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7/01/05
19
Section 4 Operating Instructions
4400EX Heavy Duty Off Road Utility Vehicle 720-132M
Table of Contents
•
Is the vehicle approaching maximum load rating
capacity. Is the vehicle total loaded weight approaching
maximum rated gross weight? Too much weight can
reduce operator’s ability to brake and control the
vehicle.
• Is the vehicle towing a trailer and if so is the trailer
carrying a load approaching gross weight of the Gondo?
Again, too much trailer weight can reduce the operator’s
ability to brake and control the vehicle.
Traverse Traveling on Steep Hills
Cross a steep slope only if no other alternative exists.
When crossing, consider ground conditions and load
distributions outlined in "Descending Steep Hills" on page
18. Make certain that the weight on the uphill side of the
vehicle is equal to or heavier than the weight on the
downhill side of the vehicle. Cross in 1st gear and if your
vehicle starts to tip over, turn the vehicle down hill quickly
to regain stability and control.
Pulling Loads
The Gondo is capable of pulling a load weighing many
times more than its own weight. Because of this it is
important that you know the vehicle’s capability andhow to
operate it in a way that will not damage the vehicle or injure
yourself or others. Always consider the following:
• Does the load exceed the recommend towing capacity?
Too much weight will push the vehicle around and
hinder its stopping capabilities.
• Is the load front heavy placing too much weight on the
hitch? Excessive hitch weight will make the front wheels
light on the ground causing you to loose steering and
traction capabilities.
• What type of terrain is the load being pulled over? Is the
ground soft, wet, dry or inclined. Any of these can hinder
vehicle control. See "Descending Steep Hills" on page
18 when considering type of terrain.
When towing always start in 1st gear and shift to a higher
gear only if the vehicle has sufficient power. Do not travel
in a gear that can not control the load. Heavy loads should
be towed in 1st or 2nd gear depending on their ability to
hold the load back from pushing the vehicle when letting
up on the accelerator pedal. Remember, the heavier the
load the longer it takes for the brakes to stop the vehicle.
Towing the Gondo
The Gondo should be loaded on a trailer for towing.
However, it can be towed behind a tractor or another
vehicle for a short distance to retrieve it from an area
where a trailer won’t go.
IMPORTANT: Do not tow the Gondo at speeds over 5
mph. Higher speeds may result in loss of control and
damage to the Gondo, vehicle towing the Gondo and
personnel.
Towing Without a Trailer
The following precautions should be followed when towing
the Gondo behind a tractor or another vehicle:
• Approved tow chain or rope must be securely attached
to the Gondo at a location that will not damage the
vehicle or come loose from the vehicle.
• The gear selector must be placed in neutral position.
• The park brake must be off.
• Someone must be steering the vehicle while it is being
towed for it to track properly.
• When possible, the engine should be running to operate
the power steering. If the enginewill not run, the steering
will be very heavy and will eventually quit as oil is bled
from its steering sector.
• Do not tow the Gondo at speeds over 5 mph. Higher
speeds may result in loss of control and damage to the
Gondo, vehicle towing the Gondo and personnel.
• Do not tow another trailer or vehicle behinda Gondo that
is being towed.
• Do not tow the Gondo on roadways or across open
areas accessible with a trailer. Instead, load the vehicle
onto a trailer for towing.
Towing Loaded on a Trailer
The Gondo may be driven or winched onto a trailer. The
following precautions should be followed when loading
and towing the Gondo on a trailer:
• Always make certain loading ramps are capable of
supporting the Gondo’s weight, properly spaced for the
Gondo wheels and secured to the trailer before loading
the Gondo.
• Two people should be present when loading the vehicle.
One stands clear of the Gondo as he guides the vehicle
up the ramps and onto the trailer. The other sits in the
Gondo and steers the vehicle as it is being loaded.
• Drive or winch vehicle onto the trailer slowly to prevent
accidents.
• Once loaded, turn the switch key off, set park brake and
place transmission in 1st gear.
• Properly secure the vehicle at its four corners to the four
corners of the trailer with tie down chains or other
approved tie downs. Tie downs must be designed to
withstand forces induced into them during acceleration,
making turns and applying brakes.
• Always tow at a speed where the driver is in control of
his vehicle at all times.
• Always allow enough traveling distance to slow down
and stop. The Gondo’s added weight to the trailer will
require additional time and distance to slow down.
• Slow down when turning to prevent loss of control and
rollovers.
IMPORTANT: Owner assumes all responsibility and
liability resulting from towing the Gondo.