Operation Manual

Off-road driving
176
Transfer gears
High range gears should be used whenever
possible - only change to low range when
ground conditions become very difficult. The
DIFF LOCK should be engaged whenever there
is a risk of losing wheel grip, and disengaged
as soon as firm, level, non-slippery ground is
reached.
Braking
As far as possible, vehicle speed should be
controlled through correct gear selection.
Application of the brake pedal should be kept
to an absolute minimum. Unless ABS is fitted,
any braking on wet, muddy or loose surfaces
is likely to cause one or more wheels to lock -
the resultant slide could prove dangerous.
NOTE: If the correct gear has been selected,
braking will be largely unnecessary.
Use of engine for braking
Before descending steep slopes, stop the
vehicle at least a length before the descent,
select neutral in the main gearbox, engage
LOW range and then select first or second
gear depending on the severity of the incline.
While descending the slope it should be
remembered that the engine will provide
sufficient braking effort to control the rate of
descent, and that the brakes should not be
applied.
Accelerating
Use the accelerator with care - unless Traction
control is fitted, any sudden surge of power
may induce wheel spin and result in loss of
control of the vehicle.
Steering
WARNING
DO NOT hold the steering wheel with your
thumbs inside the rim - a sudden ’kick’ of
the wheel as the vehicle negotiates a rut or
boulder could seriously injure them.
ALWAYS grip the wheel on the outside of the
rim (as shown) when traversing uneven
ground.
Survey the ground before driving
Before negotiating difficult terrain, it is wise to
carry out a preliminary survey on foot. This
will minimise the risk of your vehicle getting
into difficulty through a previously unnoticed
hazard.