8/05/08
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Section 4: Operating Instructions
4220ST & 4420ST Light Utility Vehicles 700-504M
Table of Contents
Traveling Tips From the Trail Masters
At Land Pride we want you to get maximum working and
recreational enjoyment out of your utility vehicle. If your
work project or recreational adventure is going to take
you on an extended ride deep into the wilderness or way
out on the prairie, you’ll need to seriously consider some
of the following tips from experienced pros about safety,
gear, clothing, supplies and driving techniques.
Preparation and Planning
Do a complete equipment check as follows:
1.
Make sure you have plenty of fuel and oil to make the
trip and then some.
2.
Make sure your tires have proper inflation, your lug
bolts are tight and that you have a spare and the tools
to change, repair and inflate a tire. Consider adding a
puncture sealant to your tires as a preventative
measure.
3.
Check for any loose or missing parts and definitely
make those needed repairs before going anywhere. It
is especially important that you check steering,
braking, throttle, electrical and engine components
thoroughly.
Plan Your Route
1.
Plan your route, destination and rendezvous points
before starting out.
2.
Don’t go it alone if at all possible. Taking someone
else along reduces the potential for loss of life or major
injury from inclement weather, animal attacks, or
accidents. Besides, it’s more fun when you have
someone to share the adventure with.
3.
Obtain trail or area maps of your travel routes to and
from your destination. Communicate your travel plans
to responsible friends and or proper authorities. Plan
rendezvous points at conspicuous landmarks along
your route just in case you run into unexpected trouble
on the trail.
4.
Make sure you take a weather radio and two-way
communication devices such as cell phones or long
range-two way radios. It is also good to have ground
flares, a flare gun, a smoke canister, emergency
strobe light, a reflecting mirror, matches for a signal
fire and a compass.
Plan Your Gear
1.
Check the short and long range weather forecast and
take protective gear and clothing to cover all
contingencies. It doesn’t have to snow for you to fall
victim to hypothermia or exposure. Take or wear
appropriate eye and head protection, gloves, boots, a
long sleeve shirt, long pants, a jacket, rain gear, dry
socks and a full change of dry clothing.
2.
Plan your gear and gear up for the best and worst of
environmental conditions.
3.
Pack a first aid kit, sunblocker, lip balm, insect
repellent, personal medications, water, tarp or tent,
flash light, survival knife, binoculars, camera, tool kit,
rope, duct tape, tow strap, winch or come-along,
eating utensils, cooking utensils and high energy trail
food.
4.
Tie and lash down your gear and supplies securely.
Keep the bulk of the weight centered and mounted as
low as possible on the vehicle in order to maintain a
low center of gravity for safe and stable off-road travel.
Going Out on the Trail
1.
When it’s time to hit the trail “take it all in” but do it
safely!
2.
Make sure you brief your passenger on proper safety
procedures like keeping hands, arms, feet and other
bodily appendages inside the vehicle. Passengers
should only be transported in factory supplied seating.
3.
Operator and passenger are responsible for deciding
if their situation warrants using Seat Belts.
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. 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. If you do start to
slide turn the front wheels in the direction of the skid to
regain control.
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.
Land Pride Vehicles with shielded torque converters
are capable of making intermittent stream crossings
where the depth of water briefly comes into contact
with the bottom of floorboards, but you must keep
these considerations in mind; you must know how
