11
SECTION 5
DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
5.1 REMOTE AREA USE
When traveling in remote areas or when traveling long dis-
tances, the following items are essential:
•
a first aid kit
•
a complete survival kit
•
protective clothing and footwear
•
waterproof safety matches
•
candles
•
emergency flares
•
communications equipment
•
adequate fuel supply in approved, watertight containers
•
fire extinguisher
•
back-up battery
•
basic mechanic’s tools and Centaur spare parts
Before venturing into remote areas, carry out all inspections,
adjustments and lubrication checks detailed in this manual.
Do not proceed unless your vehicle is in good working con-
dition.
Inform someone of your departure and return plans and your
route so that help can be dispatched if you do not return as
scheduled. Do not travel into a remote area alone.
Choose your equipment and supplies to meet the climate and
terrain conditions that you may encounter. Practice safe driv-
ing habits when traveling in remote areas. Avoid terrain that
may be impassable.
5.2 ANGLE OF OPERATION
When operating the CENTAUR on an angle, (up and down
hills or across uneven terrain that causes the vehicle to tilt in
any direction) the engine and transmission oil levels are af-
fected. If the engine oil level falls below the oil pump intake
or if the transmission oil level falls below the hydrostatic trans-
mission intake port, damage will occur because of inadequate
lubrication. To avoid premature engine or hydrostatic trans-
mission damage and costly repairs:
•
Do not operate your engine continuously on angles or
inclines that are greater than 30 degrees in any direction.
•
Make sure the engine oil level is near the “full” mark
(However, do not overfill.)
•
Make sure the transmission oil level is between the two
marks on the dipstick.
5.3 UPHILL OPERATION
Never accelerate or brake suddenly while driving up or
down a hill. Sudden acceleration or braking can cause
the vehicle to roll over, causing serious personal injury
or death.
Never attempt to turn the vehicle around on a steep hill
or grade. Turning the vehicle around on a hill can re-
sult in the vehicle rolling over and can result in serious
injury or death.
Approach the hill head on to minimize the possibility of slid-
ing sideways or rolling over. Accelerate slowly to prevent
loss of traction. When traction is lost, the vehicle may slide
sideways or backwards. If this occurs, apply the brakes gen-
tly and evenly to stop the slide. Allow the vehicle to coast
back down to the bottom of the hill by carefully releasing the
brakes.
Try to avoid steep hills. When a steep hill can’t be avoided,
be prepared to shift cargo forward to prevent the vehicle from
rolling over. As a general rule, driving up a steep hill greatly
increases the possibility of rolling over.
5.4 DOWNHILL OPERATION
Always approach the hill head on to minimize the possibility
of sliding sideways, or rolling over. Do not abruptly or force-
fully apply brakes while travelling downhill. Sudden braking
can cause the vehicle to roll over frontwards. Use engine brak-
ing by selecting low range and keeping the engine speed up
just enough to keep the clutch engaged. If engine braking is
not sufficient to control downward vehicle speed, then gently
apply the brakes with your left foot while maintaining engine
speed with your right foot.
Avoid steep declines when possible. When a steep decline
cannot be avoided, shift cargo to the rear of the vehicle to
prevent the vehicle from rolling over. As a rule, driving the
vehicle down a steep decline greatly increases the possibility
of rolling over.
5.5 SIDE SLOPE OPERATION
Do not drive your vehicle across the side of a hill. Side slope
operation greatly increases the risk of rolling the vehicle over
sideways.
Prolonged side slope operation may cause engine damage.
Observe the engine angle of operation limitations in Section
5.2.
Содержание amphibious, off-road utility vehicle
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