Side Slope Operation; Amphibious Operation - General - Argo 6 x 6 Vanguard Operator's Manual

DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS

5.5 SIDE SLOPE OPERATION

Do not drive your vehicle across the side of a hill. Side slope
operation greatly increases the risk of rolling the vehicle over
sideways.
Prolonged side slope operation may cause engine damage.
Observe the engine angle of operation limitations in Section
5.2.
Operation on side slopes will require frequent use of the brakes
for steering correction since the vehicle tends to head down-
hill. This may cause brake overheating or fade.

5.6 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION - GENERAL

ARGO vehicles may sink if they fill with water. If water
starts entering the vehicle, head to the nearest shore im-
mediately. Be prepared to abandon the vehicle if it ap-
pears that the vehicle will fill with water before you reach
the shore. Be especially cautious when operating a
loaded vehicle (cargo and/or passengers) in water.
Observe the capacity limits.
All ARGO vehicles are self-propelled, amphibious vehicles,
capable of navigating calm water, provided the following pre-
cautions are observed:
1. Do not enter water if the vehicle is overloaded. Refer to
Section 1.4 of this manual for recommended load capacity
in water.
2. Do not use seat belts or any passenger restraining device
while operating an ARGO in water. If an emergency arises,
you and your passengers may have to leave the vehicle
quickly.
3. Do not attempt to cross large bodies of water. Stay close to
the shore in case an emergency arises and you have to leave
the water.
4. Do not attempt to navigate any body of water with a strong
current. Avoid water operation under windy conditions.
5. Use extra caution when operating the ARGO in cold wa-
ter. If the vehicle upsets or swamps, exposure in cold wa-
ter significantly reduces the chance of survival.
SECTION 5
6. Be prepared to adjust the position of cargo and passengers
so the vehicle floats level.
7. Care must be taken when encountering submerged obsta-
cles that may upset the vehicle.
Observe the following safety precautions BEFORE entering
the water:
1. All occupants must wear an approved personal flotation
device (PFD) or life jacket while traveling in water.
2. Equip the vehicle with a paddle and bailing can. An op-
tional bilge pump kit (ARGO Part No. 638-25) is avail-
able from your ARGO dealer and is recommended for water
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
properly tightened. To install, seat the rubber portion of
the drain plug properly in the lower body hole and push
the lever down to lock plug in place (Figure 5-2). Check
that the plug is firmly in place. To tighten the drainplug,
lift the lever up and turn the lever clockwise until it is snug
when the lever is pushed down. Replace worn or inopera-
tive drain plugs with ARGO Part No. 100-18.
Figure 5-1. Location of rear drain plugs
4. Visually check the lower body of the vehicle for cuts, punc-
tures or holes that will allow water to enter the vehicle.
5. Make sure that any cargo in the rear of the vehicle is evenly
distributed.
6. Periodically inspect the outer bearing flange and gaskets
of each axle (Figure 5-3) to ensure they are water tight. If
there are signs of water leaking into the lower body, take
corrective action before entering water again. Make sure
there is sufficient grease in the bearing flange and that the
grease seal is in good condition.
14