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A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT YOUR CENTAUR Thank you for selecting a CENTAUR amphibious, off-road utility vehicle! Ontario Drive & Gear Limited has been building off road vehicles since 1967. By listening carefully to our customers and responding to their needs, we have been constantly improving them and will continue to do Over twenty-five thousand vehicles have provided reliable service all over the world.
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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 iden- tified in the text by the following symbol: The manual also contains operating cautions that can prevent damage to the vehicle. Cautions are identified in the text by the following symbol: This manual is based on the latest product information available at the time of printing.
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PREFACE This manual describes the controls, operation and basic maintenance procedures for all CENTAUR vehicles from when first produced. Please take the time to read this manual carefully, for your safety and that of others. By following these instruc- tions, you will ensure extended, trouble free operation of your vehicle. For maintenance and adjustment of the engine, refer to the engine manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual in- cluded in your vehicle’s information package.
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION Centaur operators should be aware of the wind chill factor. Dress warmly and make sure exposed skin is protected. Pay The CENTAUR is amphibious and capable of traversing calm particular attention that young passengers are properly “bun- water.
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SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION Carefully observe the maximum load capacity for your vehicle on land and in water as listed in the following: Model V2001G V2001DT Engine Make DM 950 G (Gasoline) DM 950 DT (Turbo Diesel) Briggs & Stratton Daihatsu Briggs &...
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.4.1 Centaur Vehicle Capacity Do NOT use a Centaur on water when equipped with a snow plow or any tracks. The increased weight of the Vehicle capacity includes occupants, cargo, fuel, and snow plow out front, or tracks, will make the Centaur all accessories.
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.7 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.
SECTION 2 GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION 2.1 NEW VEHICLE “BREAK-IN” PROCEDURE tions. Clear any debris that has accumulated. To obtain long term, trouble free service from your vehicle, 2.3 CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO observe the following break-in guidelines: 1. Keep cargo as low as possible and evenly distributed. 1.
SECTION 2 GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION Never use untreated gasoline that has been stored for more 2.5 VENTED FUEL SYSTEM than 45 days. Stale gasoline can cause gum deposits to form in the fuel lines and carburetor. These deposits clog the fuel Centaur models have fuel tanks that are vented through a spe- system and cause engine starting and operating problems.
SECTION 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 3.2 BRAKES 3.1 STEERING The steering wheel is used to turn the vehicle whenever the The Centaur has a foot operated brake pedal. To stop the engine is running. When moving forward, steering is similar vehicle, press firmly on the brake pedal. to an automobile.
SECTION 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS move key from ignition switch when leaving the vehicle un- attended. 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. * R (Reverse) - for backing up the vehicle Figure 3-1.
SECTION 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS the engine is running. To shift into high gear after the engine is running: 1. Ensure that the lever is in neutral. Pause for a few sec- onds, and then; 2. Push firmly and quickly into the high gear position. This works best if the brakes are NOT applied.
SECTION 4 DRIVING PROCEDURES 4.1 DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD Ensure the driver’s armrest (if equipped) is in the lowered When turning in reverse, steering operation is opposite position. Shift the transmission into LOW or HIGH. Press to automobiles, similar to backing up a trailer. down on the accelerator pedal slowly until the clutch system engages and the vehicle moves forward.
SECTION 5 DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS 5.1 REMOTE AREA USE 5.3 UPHILL OPERATION When traveling in remote areas or when traveling long dis- tances, the following items are essential: Never accelerate or brake suddenly while driving up or • a first aid kit down a hill.
SECTION 5 DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS 5.6 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION - GENERAL 3. Lift the rear floor pan and make sure both drain plugs in the rear of the lower body are in place and properly tight- ened. Alternatively, you can check on the outside of the vehicle, at the rear, to ensure the drain plugs are securely in place.
SECTION 5 DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS 5.6.2 Driving Procedures in Water equipped with a cab or convertible top unless adequate ventilation is provided. After the vehicle is floating evenly on the water, press the 5.7 WINTER OPERATION accelerator pedal to increase speed. Use only part throttle when traveling through water.
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SECTION 5 DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS Getting back onto safe ice depends on various conditions and the expertise of the driver. Be especially careful to prevent water from entering the vehicle. • Balance the cargo and passenger load. • Keep openings above the water line.
SECTION 6 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION 6.1 ENGINE OIL INFORMATION Do not run the engine if the oil level is above the “F” mark or below the “L” mark. Premature engine dam- age or total engine failure can occur when the oil level Detailed information on standard workshop and safety is not properly maintained.
SECTION 6 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION There is limited space between the engine and transmis- sion. Cut down an empty plastic container to the cor- rect height so it will fit under the engine oil drain. Make sure the container will hold the amount of oil in the en- gine.
SECTION 6 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION Refilling the Transmission 3. Water should drain. If necessary, operate priming pump to drain water, but only until fuel flows from filter. Refill the transmission through the oil fill/dipstick hole with 12 L of Citgo Transguard Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (or equiva- lent).
SECTION 6 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION 6.3.4 Transmission Oil Filter 6.4.4 Axle Bearing Lubrication The hydrostatic transmission is equipped with a disposable, spin-on oil filter. Replace this filter with a new one whenever transmission oil is changed (Part # 610-114). Before installing the new filter, lubricate the rubber filter gas- ket with fresh oil.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 7.1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM well, add distilled water until the cell is filled to correct level. DO NOT OVERFILL. Detailed information on standard workshop and safety procedures and general installation practices is not in- cluded here. ODG assumes no responsibility or liabil- ity for PERSONAL INJURY or VEHICLE DAMAGE which results from any procedure performed, including those procedures outlined here.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION Cleaning the Battery 7.2.1 DRIVE BELT Clean the top of the battery every 300 hours with a mixture of The drive belt transmits power from the driver clutch (on the baking soda and water. Before cleaning the battery, remove engine) to the driven clutch (on the transmission).
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1. Position the belt around the driver clutch first. Replace the plastic sliders before there is aluminum to aluminum contact between the cam and the movable pulley. 2. Ease the belt over the edge of the fixed face on the driven Driven clutch disassembly is required to replace the nylon clutch and at the same time, turn the inside, moveable sliders properly.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 3. Replace the outside plate and cotter pins. Always use new cotter pins (Part No. 104-35). Bend the pins towards the inside of the loop of chain. 4. Re-tension the chain as described in the next section. 5.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION this means that the front four chains will require the jam nuts to be turned in a counter-clockwise position to tension the chains. On the other hand, the rear four chains will become tensioned when the jam nuts are turned clockwise. 7.2.5 To Replace a Slider Block 1.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION Figure 7-11. Mechanical parking/emergency brake Figure 7-10. Removal of cotter pin and flat washer 7.3.2 BRAKE CALIPER ADJUSTMENT 7.2.6 TIRE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT With the engine cover and transmission cover removed, in- spect the mechanical brake caliper assembly. Repair a flat tire by removing the tire completely from the rim.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION Figure 7-14. Measuring the distance between the brake disc and brake pad. Figure 7-12. Tightening the lock nut. The use of an improperly adjusted parking/emergency brake is a serious safety hazard, and could lead to vehi- cle damage or personal injury.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 8. 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 Do not overfill the brake master cylinders. Fluid level hot brake disk would indicate that the parking brake must be at the top of the view window.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION (or equivalent) removable compound on the threads of the SHCS mounting bolts and tighten securely. Check the area around the exhaust system periodically for accumulated debris, particularly when traveling through dry vegetation. Failure to inspect and clean the exhaust system on a regular basis may create a fire hazard.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 7.5.2 STEERING WHEEL & LOCK ADJUSTMENT Adjust the steering cable so that the wheel will be centered when released. Ensure that the steering wheel has unrestricted rotation to the stops located at the bottom of the steering wheel housing.
SECTION 7 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 6. To adjust the shift cables, the shifting yokes threaded to the end of the push/pull shift cables must be threaded further onto the cable or else threaded out further. This is most easily done by first unfastening the shift box from the vehicle.
SECTION 8 TROUBLE SHOOTING MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION (SYMPTOM) Water leaks into lower body 1. Leak has developed at the axle 1. Replace the flange seal. assembly 2. Lower body is cut or punctured 2. Repair or replace vehicle skid plate and/or lower body.
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.
SECTION 10 POTENTIAL HAZARDS POTENTIAL WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD HAZARD Operating the Centaur New or inexperienced operators should read and The risk of accident is greatly increased if the without reading and un- understand the Operator’s Manual. They should operator does not know how to operate the derstanding the Opera- then regularly practice the operating techniques...
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SECTION 10 POTENTIAL HAZARDS POTENTIAL WHAT CAN HAPPEN 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 flotation device (PFD) or life jacket while travel- out the occupants wear-...
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SECTION 10 POTENTIAL HAZARDS 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.
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SECTION 10 POTENTIAL HAZARDS POTENTIAL WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD HAZARD Improperly crossing Side slope operation greatly increases the risk of Do not drive your vehicle across the side of a rolling the vehicle over sideways. hills or turning on hills. hill.
SECTION 11 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.
SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION drain plugs are securely in place and do not overload the vehicle. Ice must be thick enough to support the fully loaded vehicle. 11.4 WINCH KIT (Part No. 849-114) The 3500 lbs. winch mounts permanently to the front of the Centaur and can be used for self-recovery and to raise and lower the snowplow blade (Part No.
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SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION ing a load. The combination of the winch and vehicle cloth will act as a damper and help prevent the rope from pulling together could overload the wire rope and the whipping. winch itself. 4. KEEP WINCHING AREA CLEAR. Do not allow peo- ple to remain in the area during winching operations.
SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION 18. Never run winch without circuit breakers in place. Dan- gerous overloads to mechanical and electrical compo- nents can result. 11.4.2 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Winch (3) The result of kinking is that each strand pulls a different amount, causing the strands under greatest tension to 1.
SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION 11.7.1 Operating Guidelines sive tire wear. • Do not use in fast flowing or rough water. Operator dis- 1. Do NOT operate the Centaur on open or frozen bodies cretion is advised. of water with the snowplow attached. 2.
SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION 11.11 CARGO LINER (Part No. 848-123) Made from welded steel, the cargo liner is an extension to the existing floor plates and increases lower body protection. 11.12 HELICOPTER LIFT KIT (Part Nos. 848-119 & 848-120) Designed for remote firefighting, search and rescue and sur- veying, this optional retrofitable kit mounts to all Centaur models.
APPENDIX 1 SPECIAL TOOLS 7R VICE GRIP MODIFICATION As detailed in Section 7, a pair of modified 7R Vice Grips (Part No. 658-08) 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.
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Centaur New Vehicle Limited Warranty The warranty period is limited to 12 months or 750 hours of operation from the date of retail sale, with the following exceptions: Engine: 24 months from the date of retail sale separately by the engine manufacturer’s service network Exide Battery: 12 months free replacement from the date of retail sale by the battery manufacturer service...
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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. _____________________________________ SOLD TO: _____________________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS:_____________________________________________ CITY OR TOWN:_______________________PROV/STATE: _____________...
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