Section 4: Operating Instructions
4400EX Heavy Duty Off Road Utility Vehicle 720-051M
6/30/05
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Table of Contents
4.
Avoid operating on excessively steep hills and
especially on hills that are steeper than 15 degrees.
Avoid crossing slopes if possible and don’t make
sharp uphill steering corrections or a rollover could
result. If your vehicle starts to tip over on a slope turn
the front wheels quickly down hill to regain stability
and control. The best way to climb most hills is to drive
straight up while maintaining a steady ground speed
and constant engine rpm. The best way to descend
most hills is straight down while using steady pressure
on the brakes without locking them up. Locking up the
brakes in a steep downhill situation can result in loss
of traction, steering and control. When you must cross
a slope on soft terrain, keep the front wheels turned
slightly uphill and maintain a constant speed and a
straight line of travel.
5.
Driving too fast, being inattentive and turning too
sharply on slippery surfaces can result in rollovers and
accidents almost quicker than any other ground
condition we know of. Snow cover, wet trails, loose
gravel and frozen ground can all contribute to this
dangerous condition. In these conditions maintain
sharp focus on the trail ahead. Don’t make sharp turns
and avoid the need for hard braking if at all possible.
Slow down and stop If you do start to slide.
6.
Avoid paved surfaces. Land Pride vehicles are
designed exclusively for off-road use only. We
understand that occasionally operators have to cross
public roads or right of ways to gain access to work or
recreation sites, but don’t get in the way of faster traffic
and cross quickly and safely.
7.
The Gondo is capable of crossing intermittent
streams where the depth of the water briefly comes
into contact with the bottom of the floorboards, but you
must keep these considerations in mind; You must
know how deep the water is and the strength of the
current. Cross where you have a gradual incline for
entry and exit and the bottom is fairly clean and free of
obstacles. Maintain a slow steady speed disturbing
the stream bed as little as possible. If you submerge
the engine, you will lose forward momentum and
power. If you submerge the engine or the whole
vehicle, do not attempt to start the vehicle but take it to
your nearest dealer immediately. After intermittent
stream or shallow water crossings, dry out the brake
linings by slightly accelerating the engine rpm while
riding the brakes momentarily until full drive power
and braking are restored.
8.
Backing up in an off-road situation might seem a
simple thing to do to a novice, but having to back down
a hill is a very dangerous situation. If you are on level
ground always look behind you and back up slowly. If
you find yourself having to back down a hill, apply the
brakes very lightly. Hard braking can cause total loss
of control and a rollover situation. Try to back straight
down the hill without turning. Turning in this situation
can also cause a rollover.
9.
Whenever possible, park your vehicle on a level
surface with the transmission in gear, set the park
brake and remove the key. If you do have to park on a
hillside make to sure chock the rear wheels on the
downhill side to prevent a roll away. It’s a good idea to
keep your spare key stashed separately.
10. Never operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs
or alcohol. When you’re driving off-road vehicles you
need to keep your senses keen and capable of quick
reaction, sharp perception and good balance.
11. Working or recreation in the deep wilderness or on the
prairies can be personally rewarding and very
enjoyable to those who truly love and understand
nature and the outdoors. Good judgement, maturity,
proper preparation and planning can turn these
adventures into great experiences you’ll talk about for
a lifetime. Share these adventures with young people
whenever you can and show them how to do it
properly. Don’t let anyone under 16 operate this
vehicle. They just aren’t mature and experienced
enough to take on the serious responsibility of
operating a vehicle in the off-road environment
without the benefit of an experienced adult with them.
Remember, the only one who can prevent and avoid
an accident is the operator in control and that’s you!
