Operator's Manual

18
2. To close the tailgate latches, lift the handles upward and
slide them toward the outside of the vehicle.
3. Push the latch handles downward to secure the latch and
tailgate.
New Vehicle Break-In
To provide proper performance and long vehicle life,
follow these guidelines for the first 100 operating hours.
• Check the fluid and engine oil levels regularly and be
alert for indications of overheating in any component of
the vehicle.
• After starting a cold engine, let it warm up for about 15
seconds before accelerating.
• Avoid hard braking situations for the first several hours
of new vehicle break-in operation. New brake linings
may not be at optimum performance until several hours
of use has caused the brakes to become burnished
(broken-in).
• Vary the vehicle speed during operation. Avoid fast
starts and quick stops.
• A break-in oil for engine is not required. Original
engine oil is the same type specified for regular oil
changes.
• Refer to the Maintenance section for any special low
hour checks.
• Check the front suspension positioning and adjust it if
necessary; refer to Adjusting the Front Suspension,
page 25.
Transporting the Vehicle
For moving the vehicle long distances, a trailer should be
used. Make sure that the vehicle is secured to the trailer.
Refer to Figures 14 and 15 for the location of tie-down
points.
Loose seats may fall off of the vehicle and trailer
when transporting and land on another vehicle or
become an obstruction on the road.
Remove the seats or make sure that the seats are
securely fastened in the detents.
Caution
1 1
Figure 14
1. Tie down points
Loading the Cargo Box
The capacity of the cargo box is 13 ft.
3
(0.37 m
3
). The
amount (volume) of material that can be placed in the box
without exceeding the vehicle load ratings can vary greatly
depending on the density of the material. For example, a
level box of wet sand weighs 1500 lb. (680 kg), which
exceeds the load rating by 500 lb. (227 kg). But a level box
of wood weighs 650 lb. (295 kg), which is under the load
rating.
See the table below for load volume limits with various
materials:
Material
Density
(lb./ft.
3
)
Max. cargo box
capacity (on level
ground)
Gravel
Dry
Wet
95
120
3/4 full (approx.)
1/2 full (approx.)
Sand
Dry
Wet
90
120
3/4 full
1/2 full
Wood 45 Full
Bark <45 Full
Earth, packed 100 3/4 full (approx.)
Towing the Vehicle
In case of an emergency, the vehicle can be towed for a
short distance. However, we do not recommend this as a
standard procedure.