Centaur  Operator's Manual

Centaur Operator's Manual

Centaur amphibious, off-road utility vehicle
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OPERATOR'S
MANUAL
Ontario Drive & Gear Limited
220 Bergey Court
New Hamburg, Ontario N3A 2J5
Telephone: (519) 662-2840, Fax: (519) 662-2421
www.centaur8x8.ca
MANUAL NO. 671-102
Printed in Canada
2007/07/12

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Summary of Contents for Centaur CENTAUR

  • Page 1 OPERATOR’S MANUAL Ontario Drive & Gear Limited 220 Bergey Court New Hamburg, Ontario N3A 2J5 Telephone: (519) 662-2840, Fax: (519) 662-2421 www.centaur8x8.ca MANUAL NO. 671-102 Printed in Canada 2007/07/12...
  • Page 2 Your safety and the safety of all CENTAUR 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 CENTAUR and remember it is a motorized vehicle.
  • Page 3 Read this manual before you operate your CENTAUR. It contains safe operating instructions and warns the user about potential hazards that can result in personal 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 CENTAUR. Children under the age of 16 may not have the skills, abilities or judgement needed to operate the Centaur safely and may be involved in an accident causing severe injury or death.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    NEW VEHICLE “BREAK-IN” PROCEDURE ................... 5 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ........................5 CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO ....................5 FUELING THE VEHICLE .......................... 5 Centaur 950 and 954 - Gasoline ........................6 Centaur 950DT - Diesel ..........................6 VENTED FUEL SYSTEM ..........................6 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS STEERING ..............................
  • Page 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE WINTER OPERATION ..........................13 5.7.1 Use on Ice Covered Bodies of Water .................... 13 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION ENGINE OIL INFORMATION ......................... 15 6.1.1 Checking the Engine Oil Level ....................15 6.1.2 Recommended Engine Oil ......................15 6.1.3 Changing Engine Oil ........................
  • Page 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE 7.3.2 BRAKE CALIPER ADJUSTMENT ....................23 To adjust the brake caliper ..................... 23 7.3.3 BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT ..................... 23 7.3.4 BRAKE CABLE ADJUSTMENT ....................24 To adjust the brake cable ....................24 HYDRAULIC BRAKE ........................... 24 7.4.1 GENERAL .............................
  • Page 8 11.12 DUMP BOX KIT (Part No. 835-100) ......................43 11.13 CARGO LINER (Part No. 848-123) ......................... 43 11.14 CENTAUR FOUR POINT LIFT KIT - (Part No. 848-121) ................43 11.15 LIGHT GUARD KIT (Part No. 849-134) ......................44 11.16 BRUSH GUARD KIT (Part No. 849-191) ....................... 44 11.17 MUD FLAP EXTENDERS (Part No.
  • Page 9: General Information

    If you perform your own maintenance, carefully follow the lubrication and preventative maintenance schedule (Section 7.7). A Centaur Service Manual on CD-ROM or in print, is available from your Centaur dealer. Contact your CENTAUR dealer for a list of the services they 1.4 MODEL IDENTIFICATION...
  • Page 10 SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION Carefully observe the maximum load capacity for your vehicle on land and in water as listed in the following: CENTAUR-DT Model CENTAUR-G DM 950 DT (Turbo Diesel) Engine Make DM 950 G (Gasoline) Briggs & Stratton Daihatsu Briggs &...
  • Page 11: Centaur Vehicle Capacity

    SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.4.1 Centaur Vehicle Capacity Do NOT use a Centaur on water when equipped with a snow plow, dump box or any tracks. The increased weight Vehicle capacity includes occupants, cargo, fuel, and of the snow plow out front, the dump box or tracks, will all accessories.
  • Page 12: Information Labels

    There are labels on all models which indicate operating hazards and provide special operating instructions. Information about the operation of the vehicle, correct fueling procedures, and steering system use has been provided on distinctive yellow and black labels fastened to the various locations on the CENTAUR. Figure 1.1 Location of Information Labels...
  • Page 13: General Operating Information

    2.2 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS er’s seat. Depending on loading and driving conditions, a Centaur can be driven for 7 to 12 hours on one tank of fuel. Carefully follow the engine manufacturer’s recommended pre- Verify your vehicle’s actual fuel consumption before attempt- operation/daily checks as well as the following: ing any long trips.
  • Page 14: Centaur 950 And 954 - Gasoline

    If the fuel tank does run dry, use the priming pump on the fuel When storing the CENTAUR for 45 days or more, use ODG filter to bleed the air from the fuel line then attempt to restart Part No.
  • Page 15: Operating Instructions

    The steering system works whenever the engine is running, 3.4 THROTTLE CONTROL even when the gear selector is in neutral. The CENTAUR is a skid steer vehicle. During a turn, the rear of the vehicle swings Vehicle speed is controlled by the accelerator pedal. To in- outward as the vehicle pivots on the tires on the inside of the crease vehicle speed, press on the accelerator pedal.
  • Page 16: Diesel Powered

    3.7 SELECTING AND CHANGING TRANSMISSION GEARS The CENTAUR is equipped with a four position transmis- sion. The gearshift lever is located to the left of the dash. Figure 3-1. Ignition Switch * R (Reverse) - for backing up the vehicle...
  • Page 17: Headlights

    3.8 HEADLIGHTS The CENTAUR is equipped with 4 headlights that are oper- ated through the dash mounted light switch. To turn the lights on, push the light switch forward and down. The first posi- tion turns on two lights with a flood pattern.
  • Page 18: Driving Procedures

    4.3 TURNING THE VEHICLE The Centaur 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.
  • Page 19: Driving Procedures In Unusual Conditions

    Use engine brak- ing by selecting low range and keeping the engine speed up When operating the CENTAUR on an angle, (up and down just enough to keep the clutch engaged. If engine braking is...
  • Page 20: Amphibious Operation - General

    Check the O-ring on drain The CENTAUR may sink if filled with water. If water plug periodically. When removed, each drain plug re- starts entering the vehicle, head to the nearest shore mains attached to the hole opening to prevent loss or immediately.
  • Page 21: Entering The Water

    5.6.1 Entering the Water 5.7 WINTER OPERATION The point of entry should be free of rocks, stumps and other Follow these precautions when operating the Centaur in win- obstacles. Enter the water from a firm, gradual slope when- ter conditions: ever possible.
  • Page 22 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 Centaur 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.
  • Page 23: Oil, Filter And Lubrication Information

    For the gaso- damage will not result from the procedure, working en- line powered Centaur, use API service class “SH” or “SJ” or vironment or tools selected. higher. For diesel powered Centaur use API service class “CF”...
  • Page 24: Refilling The Engine

    DO NOT OVERFILL. Replace the dipstick securely. fully in the dipstick hole. DO NOT OVERFILL. 6.3 FILTER INFORMATION 6.3.1 Air Filter The Centaur is equipped with a filter element housed in an air cleaner assembly located above the clutch.
  • Page 25: Fuel Filter

    950DT and 954DT Disconnect sensor wire. Remove drain plug and discard O-ring. The diesel powered Centaur is equipped with a fuel filter as- sembly comprised of a replaceable element, water separator Remove fuel filter with filter wrench. Screw new filter on by hand until gasket contacts hous- bowl, and water level sensor.
  • Page 26: Transmission Oil Filter

    300 hours of operation. To perform this proce- dure, the clutches must be disassembled. Special tools are required to disassemble the clutch units. We recommend that you return your vehicle to a Centaur dealer to have the clutch units serviced.
  • Page 27: Maintenance Information

    Connect switch terminals properly, especially the ground If the battery loses its electrical charge, remove the battery wire. from the Centaur 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 - 613-101 main on charge until the specific gravity reaches 1.265 on a...
  • Page 28: Electrical System Fuses

    After the foaming has stopped, flush with clean wa- ance. Replace the belt with Part No. 610-119 for Centaur 31 ter and dry with a clean cloth. Gas or DT and Part No. 610-119SA for Centaur 34 Gas and DT when: 7.1.3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUSES •...
  • Page 29: Clutch Maintenance

    7.2.3 DRIVE CHAINS and are not adjustable. They are critical for proper operation of the drive system. Return the vehicle to a CENTAUR dealer Roller chain “stretch” results from wear to the chain pins and if rapid belt wear occurs.
  • Page 30: To Replace A Slider Block

    Figure 7-6. Installing the connecting link. Replace badly worn or damaged tires with original equip- ment Goodyear tires. Consult your CENTAUR dealer if in Replace the outside plate and cotter pins. Always use doubt. Any other tires (size, type or tread pattern), will affect new cotter pins.
  • Page 31: Mechanical Parking/Emergency Brake

    100-56 brake pad set (2 pads) using 8 of 120-09 rivets and a pop riveting tool to fasten the pad in place. A CENTAUR dealer will replace brake pads for you.
  • Page 32: Brake Cable Adjustment

    SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION Start up and drive the vehicle for 10 minutes. Stop the engine and check that the parking brake caliper has not been dragging. A strong ‘brake material’ smell and a very hot brake disk would indicate that the parking brake caliper is adjusted too tight.
  • Page 33: Changing Brake Fluid

    If particles are evident in the fluid, drain the system, overhaul the master cylinder and the brake caliper before flushing and refilling. A CENTAUR dealer will perform these operations for you. 7.4.4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE PAD INSPECTION Inspect the brake pads after every 50 hours of operation.
  • Page 34: Steering System

    Ensure that all cotter pins and hair pins are secured and free from wear. A complete check over of your CENTAUR vehicle is rec- Vehicles produced from S/N 0108063 are equipped with a ommended once a year. This will reduce maintenance steering lock.
  • Page 35: Hydrostatic Transmission Drive Belt

    For more detailed adjustment procedures, refer to the Centaur Service Manual, available from your Centaur dealer or else take the vehicle to an authorized Centaur dealer for adjustment. If your vehicle is equipped with micro switches for the...
  • Page 36: Maintenance Schedule

    The intervals shown on the schedule are based on average operating conditions. Vehicles which are subject to more severe use, wet or dusty conditions, will require more frequent servicing. Use only Centaur replacement parts to ensure safe operation of the vehicle to comply with the warranty coverage.
  • Page 37: Troubleshooting

    2. Drive belt worn (see Section 7.2.1) 2. Replace belt if worn excessively 3. Clutch not engaging 3. Return the vehicle to a CENTAUR dealer for servicing 4. Transmission failure 4. Same as 3. above 5. Steering wheel lockout is engaged.
  • Page 38 1. Have a CENTAUR dealer bleed or there is excessive brake the brake system and add fluid. pedal travel 2. Leak in system 2. Have a CENTAUR dealer check all fittings, hoses, calipers and seals for loose connections or leakage. Refill as needed. Brakes ineffective 1.
  • Page 39: Cleaning And Storage

    SECTION 9 CLEANING AND STORAGE 9.1 CLEANING THE VEHICLE Wash the vehicle body with a household detergent and rinse Do not store the battery near flames, sparks or any source with water. Flush dirt out of the lower body by using a high of fire.
  • Page 40: Potential Hazards

    Greatly reduces your ability to balance and con- Do not use the Centaur in water when equipped in water when equipped trol the Centaur in the water. Could cause an ac- with a dump box. with a dump box. cident, including capsizing and sinking, resulting in injury or drowning to driver and passengers.
  • Page 41 HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD HAZARD Operating or driving the If you lose control of the Centaur in water and it All occupants must wear an approved personal Centaur in water with- capsizes and sinks, the driver and passengers may...
  • Page 42 POTENTIAL WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD HAZARD Use of improper tires on the Centaur, or opera- Always use the size and type tires specified in Operating the Centaur tion of the Centaur with improper or uneven tire this Operator’s Manual for this Centaur.
  • Page 43 Operator’s Manual. Skidding or sliding. You may lose control of the Centaur. You may Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by also regain traction unexpectedly which may practising at slow speeds and on level, smooth cause the Centaur to overturn.
  • Page 44: Accessory Information

    ACCESSORY INFORMATION 11.1 GENERAL This section deals with accessories that have been specifi- cally designed for the CENTAUR and can be purchased sepa- rately from your dealer. Special operating procedures and safety precautions must be observed before operating or us- ing certain accessories.
  • Page 45: Operating Precautions

    Figure 11-2. Deflated tires into track Figure 11-4. Re-inflating tires. 11.3.2 Operating Precautions A Centaur equipped with tracks cannot be used in water or over frozen bodies of water. Tracked Centaur models have a reduced capacity on land. Refer to Section 1.4.1 of this manual for additional information on operating capacities.
  • Page 46: Winter Track Kit (Part No.849-160)

    Do the same on the right side of the Centaur. Two tires that measure the same circumference when at Figure 11-5. Installing the Axle Extensions.
  • Page 47: Removal Of Tracks

    Centaur may be Allow the tires to reach the temperature of operating con- unable to move. Stop periodically to clean snow and ice ditions.
  • Page 48: Winch Kit (Part No. 849-114)

    The 3500 lbs. winch mounts permanently to the front of the pulling together could overload the wire rope and the Centaur and can be used for self-recovery and to raise and winch itself. lower the snowplow blade (Part No. 657-100). The winch KEEP WINCHING AREA CLEAR.
  • Page 49: Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Winch

    16. Do not use the winch to hold the Centaur in place during transportation. Use tie-down straps. 17. Maintain at least five turns of wire rope around wire rope Figure 11-11.
  • Page 50: Receiver Winch Kit (Part No. 849-123)

    The snow plow assembly attaches to the front mainframe as- sembly of the Centaur. The plow blade is an 81” (2 m) steel Use a pulley block for heavy loads. To maximize winch blade suitable for straight or angled use. The power winch and wire rope life, use a pulley block (Superwinch Part option is required to raise and lower the snow plow blade.
  • Page 51: Operating Precautions

    ACCESSORY INFORMATION 11.11 CAB HEATER (Part No. 848-110) The Centaur can be fitted with a 17000 BTU cab heater. It is DO NOT exceed maximum load capacity for your spe- equipped with a 3-speed dual fan motor. This will provide cific application.
  • Page 52: Light Guard Kit (Part No. 849-134)

    SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION 11.15 LIGHT GUARD KIT (Part No. 849-134) The light guards prevent brush and tree limbs from making direct contact with the vehicle driving lights. It can be in- stalled as a stand alone item or combined with the brush guard. 11.16 BRUSH GUARD KIT (Part No.
  • Page 53: Appendix 1

    APPENDIX 1 SPECIAL TOOLS 10R VICE GRIP MODIFICATION As detailed in Section 7, a pair of modified 10R Vice Grips (Part No. 658-38) 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 54 NOTES...
  • Page 55 No warranty, expressed, implied or statutory, as to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, description, quality or any other matter is given in connection with any CENTAUR 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...
  • Page 56 CENTAUR 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. CENTAUR MODEL ________________________________________________ CENTAUR SERIAL NO. ____________________________________________ ENGINE SERIAL NO. ______________________________________________ TRANSMISSION SERIAL NO. _______________________________________...

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