Operator`s manual
19
SECTION 5
DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
5.6.3 Driving Out of Water
When driving out of water, choose an area of the shore that is
reasonably at and free of rocks, stumps and other obstacles.
Steer the vehicle so that both front wheels reach the shore
at the same time. Accelerate slowly until the vehicle is out
of the water. If vehicle is equipped with a ROPS system, re-
fasten seatbelts.
5.6.4 Outboard Motor Bracket
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional outboard mo-
tor bracket (ARGO Part No. 617-09 or 617-10) to mount an
outboard motor up to 9.9 h.p. A long shaft outboard motor is
preferred to prevent cavitation.
Do not mount an outboard motor on the vehicle unless the
special bracket is used. Damage to the vehicle will occur if
an outboard motor is mounted directly on the vehicle body.
Gasoline is extremely ammable and can explode if
ignited. Fill outboard motor fuel tanks outside of the ve-
hicle. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately. Do not carry
or store fuel tanks in a vehicle equipped with a cab or
convertible top unless adequate ventilation is provided.
5.7 WINTER OPERATION
Follow these precautions when operating the ARGO in winter
conditions:
• Equip the vehicle for remote area use, as listed in Section
5.1.
• Keep the battery fully charged and in good condition.
•
Use the recommended winter grade of engine oil.
• Do not allow water or snow to accumulate in the vehicle.
Snow may melt during operation of the vehicle, collect
in the lower body and freeze around the chains and nal
drive components, immobilizing the vehicle.
•
Store the vehicle indoors or under cover.
•
Equip your vehicle with snow tracks for travel over deep
snow.
•
Steep, snow-covered or icy hills may be more difcult
to ascend. Ice cleat kits (625-20 for 6 wheel or 825-21
for 8 wheel) are available for Super Track and Rubber
Track systems.
•
Never travel alone into a remote area. Leave your route
and arrival plans with someone who can send help if you
fail to arrive as planned.
5.7.1 Use on Ice Covered Bodies of Water
Using the ARGO on ice-covered bodies of water is poten-
tially hazardous. Use extreme caution. Exposure to cold
water reduces a person’s chance of survival. Protective
clothing, such as a marine survival suit will signicantly
decrease the effect of exposure in frigid water.
Before venturing out onto ice-covered bodies of water, it is
extremely important to:
•
Check the ice thickness and condition to be sure it will
support the vehicle.
• Take all precautions as in Section 5.6, particularly para-
graph 3 referring to drain plugs.
If the vehicle breaks through the ice, it will oat in the water,
provided that there are no leaks in the body, the drain plugs
are in place and vehicle is not taking on water through any
body openings. However, there is a risk of the vehicle tip-
ping, particularly if the load is unbalanced. Be prepared to
shift occupants’ weight for balance.
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, like air intakes/exhaust, etc. above the
water line.
•
Keep the bilge pump running.
•
Winch the vehicle out.
• Back onto ice, as the back end is lighter and oats higher
in the water.
• 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 Argo is climbing out to avoid vehicle
tip-over.
•
Break the thin ice around the vehicle with the paddle until
there is rm ice for the vehicle to climb onto.
•
Be wary of currents which may pull the vehicle under the
ice.
If you feel that you may not be able to get the vehicle back
onto safe ice or land, you might consider staying put to await
rescue. This may be safer than trying to leave the vehicle to
walk over thin ice.