Operator`s manual
17
SECTION 5
DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
the possibility of rolling over.
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 downhill.
This may cause brake overheating or fade.
5.6 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION - GENERAL
ARGO vehicles may sink if they ll with water. If water
starts entering the vehicle, head to the nearest shore
immediately. Be prepared to abandon the vehicle if it
appears that the vehicle will ll 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.
Use caution and good judgement when entering water. Drown-
ing can occur even in shallow water. Watch for obstacles under
the water that could destabilize or upset the vehicle and may
cause occupants to be ejected from the vehicle. Make sure
all persons in the vehicle are wearing approved life jackets
or Personal Flotation Devices.
All ARGO vehicles are self-propelled, amphibious vehicles,
capable of navigating calm water, provided the following
precautions 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 restraining device while the
ARGO is oating in water. In shallow water, be prepared
to free yourself from restraining devices quickly. 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. Do not use the Argo in water when equipped with tracks
unless it is also equipped with an outboard motor. The
tracks do not propel the Argo in water.
6. Use extra caution when operating the ARGO in cold water.
If the vehicle upsets or swamps, exposure in cold water
signicantly reduces the chance of survival.
7. Be prepared to adjust the position of cargo and passengers
so the vehicle oats level.
8. 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 otation
device (PFD) or life jacket while traveling in water.
2. Equip the vehicle with a paddle and bailing can for water
operation. An optional bilge pump kit (ARGO Part No.
638-40) is available from your ARGO dealer and is recom-
mended in addition to the onboard bailing can.
Drain Plugs
1. Drain Plugs are accessible from the outside of the vehicle.
Make sure both drain plugs in the rear of the lower body
(Figure 5-1) are in place and properly tightened. To install,
locate the drain plugs at the rear of the vehicle and thread
each drain plug in a clockwise direction into the plug tting
ensuring a snug t. Check the O-ring on drain plug periodi-
cally. When removed, each drain plug remains attached to
the hole opening to prevent loss or misplacement of the
plug while the vehicle is draining. (Figure 5-2).
Figure 5-1. Location of rear drain plugs.
2. Visually check the lower body of the vehicle for cuts, punc-
tures or holes that will allow water to enter the vehicle.