Driving Procedures; Driving Straight Ahead; Stopping The Vehicle; Turning The Vehicle - Argo 6 x 6 Vanguard Operator's Manual

4.1 DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD

Shift the transmission into LOW or HIGH. Hold both steer-
ing levers straight ahead against the dash (See Figure 4-1).
Turn the throttle twist grip slowly until the clutch system en-
gages and the vehicle moves forward.
Figure 4-1. Position of steering levers for straight ahead

4.2 STOPPING THE VEHICLE

Allow the throttle grip to return to the idle position. Pull back
evenly on both steering levers.
Do not pull back abruptly on the steering levers. The
brakes are very effective, and sudden braking may cause
you or your passengers to be thrown from the vehicle.
Never use excessive force on the steering levers to ap-
ply the brakes. This can cause tremendous pressure in
the master cylinders and brake calipers, resulting in com-
ponent failure.
When driving the vehicle, do not "ride" the brakes. Hold the
steering levers against the dash unless you are turning or stop-
ping the vehicle. If the levers are not against the dash, the
brakes are engaged, causing the brake pads to contact the brake
discs. This will cause excessive heat, brake fade and lead to
premature wear.

4.3 TURNING THE VEHICLE

The ARGO is a skid steer vehicle. The rear of the vehicle
swings outward during a turn. Always take precautions when
making turns to avoid hitting persons or objects. The proper
way to make a wide turn is illustrated in Figure 4-2. Make a
series of short turns. Hold the steering lever against the dash
between turns. Riding the brakes while making turns will re-
sult in excessive heat, brake fade and lead to premature brake
wear.

DRIVING PROCEDURES

operation
SECTION 4
Figure 4-2. Correct method of making a wide turn
Sharp turns, especially at high speeds or when heavily
loaded, may cause the vehicle to roll over. Slow the
vehicle down before making a turn. Do not apply the
brakes too suddenly.

4.3.1 Left Turn

To make a left turn, pull back on the left steering lever to stop
the wheels on the left side of the vehicle. When the turn has
been completed, return the left steering lever forward against
the dash.

4.3.2 Right Turn

Pull the right steering lever back and return it to the dash when
the turn has been completed.

4.4 BACKING THE VEHICLE UP

With the engine at idle, shift the transmission into reverse.
Hold the steering levers forward against the dash. Turn the
throttle twist grip slowly until the clutch engages and the ve-
hicle moves backwards. Increase speed by gradually turning
the accelerator twist grip.

4.4.1 Turning The Vehicle While Backing Up

Pull the left steering lever back to make a turn to the left. Pull
the right steering lever back to make a turn to the right.
When turning the vehicle while backing up, the rear of the
vehicle swings in the direction of the turn. This is unusual for
most people who are not familiar with skid steer vehicles.
Carefully practice backing up and turning in an open area un-
til you become accustomed to this procedure. Take precau-
tions to avoid hitting persons or objects.
Do not push against the firewall with your knees. Dam-
age to the firewall and serious personal injury can re-
sult from the driven clutch wearing through the firewall.
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