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SECTION 4
DRIVING PROCEDURES
4.1 DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD
Shift the transmission into LOW or HIGH. Hold both steer-
ing levers straight ahead against the dash (See Figure 4-1).
Turn the throttle twist grip slowly until the clutch system
engages and the vehicle moves forward.
Figure 4-1. Position of steering levers for straight ahead
operation
4.2 STOPPING THE VEHICLE
Allow the throttle grip to return to the idle position. Pull
back evenly on both steering levers.
WARNING
Do not pull back abruptly on the steering levers. The
brakes are very effective, and sudden braking may cause
you or your passengers to be thrown from the vehicle.
Never use excessive force on the steering levers to apply
the brakes. This can cause tremendous pressure in the
master cylinders and brake calipers, resulting in compo-
nent failure.
When driving the vehicle, do not “ride” the brakes. Hold the
steering levers against the dash unless you are turning or
stopping the vehicle. If the levers are not against the dash,
the brakes are engaged, causing the brake pads to contact the
brake discs. This will cause excessive heat, brake fade and
lead to premature wear.
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. Hold the steering lever against the dash
between turns. 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
WARNING
Sharp turns, especially at high speeds or when heavily
loaded, may cause the vehicle to roll over. Slow the vehi-
cle down before making a turn. Do not apply the brakes
too suddenly.
4.3.1 Left Turn
To make a left turn, pull back on the left steering lever to
stop the wheels on the left side of the vehicle. When the turn
has been completed, return the left steering lever forward
against the dash.
4.3.2 Right Turn
Pull the right steering lever back and return it to the dash
when the turn has been completed.
4.4 BACKING THE VEHICLE UP
With the engine at idle, shift the transmission into reverse.
Hold the steering levers forward against the dash. Turn the
throttle twist grip slowly until the clutch engages and the
vehicle moves backwards. Increase speed by gradually turn-
ing the accelerator twist grip.
4.4.1 Turning The Vehicle While Backing Up
Pull the left steering lever back to make a turn to the left.
Pull the right steering lever back to make a turn to the right.
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 vehi-
cles. Carefully practice backing up and turning in an open
area until you become accustomed to this procedure. Take
precautions to avoid hitting persons or objects.