Operator`s manual

14
SECTION 4
DRIVING PROCEDURES
4.1 DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD
The Moto-Cross style steering bar is spring loaded to return
to a centered position. (See Figure 4-1). At this location, no
braking is applied to either of the calipers. It is at this position
that the steering bar should be when driving straight ahead.
Turn the throttle twist grip slowly until the clutch system
engages and the vehicle moves forward.
Figure 4-1. Position of moto-cross style steering bar in straight
ahead operation.
4.2 STOPPING THE VEHICLE
Allow the throttle grip to return to the idle position. Squeeze
the handle mounted brake lever with your left hand.
4.3 TURNING THE VEHICLE
The ARGO is a skid steer vehicle. The rear of the vehicle
swings outward during a turn. Always take precautions when
making turns to avoid hitting persons or objects. The proper
way to make a wide turn is illustrated in Figure 4-2. Make a
series of short turns. Centre the steering handle bar. Riding
the brakes while making turns will result in excessive heat,
brake fade and lead to premature brake wear.
Figure 4-2. Correct method of making a wide turn
Sharp turns, especially at high speeds or when heavily
loaded, may cause the vehicle to roll over. Slow the
vehicle down before making a turn. Do not apply the
brakes too suddenly.
4.3.1 Left Turn
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 vehicle's brake disc has
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.
To make a left turn, pull back on the left steering bar while
at the same time pushing on the right to stop the brake on the
left side of the vehicle. When the turn has been completed,
return the steering bar to the centre position.
4.3.2 Right Turn
Pull back on the right steering bar while at the same time
pushing on the left to stop the brake on the right side of the
vehicle. When the turn has been completed, return the steering
bar to the centre position.
4.4 BACKING THE VEHICLE UP
With the engine at idle, shift the transmission into reverse.
Ensure that the steering handle bar is centred. Turn the throt-
tle twist grip slowly until the clutch engages and the vehicle
moves backwards. Increase speed by gradually turning the
accelerator twist grip. For the HDi and HD models, it is rec-
ommended that the Hi/Low shift be set in the Low position
when operating in reverse.
4.4.1 Turning The Vehicle While Backing Up
Pull on the right bar and push on the left to turn right. Pull on
the left bar and push on the right to turn left. When turning
the vehicle while backing up, the rear of the vehicle swings in
the direction of the turn. This is unusual for most people who
are not familiar with skid steer vehicles. Carefully practice
backing up and turning in an open area until you become ac-
customed to this procedure. Take precautions to avoid hitting
persons or objects.
Do not push against the rewall with your knees. Dam-
age to the rewall and serious personal injury can result
from the driven clutch wearing through the rewall.