Operation Manual

Off-road driving
177
Ground clearance
Don’t forget to allow for ground clearance
beneath the chassis, axles, and under the
front and rear bumpers. Note that the axle
differentials are situated BELOW the chassis
and are positioned slightly to the RIGHT of the
centre of the vehicle. Note also that there are
other parts of the vehicle which may come
into contact with the ground; take care not to
ground the vehicle.
Ground clearance is particularly important at
the bottom of steep a slope, or where wheel
ruts are unusually deep and where sudden
changes in the slope of the ground are
experienced.
On soft ground the axle differentials will clear
their own path in all but the most difficult
conditions. However, on frozen, rocky or hard
ground, hard contact between the differentials
and the ground will generally result in the
vehicle coming to a sudden stop.
Always attempt to avoid obstacles that may
foul the chassis or axle differentials.
Loss of traction
On vehicles not fitted with Traction control, if
the vehicle is immobile due to loss of wheel
grip, the following hints could be of value:
• Avoid prolonged wheel spin; this will make
matters worse.
• Remove obstacles rather than forcing the
vehicle across them.
• Clear clogged tyre treads.
• Reverse as far as possible, then attempt
an increased speed approach - additional
momentum may overcome the obstacle.
• Brushwood, sacking or any similar
material placed in front of the tyres will
improve tyre grip.