Centaur 2008 Centaur Operator'S Manual Download

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SECTION 3

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 STEERING

The steering wheel is used to turn the vehicle whenever the

engine is running. When moving forward, steering is similar to

an automobile. When moving in reverse, steering is opposite

to an automobile, similar to backing up a trailer.

When moving in reverse, steering operation is opposite

to automobiles. Practice driving backwards before taking

the vehicle off road.

The steering system works whenever the engine is running,

even when the gear selector is in neutral. The CENTAUR is

a skid steer vehicle. During a turn, the rear of the vehicle

swings outward as the vehicle pivots on the tires on the inside

of the turn. To make a right hand turn, the rear of the vehicle

skids out to the left. To make a left hand turn, the rear of the

vehicle skids out to the right.

When turning, the back of the vehicle swings to the op

posite direction of the turn. Always take care to avoid

hitting persons or objects with the rear of the vehicle!

Serious injury or death can result!

The steering system is powered by a hydrostatic transmission

and works best when engine r.p.m. is higher than at idle. Avoid

turning the steering wheel when engine is idling.

Do NOT use steering unless vehicle is moving. Do NOT

use steering to assist in entering the vehicle. Damage to

the steering system could result.

Centaur vehicles built after August 2001 have a steering lock-

out system. The armrest on the driver’s side is mechanically

linked to the steering control. The steering wheel is locked in

the center position when the armrest is in the raised position.

When the armrest is in the lowered position, the steering is

unlocked and ready for use.

Ensure armrest is lowered and steering wheel moves

freely before driving the Centaur. If the steering lockout

feature malfunctions, steering will be impaired which

could cause an accident resulting in serious injury or

death.

3.2 BRAKES

The Centaur has a foot operated brake pedal. To stop the

vehicle, press firmly on the brake pedal.

3.3 PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE

The Centaur is equipped with a parking/emergency brake.

The lever is located midpoint under the dash and is activated
by pulling towards the driver. Release the brake by

pushing

the button on the end of the lever

and

pushing the lever as far

forward as possible.

3.4 THROTTLE CONTROL

Vehicle speed is controlled by the accelerator pedal. To

increase vehicle speed, press on the accelerator pedal. To

decrease vehicle speed, remove pressure on the accelerator

pedal.

3.5 STARTING PROCEDURE

Never start or run the engine in a closed building or

confined area. Engine exhaust gases contain poison-

ous carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is odourless,

colourless and can cause serious personal injury or

death.

All Centaur models are equipped with key operated, electric

start systems.

Centaur vehicles built after December 2001 have a neutral

safety switch that prevents the vehicle from being started

unless the vehicle gear selector is in neutral.

3.5.1 Gasoline Powered

1. Shift the transmission into neutral.

2. Use the choke if the engine is cold. Do not press down

on the accelerator pedal if using the choke.

3. Turn the key to the “START” position.

Summary of Contents for 2008 Centaur

Page 1: ...Ontario Drive Gear Limited 220 Bergey Court New Hamburg Ontario N3A 2J5 Telephone 519 662 2840 Fax 519 662 2421 www centaur8x8 ca Do not remove this manual from this vehicle MANUAL NO 671 102 Printed in Canada 2008 12 04 ...

Page 2: ... manual Please read and follow them carefully Always be safety conscious when you operate your CENTAUR and remember it is a motorized vehicle The CENTAUR is easy to drive and you will soon be tempted to take on new challenges Please take the time to develop your driving skills before doing so Observe the recommendations outlined in this Opera tor s Manual and remember some things are just impossib...

Page 3: ...at can result in personal injury or death Cautions are identified in the text by the following symbol Caution text contains cautions that can prevent damage to the vehicle This manual is based on the latest product information available at the time of printing Ontario Drive Gear Limited reserves the right to make changes at any time and without obligation Reproduction of any part of this publicati...

Page 4: ...in the vehicle Special operating and safety procedures described in this manual must be observed before and during operation The use of approved hearing protection is recommended Equip your vehicle with a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit Equip your vehicle with basic tools for emergency repairs Before starting your engine check for spilled fuel and wipe any up immediately Any fuel is a potent...

Page 5: ...G INSTRUCTIONS 3 1 STEERING 7 3 2 BRAKES 7 3 3 PARKING EMERGENCY BRAKE 7 3 4 THROTTLE CONTROL 7 3 5 STARTING PROCEDURE 7 3 5 1 Gasoline Powered 7 3 5 2 Diesel Powered 8 3 6 STOPPING THE ENGINE 8 3 7 SELECTING AND CHANGING TRANSMISSION GEARS 8 3 8 HEADLIGHTS 9 4 0 DRIVING PROCEDURES 4 1 DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD 10 4 2 STOPPING THE VEHICLE 10 4 3 TURNING THE VEHICLE 10 4 4 BACKING THE VEHICLE UP 10 4 ...

Page 6: ... Oil Filter 17 6 4 LUBRICATION INFORMATION 17 6 4 1 General 17 6 4 2 Drive Chain Lubrication 17 6 4 3 Driven Clutch Maintenance 17 6 4 4 Axle Bearing Lubrication 17 7 0 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 7 1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18 7 1 1 General 18 7 1 2 Battery 18 Checking Fluid Level 18 Charging the Battery 18 Cleaning the Battery Terminals and Cable Connections 18 Cleaning the Battery 18 7 1 3 ELECTRICAL SYS...

Page 7: ...TROUBLESHOOTING 28 9 0 CLEANING AND STORAGE 9 1 CLEANING THE VEHICLE 30 9 2 STORING THE VEHICLE 30 Clean the Vehicle 30 Drain the Fuel System 30 Prepare the Battery for Storage 30 Protect the Electrical System 30 Raise the Vehicle 30 Preparing the Engine for Storage 30 10 0 POTENTIAL HAZARDS 31 11 0 ACCESSORY INFORMATION 11 1 GENERAL 35 11 2 REAR CARGO TIE DOWN BARS Part No 849 116 35 11 3 ALL SEA...

Page 8: ...48 110 42 11 12 DUMP BOX KIT Part No 835 100 42 11 13 CARGO LINER Part No 848 123 42 11 14 CENTAUR FOUR POINT LIFT KIT Part No 848 121 42 11 15 LIGHT GUARD KIT Part No 849 134 43 11 16 BRUSH GUARD KIT Part No 849 191 43 11 17 MUD FLAP EXTENDERS Part No 821 105 43 11 18 TRANSMISSION OIL HEATER Part No 613 103 43 11 19 SPEEDOMETER KIT Part No 849 165 43 APPENDIX 1 SPECIAL TOOLS 10R VICE GRIP MODIFIC...

Page 9: ...Section 8 contains information for locating and correcting mechanical problems In many cases potential problems can be identified by unusual noises sluggishness or vibration before they result in a breakdown Refer to the chart to identify these symptoms Take immediate corrective action or take the vehicle to a CENTAUR dealer for service This manual does not provide detailed maintenance or servic i...

Page 10: ...ains from transmission to eight 1 59 40mm diameter axles Automatically adjusted tensioner for each drive chain Tapered roller bearings in an oil bath support each axle Frame Powder coated 3 inch tubular steel lower body support pan welded construction FEA analyzed for strength and durability Body Vacuum formed lower hull and standard full skid plate formed from high density polyethylene HDPE Load ...

Page 11: ...Heater 20 lbs 9 kg Winch Kit 45 21 Brush Guard 20 9 Cargo Liner 30 14 Dump Box 240 109 Snow Plow 150 68 Multi Purpose Tracks 310 141 Winter Tracks 515 234 3 1 6 CE MARKED CENTAURS CE marked Centaurs include CE marked serial number label horn activated from driver s compartment the weighted root mean square value for vibration of the vehicle does not exceed 2 5 m s 2 the weighted root mean square v...

Page 12: ...e labels on all models which indicate operating hazards and provide special operating instructions Information about the operation of the vehicle correct fueling procedures and steering system use has been provided on distinctive yellow and black labels fastened to the various locations on the CENTAUR 4 ...

Page 13: ...e intake and exhaust screen for obstruc SECTION 2 GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION tions Clear any debris that has accumulated 2 3 CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO 1 Keep cargo as low as possible and evenly distributed 2 Use extreme CAUTION when negotiating inclines with a loaded vehicle Heavy loads and high loads decrease the stability of the vehicle and may cause it to roll Be pre pared to shift occup...

Page 14: ...cohols or ethers Excessive amounts of these blends can damage the fuel system or cause performance problems Do not use gasoline which contains Methanol If any undesirable operating symptoms occur use gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether Keep fuel tank full Do not over fill fuel tank Allow space for fuel expansion Check for fuel leaks at fuel filter carburetor fuel pump etc Centaur ...

Page 15: ... The steering wheel is locked in the center position when the armrest is in the raised position When the armrest is in the lowered position the steering is unlocked and ready for use Ensure armrest is lowered and steering wheel moves freely before driving the Centaur If the steering lockout feature malfunctions steering will be impaired which could cause an accident resulting in serious injury or ...

Page 16: ...tch to the OFF position Always remove key from ignition switch when leaving the vehicle unattended 3 7 SELECTING AND CHANGING TRANSMISSION GEARS The CENTAUR is equipped with a four position transmission The gearshift lever is located to the left of the dash R Reverse for backing up the vehicle Neutral for starting the engine or idling L Low for use when extra pulling power or very low speed is req...

Page 17: ...e right and pull down firmly Less force is required to shift into reverse Reverse does not have a synchronizer so it is very important that the engine is idling If reverse gear does not engage the first time use the same technique as for shifting into high and low Do not attempt to move the gearshift from the neutral starting position until the engine idles down completely The Centaur is equipped ...

Page 18: ...opping the vehicle 4 3 TURNING THE VEHICLE The Centaur 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 steering system is powered by a hydrostatic transmission and works best when engine r p m is higher than at idle Avoid turning the steering wheel when engine is idling Do not use steerin...

Page 19: ...rake 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 slidi...

Page 20: ...on device PFD or life jacket while crossing water 2 Equip the vehicle with first aid kits and personal safety equipment Optional bilge pump kits Part No 849 146 are available from your Centaur dealer and are recom mended for vehicles that will be crossing shallow streams or rivers 3 Make sure both drain plugs in the rear of the lower body Figure 5 1 are in place and properly tightened To install l...

Page 21: ...nd final drive components immobilizing the vehicle Store the vehicle indoors or under cover Equip your vehicle with snow tracks for travel over deep snow Steep snow covered or icy hills may be more difficult to ascend or descend Never travel alone into a remote area Leave your route and arrival plans with someone who can send help if you fail to arrive as planned 5 7 1 Use on Ice Covered Bodies of...

Page 22: ...should be between the marks If the level has dropped add oil to bring the level up to the F mark DO NOT OVERFILL Figure 6 1 Oil fill and level location Briggs Stratton Daihatsu engine Do not run the engine if the oil level is above the F mark or below the L mark Premature engine damage or total engine failure can occur when the oil level is not properly maintained 6 1 2 Recommended Engine Oil Use ...

Page 23: ...re removing Remove the dipstick by pulling up The transmission oil level should be even with the mark on the dipstick as shown in Figure 6 3 Add CitgoTransguardTractor Hydraulic Fluid or equivalent through the transmission oil fill dipstick hole until the transmission is filled to the correct level When the oil level is at the lower notch approximately one litre can be added DO NOT OVERFILL Replac...

Page 24: ...er 1 Stop engine 2 Place a drain pan under fuel filter and loosen drain plug approximately 1 turn 3 Water should drain If necessary operate priming pump to drain water but only until fuel flows from filter Figure 6 4 Fuel Filter 4 Tighten drain plug Bleed air from fuel line 5 Start engine Make sure warning light goes out Check for leaks To replace fuel filter element 1 Disconnect sensor wire Remov...

Page 25: ...arna VegOil A vegetable based chain oil that has been carefully developed by Husqvarna to produce a highly effective environmentally compatible lubricant Biodegradable and economical up to 40 less required than with conventional oils Low viscosity even in extreme cold and able to handle water contamination Can be cleaned with common detergents After every 100 hours of operation remove all the driv...

Page 26: ...le servic ing the battery All models are equipped with a 12 volt wet cell type battery The battery is located in the engine compartment on the left side of the engine Checking Fluid Level Check the fluid level every 50 hours of operation Remove the vents and make sure each cell is filled to the fluid level as shown in Figure 7 1 If the fluid has dropped below the fill well add distilled water unti...

Page 27: ...if the drive belt clutch components or other moving parts come loose If engine compartment inspection is necessary while the engine is running use EXTREME CAUTION Keep engine RPM low Avoid standing directly in line with moving components Use a mirror to view the components 7 2 1 DRIVE BELT The drive belt transmits power from the driver clutch on the engine to the driven clutch on the transmission ...

Page 28: ...ace the nylon sliders properly Return the vehicle to a CENTAUR dealer for service 7 2 3 DRIVE CHAINS Roller chain stretch results from wear to the chain pins and bushings because of the loss of lubricant To prevent sprocket damage and unnecessary breakdowns replace the chains when the chain tensioner can no longer take up the chain slack the chain is seized due to rust and lack of lubrication the ...

Page 29: ...NT Repair a flat tire by removing the tire completely from the rim Proper tire changing equipment is necessary to remove and remount the tire Apply a radial tire patch on the inside of the tire over the puncture or hole Remount the tire on the rim using ONLY WATER as a bead lubricant Spoon the tire onto the rim to prevent tire bead area damage THE TIRE MAYEXPLODE IF OVER INFLATED Place the tire an...

Page 30: ...010 feeler gauge 010 is the correct clearance between the left brake pad and the brake disc when the right pad is pressed against the disc 2 Use another 1 2 open wrench to tighten the outer lock nut to the inner one 3 Tighten the adjustment lock nut with a 1 2 wrench so it is snug but the bolt can still be turned freely with fingers Figure 7 12 Tightening the lock nut Figure 7 13 Brake pad wear me...

Page 31: ... ensure that the parking brake will bring the vehicle to a stop when coasting Repeat several times then check the gap be tween brake pad and the disk and readjust if necessary 8 Start up and drive the vehicle for 10 minutes Stop the engine and check that the parking brake caliper has not been dragging A strong brake material smell and a very hot brake disk would indicate that the parking brake cal...

Page 32: ...ke performance is affected the pads are contaminated with lubricant and brake per formance is affected To replace the brake pads Remove both cotter pins from the brake caliper Remove the brake caliper from the transmission using a hex driver to remove the two SHCS mounting bolts accessible through the brake disc hole as shown in Figure 7 16 Without disturbing the connection of the brake line swing...

Page 33: ...uld not rotate Figure 7 18 Position of steering spring plate 7 5 2 STEERING WHEEL LOCK ADJUSTMENT Adjust the steering cable so that the wheel will be centered when released Ensure that the steering wheel has unrestricted rotation to the stops located at the bottom of the steering wheel housing Adjust cable if necessary Tighten all nuts and bolts associated with the steering system Ensure that all ...

Page 34: ... assembly when in the neutral position 5 To adjust the shift cables the shifting yokes threaded to the end of the push pull shift cables must be threaded further onto the cable or else threaded out further This is most easily done by loosening off the nuts from the outside of the shift box and adjusting as needed You may need to rotate the clutch to allow the shifting mechanism within the transmis...

Page 35: ...ATTERY TERMINALS CONNEC CLEAN BATTERY CLEAN ADJUST REPLACE SPARK PLUGS CHECK THE DRIVE BELT CHECK PLASTIC SLIDERS DRIVEN CLUTCH CHECK SLIDERS CHAIN TAKE UP SYSTEM INSPECT MECH BRAKE PADS ADJUST PARKING BRAKE ADJUST PARKING BRAKE CABLE CHECK HYD BRAKE FLUID LEVEL COND INSPECT HYDRAULIC BRAKE PADS CHECK ADJUST STEERING CENTERING CHECK HYDROSTATIC TRANS DRIVE BELT TENSION CHECK FUEL TANK CONNECTIONS ...

Page 36: ...on 6 Take the vehicle to a factory au thorized engine repair outlet 7 Gas engine fuel delivery system 7 Check that electric fuel pump is is faulty operating Make sure fuel shut off solenoid is activated to allow fuel into carburetor Engine will not run 1 Refer to engine manual Vehicle will not move and or turn 1 Transmission in neutral or not 1 Place gear shift properly in gear properly engaged in...

Page 37: ... rim in a water tank Air may be escaping through the rim halves or the valve stem Repair as required 4 Defective valve 4 Replace defective valve Hydraulic brakes are spongy 1 Air in hydraulic system 1 Have a CENTAUR dealer bleed or there is excessive brake the brake system and add fluid pedal travel 2 Leak in system 2 Have a CENTAUR dealer check all fittings hoses calipers and seals for loose conn...

Page 38: ... to the fuel tank and fill with fresh fuel Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the treated fuel to reach the engine Prepare the Battery for Storage Remove the battery from the vehicle Clean it and charge it with a battery charger Coat the battery terminals with a multi purpose grease to prevent corrosion Store the battery in a cool dry place Do not store the battery near flames sparks or any...

Page 39: ...the vehicle Operating the Centaur after or while consum ing alcohol or drugs Could seriously affect your judgement cause you to react more slowly and affect your balance and perception This could result in an accident Never allow anyone under the influence of alco hol or any other intoxicating substance to drive or ride in the vehicle Never use with drugs or alcohol Carrying passengers in the dump...

Page 40: ...e chains axles or bearings Never exceed the load capacity of the Centaur Follow the recommended load capacity for your vehicle listed in Section 1 Failure to fasten seat belts If the Centaur overturns the driver and passengers may be thrown from the vehicle and be seriously injured or killed Seat belts must be properly adjusted and worn by all occupants at all times EXCEPT when operating in water ...

Page 41: ...hicle damage may result Do not drive the vehicle at high speeds over unfamiliar or rough terrain Never operate at speeds too fast for your skills or the conditions Failure to use extra care when operating the Centaur on unfamiliar terrain Personal injury or vehicle damage may result Do not drive the vehicle at high speeds over unfamiliar or rough terrain Failure to use extra care when operating on...

Page 42: ...ontrol skidding or sliding by practising at slow speeds and on level smooth terrain On extremely slippery surfaces such as ice go slowly and be very cautious in order to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control Improperly operating in reverse You could hit an obstacle or person behind you resulting in serious injury When turning in reverse steering operation is opposite to automobil...

Page 43: ...them all to 10 psi If the tires were just installed on rims or were left set under 5 psi it is very important that the tires have a chance to sit for at least 24 hours while pressurized Re check the tire pressure and re set to 10 psi if required b Measure the circumference of each tire using a suit able tape measure being sure to measure around the center line of the tire Figure 11 1 Write down th...

Page 44: ...rmation on operating capacities CAUTION should be observed when operating in winter conditions and a drop in temperature occurs Snow and slush accumulation in the track could freeze resulting in damage to the track system Slush snow and ice ac cumulation should be cleared from the axles and track periodically to prevent build up CAUTION should be observed when using any track system on a Centaur M...

Page 45: ...them all to 10 psi If the tires were just installed on rims or were left set under 5 psi it is very important that the tires have a chance to sit for at least 24 hours while pressurized Re check the tire pressure and re set to 10 psi if required b Measure the circumference of each tire using a suit able tape measure being sure to measure around the center line of the tire Figure 11 1 Write down th...

Page 46: ... use on pavement gravel rocks or any other abrasive surface Abrasion will cause damage to the track assembly If a Centaur is taken outdoors into freezing temperatures after the track system has been installed indoors at normal room temperature the tires will lose air pressure After the tires have cooled down to the outdoor temperature where the vehicle is to be operated the tire pressure should be...

Page 47: ...uperwinch Part No 1503 to double line the wire rope Figure 11 7 This reduces the load on the winch and the strain on the wire rope by approximately 50 Figure 11 7 Double Line 2 Periodically check the winch installation to assure that all bolts are tight 3 DO NOT move your vehicle to assist the winch in pull ing a load The combination of the winch and vehicle pulling together could overload the wir...

Page 48: ...oad 15 When using your winch to move a load place the vehicle transmission in neutral set vehicle parking brake chock all wheels and keep the engine running 16 Do not use the winch to hold the Centaur in place during transportation Use tie down straps 17 Maintain at least five turns of wire rope around wire rope drum to prevent the wire rope from pulling off under load 18 Never run winch without c...

Page 49: ...cludes a dash mounted switch and wire harness The pump is not designed to run dry Use only when water has collected in the vehicle 11 9 SNOW PLOW KIT Part No 657 106 The snow plow assembly attaches to the front mainframe as sembly of the Centaur The plow blade is an 81 2 m steel blade suitable for straight or angled use The power winch option is required to raise and lower the snow plow blade DO N...

Page 50: ...frame and contamination of the bearings SECTION 11 ACCESSORY INFORMATION 11 11 CAB HEATER Part No 848 110 The Centaur can be fitted with a 17000 BTU cab heater It is equipped with a 3 speed dual fan motor This will provide operator comfort in the harshest winter conditions 11 12 DUMP BOX KIT Part No 835 100 The dump box is mounted to the mainframe It improves the load carrying versatility of the C...

Page 51: ...mbs from damaging the lights and wind shield 11 17 MUD FLAP EXTENDERS Part No 821 105 For use with Snow or Multi Purpose Tracks Mud flap extend ers bolt onto the upper frame assembly and help to keep mud and snow out of the cargo compartment 11 18 TRANSMISSION OIL HEATER Part No 613 103 Recommended for use in cold temperatures This heater plugs into a 110V power supply and heats the transmission o...

Page 52: ... be used to hold the ends of the idler chain together while inserting the connecting link Grind the undercut and sides of the vice grip jaw to fit over 2 chain rollers The undercut is approximately 5 16 radius as shown below DRIVER CLUTCH REMOVAL TOOL 658 17 Part No 658 17 Clutch Removal Tool can be used to assist in removal of the driver clutch from the engine Alternately a 6 length of 3 8 steel ...

Page 53: ...45 NOTES ...

Page 54: ...46 NOTES ...

Page 55: ...r damaged during shipment 2 Normal maintenance or adjustments after initial pre servicing is completed 3 Normal replacement of service items 4 Accessory items not supplied by Ontario Drive Gear Limited 5 Damages resulting from misuse accident theft or fire use of improper or insufficient fuel fluids or lubricants use of parts other than genuine CENTAUR parts modifications alteration tampering or i...

Page 56: ...________________________ CITY OR TOWN ____________________ PROV STATE _ ___________________ POSTAL ZIP ______________________________________________________ DATE OF SALE _ __________________________________________________ WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRES ______________________________________ DEALER NAME ___________________________________________________ PHONE ___________________________________________...

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Centaur 2008 Centaur, Operator'S Manual

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