Operator`s manual

14
SECTION 5
DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
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 down-
hill. This may cause brake overheating or fade.
5.6 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION - GENERAL
ARGO vehicles may sink if they fill 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 fill with water before you
reach the shore. Be especially cautious when operat-
ing a loaded vehicle (cargo and/or passengers) in wa-
ter. Observe the capacity limits.
All ARGO vehicles are self-propelled, amphibious vehicles,
capable of navigating calm water, provided the following pre-
cautions 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 passenger restraining device
while operating an ARGO in water. 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. Use extra caution when operating the ARGO in cold water.
If the vehicle upsets or swamps, exposure in cold water
significantly reduces the chance of survival.
6. Be prepared to adjust the position of cargo and passen-
gers so the vehicle floats level.
7. 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 flotation
device (PFD) or life jacket while traveling in water.
2. Equip the vehicle with a paddle and bailing can. An op-
tional bilge pump kit (ARGO Part No. 638-25) is available
from your ARGO dealer and is recommended for water op-
eration.
3. Lift the rear floor pan and make sure both drain plugs in the
rear of the lower body (Figure 5-1) are in place and prop-
erly tightened. To install, seat the rubber portion of the
drain plug properly in the lower body hole and push the
lever down to lock plug in place (Figure 5-2). Check that
the plug is firmly in place. To tighten the drainplug, lift the
lever up and turn the lever clockwise until it is snug when
the lever is pushed down. Replace worn or inoperative
drain plugs with ARGO Part No. 100-18.
Figure 5-1. Location of rear drain plugs
4. Visually check the lower body of the vehicle for cuts, punc-
tures or holes that will allow water to enter the vehicle.
5. Make sure that any cargo in the rear of the vehicle is evenly
distributed.
6. Periodically inspect the outer bearing flange and gaskets
of each axle (Figure 5-3) to ensure they are water tight. If
there are signs of water leaking into the lower body, take
corrective action before entering water again. Make sure
there is sufficient grease in the bearing flange and that the
grease seal is in good condition.