the brakes to cool by driving in a straight line. Repeat
the low speed turns. Allow the brakes to cool again. This
procedure will properly seat the brake pad friction mate-
rial to the brake disc. The steering levers should be fully
forward, against the dash, during straight ahead operation.
Dragging the brakes will cause overheating of the brake
components and result in brake fade.
8. The axle flange gaskets and bearing extension gaskets have
a tendency to settle on new machines which could result in
a loosening of the flange and extension bolts. Check and
if necessary re-torque the bolts to 30 ft. lbs. (360 in. lbs.)
See Section 7.2.8.
SECTION 2
GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION

2.2 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS

Carefully follow the engine manufacturer's recommended pre-
operation/daily checks as well as the following:
1. Check the fuel level in the see-through tank located under
the driver's seat.
2. Check the air pressure in all tires. NOTE: Improperly in-
flated tires can cause the vehicle to pull to one side, re-
quiring constant steering correction. See Section 7.2.6 for
tire pressure specifications.
3. Test the operation of the twist grip throttle control by turn-
ing it to the fully open position and releasing it. The throt-
tle must operate smoothly and return automatically to the
fully closed position. Take the vehicle to an ARGO dealer
if the twist grip requires adjustment.
4. Check the steering lever travel by pulling both steering
levers fully to the rear. See Section 7.3.4 for proper ad-
justment details.
5. Check the engine intake and exhaust screen for obstruc-
tions. Clear any debris that has accumulated.

2.3 CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO

1. Keep cargo as low as possible and evenly distributed.
2. Use extreme CAUTION when negotiating inclines with a
loaded vehicle. Heavy loads and high loads decrease the
stability of the vehicle and may cause it to roll. Be pre-
pared to shift occupant weight and load forward or have
passengers get out of the vehicle to climb an incline.
3. Secure cargo to prevent it from shifting while driving.
4. Do not mount any heavy fixtures to the upper body with-
out support to the vehicle frame. The added weight may
cause body deformation that could result in the tires rub-
bing through the body.
The rear compartment capacity of all 6 wheel
ARGO vehicles is 65 kg (140 lbs.) MAXI-
MUM. Exceeding this weight limitation will
decrease the stability of the vehicle on inclines
and increase the possibility of rolling over
backwards when climbing a grade. Do NOT
exceed this weight in the rear compartment.
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