Getting Started with Your Argo XTV
Argo’s XTVs are unique in the industry, which means it can take a while to learn how to operate your new vehicle to get the most from it. Here’s what you need to know to get up to speed on your new vehicle from basic controls to breaking it in.
Controls
The throttle is controlled by the twist grip on the right of the handlebar. The lever over the left grip operates the service brake.
The gauge display can show information including speed, diagnostic issues and, on liquid-cooled models, engine temperature. A button on the bottom of the gauge lets you switch display modes.
Switches for the lights and other accessories are mounted to the left of the gauge display.
There is no gas gauge, but the tank is translucent, so you can see exactly how much fuel is left. The tank is located below the driver’s seat.
Identifying Your Model
The VIN and model information is on a tag on the far left side of the dash. Emissions information, including engine identification, can be found on the vehicle just in front of the right side of the dash. Kohler also puts the model and serial number on the front cover of their engines.
Break In
Vary the speed of the vehicle when burning through the first tank of fuel, and avoid using full throttle. Make some low, slow speed turns to help bed in the steering brakes, followed by straight-line driving to let the brakes cool. Keep the handlebars straight when moving in a straight line: turning them a little may not be enough to change the vehicle’s direction, but the pads will still be dragging on the brakes, causing them to overheat.
Check the engine and transmission oil levels daily. Kohler recommends changing the oil in their gasoline engines after the first 20 hours of operation. For diesel engines, the oil can be changed at the normal 125 or 250-hour intervals. Change the transmission oil after 20 hours of operation.
If you have an Avenger or Frontier, check the idler chain adjustment after the first two hours of use and every day before use.
Loading Cargo and People
Cargo should be kept as low as possible and be evenly distributed to maintain vehicle stability. Take extra care to secure cargo to keep it from shifting around while driving. Remember that your new XTV can handle steeper climbs than an ATV or UTV, so it’s easier for loads to shift around when operating near your new vehicle’s limits. Exceeding the rear compartment capacity can shift the weight balance, making the XTV unstable on inclines and making it more likely to flip.
Heavy equipment should not be mounted on the upper body without a frame support. If there’s too much weight on the fenders, the plastic body can deform and make contact with the tires.
Operators with Disabilities
If you have limited mobility, an XTV is a great way to see the outdoors. For your safety, Argo recommends installing roll-over protection, a four-point safety harness and a fire extinguisher within easy reach. If you have a hoist installed to help you enter and exit the vehicle, it should be secured before you start driving.
Fuel
All models come with a 7.1-gallon translucent polyethylene fuel tank located beneath the driver’s seat, letting you see the current fuel level at a glance. Depending on the model, cargo, and operating conditions, this is enough fuel to run the engine for 7-12 hours. The filler neck and cap are on the right side of the XTV’s body. The fuel should only reach the top of the tank, not the neck. Overfilling can cause the fuel to spill out of the overflow line as it warms up.
Kohler recommends using unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 and up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE in gas engines.
Diesel engines can run on regular automotive diesel blends. Low-temperature fuel blends are required for diesels operating at temperatures below freezing. Since distributors switch to these blends when local temperatures dip, using the correct fuel is simply a matter of purchasing it shortly before you operate your XTV and in the same approximate location.
Parts and Accessories
When you need to work on your XTV or want to add something to make backwoods exploration more enjoyable, visit Shank’s Argo. We’re located at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. That’s one mile east of I-81 from Exit 10 to Marion. Visit us online at www.shanksargo.com to schedule a test drive.