Table of Contents
Section 4 Operating Instructions
•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 and how 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.
IMPORTANT: Owner assumes all responsibility and liability resulting from towing the Gondo.
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 engine will 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 behind a 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.
7/01/05 | 4400EX Heavy Duty Off Road Utility Vehicle |
