13
5.6.1 Entering the Water
The point of entry should be free of rocks, stumps and other
obstacles. Enter the water from a firm, gradual slope when-
ever possible. With the wheels partially submerged but still
in contact with the bottom, stop and check thoroughly for
water entering the lower body.
If a leak is detected, drive back onto shore. Drain the vehicle
and repair the leak before re-entering the water.
5.6.2 Driving Procedures in Water
After the vehicle is floating evenly on the water, press the
accelerator pedal to increase speed. Use only part throttle
when traveling through water. Full throttle only results in
excessive turbulence, not higher speeds.
The vehicle is steered by turning the steering wheel left or
right. Turning can be improved by leaning. The turning ra-
dius is somewhat greater in water, and the vehicle does not
respond to changes in direction as quickly as it does on land.
The vehicle is propelled forward through the water by the
web of the tires as they rotate. To back up in water, release the
throttle, shift the transmission into neutral, and use a paddle.
Avoid rocks, stumps or other obstacles that are below the sur-
face of the water. Striking these obstacles may damage the
bottom or upset the vehicle.
If your vehicle begins to fill with water, immediately head to
the nearest shore. Get the vehicle out of the water and drain
it by removing both rear drain plugs. Correct the leak before
entering the water again.
Do not leave the vehicle in water for extended periods
of time. Water could enter the axle seals and cause dam-
age to the axle bearings.
5.6.3 Driving Out of Water
When driving out of water, choose an area of the shore that is
reasonably flat and free of rocks, stumps and other obstacles.
Steer the vehicle so that both front wheels reach the shore at
the same time. Accelerate slowly until the vehicle is out of
the water.
5.7 WINTER OPERATION
Follow these precautions when operating the Centaur in win-
ter conditions:
•
Equip the vehicle for remote area use, as listed in Sec-
tion 5.1.
•
Keep the battery fully charged and in good condition.
•
Use the recommended winter grade of engine oil.
•
Do not allow water or snow to accumulate in the vehicle.
Snow may melt during operation of the vehicle, collect
in the lower body and freeze around the chains and 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 Water
Using the CENTAUR on ice-covered bodies of water is
potentially hazardous. Use extreme caution. Exposure
to cold water reduces a person’s chance of survival.
Protective clothing, such as a marine survival suit will
significantly decrease the effect of exposure in frigid
water.
Before venturing out onto ice-covered bodies of water, it is
extremely important to:
•
Check the ice thickness and condition to be sure it will
support the vehicle.
•
Take all precautions as in Section 5.6, particularly para-
graph 3 referring to drain plugs.
•
Consider taking along a cellular telephone or similar de-
vice to call for help in case of emergency.
If the vehicle breaks through the ice, it will float in the water,
provided that there are no leaks in the body, the drain plugs
are in place and vehicle is not taking on water through any
body openings. However, there is a risk of the vehicle tip-
ping, particularly if the load is unbalanced. Be prepared to
shift occupants’ weight for balance.
Getting back onto safe ice depends on various conditions and
the expertise of the driver. Be especially careful to prevent
water from entering the vehicle.
SECTION 5
DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
Summary of Contents for amphibious, off-road utility vehicle
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