Operator`s manual
11
SECTION 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 BRAKES AND STEERING
Do NOT oversteer. Avoid the tendency to push or pull
harder on the steering system if the vehicle is not re-
sponding as expected. Once the steering brakes have
been locked, pushing or pulling harder on the steering
system will not increase the turning capacity of the
vehicle. Damage may occur to the steering system as a
result of oversteering.
The moto-cross style steering handle bar is used to turn the
vehicle when it is moving in forward or reverse. Pulling back
on the right side of the steering handle bar while pushing on the
left side of the handle bar, causes the vehicle to turn right.
Pulling back on the left side of the steering handle bar while
pushing on the right side causes the vehicle to turn left. (Figure
3-1). To stop the vehicle, pull back on the hand brake lever
located on the left handle bar.
The ARGO is a skid steer vehicle. During a turn, the rear of
the vehicle swings outward as the vehicle pivots on the front
tire on the inside of the turn. To make a right hand turn, the
rear of the vehicle skids out to the left. To make a left hand
turn, the rear of the vehicle skids out to the right.
When turning, the back of the vehicle swings to the
opposite direction of the turn. 8-wheel vehicles swing
out further than 6-wheelers. Always take care to avoid
hitting persons or objects with the rear of the vehicle!
Serious injury or death can result!
Figure 3-1. Making a left hand turn.
3.2 EMERGENCY/PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM
When in use, the emergency/parking brake system keeps the
wheels locked in the full braking position.
To apply the emergency/parking brake system:
1. Pull the hand brake lever up rmly so the ratchet mecha-
nism engages.
To release the emergency/parking system:
1. Pull up on the hand brake lever and press the button on the
end to release the ratchet mechanism.
3.3 THROTTLE CONTROL
Vehicle speed is controlled by the throttle twist grip. To in-
crease vehicle speed, turn the twist grip as shown in Figure
3-2. To decrease vehicle speed, release the twist grip so the
engine returns to idle.
Figure 3-2. Operation of the throttle twist grip
3.4 STARTING PROCEDURE
Never start or run the engine in a closed building or
conned area. Engine exhaust gases contain poison-
ous carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is odourless,
colourless and can cause serious personal injury or
death.
All ARGO models are equipped with key operated, electric
start systems. Starting procedure is identical for all models.
To start the vehicle, proceed as follows:
1. Place the gearshift in the neutral (N) position.
2. Apply the emergency/parking brake system.
3. Use the choke (if equipped) if the engine is cold. Open the
accelerator twist grip control 1/8 turn.
4. Turn the key to the “START” position. (See Figure 3-3).