Centaur 2008 centaur User manual

OPERATOR’S

MANUAL

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

A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT YOUR CENTAUR

Thank you for selecting a CENTAUR off-road utility vehicle!

Ontario Drive & Gear Limited has been building off road vehicles since 1967. By listening carefully to

our customers and responding to their needs, we have been constantly improving them and will continue

to do so.

Over thirty thousand vehicles have provided reliable service all over the world. From Britain to the Far

East, Alaska to the Antarctic, and from the tropical forests of South America to the deserts of Saudi Arabia.

We are proud to provide you with a vehicle that represents the ultimate in all-terrain transportation.

Your safety and the safety of all CENTAUR users is of the greatest concern to us. You will nd numerous

safety statements in this 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 impossible, even with a CENTAUR.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD WIDE CENTAUR FAMILY!

Centaur Service Manual

Ontario Drive & Gear has a service manual which provides the Centaur owner

with step-by-step instructions on how to perform full service procedures on

your vehicle. Everything from removal and replacement of brake pads to re-

building the transmission. It’s all there. Removal and replacement of engines

is included, however, engine overhaul is not. A separate overhaul manual is

available for each engine from your Centaur dealer. Order the service manual

on CD-ROM from your dealer.

Read this manual before you operate your CENTAUR. It contains safe operating instructions

and warns the user about potential hazards that can result in personal injury.

Warnings are identied in the text by the following symbol:

Warning text warns the user about potential hazards that can result in personal injury or death.

Cautions are identied 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 publication is prohibited without prior written permission.

PREFACE

This manual describes the controls, operation and basic maintenance procedures for all CENTAUR vehicles. Please take the

time to read this manual carefully, for your safety and that of others. By following these instructions, you will ensure extended,

trouble free operation of your vehicle.

For maintenance and adjustment of the engine, refer to the engine manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual included

in your vehicle’s information package.

Before you drive your CENTAUR, make sure you understand how to use all controls, particularly the brakes and steering system.

Learn how to drive your vehicle in an open level area, away from buildings, trees and other obstacles, until you are completely

familiar with its operating characteristics. Drive very slowly until your driving skills improve, and drive with caution and

consideration at all times. The risk of accident or injury is greatest during the rst weeks of use. Take special care during this

period. ALWAYS RESPECT OUR ENVIRONMENT.

CAUTION TO THE CENTAUR OWNER/OPERATOR

• Make sure everyone who drives this vehicle receives proper operating instructions and reads this Operator’s Manual.

• No one under the age of 16 should be allowed to operate the CENTAUR. Children under the age of 16 may not have the

skills, abilities or judgement needed to operate the Centaur safely and may be involved in an accident causing severe injury

or death.

• Never allow anyone under the inuence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance to drive or ride in the vehicle.

• Wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection when driving or riding 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 re extinguisher and a rst 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 potentially explosive sub-

stance that can cause serious personal injury when ignited.

• Keep the oor pans secured in place at all times. Fingers, feet, animal tails or paws can be injured in the drive components

beneath the oor pans. The oor pans also help keep damaging debris out of the drive components.

• Make sure all passengers remain seated while the vehicle is in motion. Advise your passengers to hold onto the vehicle at

all times.

• Wear seatbelts when riding in a vehicle equipped with a ROPS.

• Never overload your vehicle. Trying to steer an overloaded vehicle can damage the steering system. Overloading your

vehicle can lead to costly damage to steering system, transmission, drive chains, axles or bearings. Follow the recommended

load capacity for your vehicle listed in Section 1.

• Do not drive the vehicle at high speeds over unfamiliar or rough terrain. Personal injury or vehicle damage may result.

• Certain terrain and steep hills cannot be traversed safely with the Centaur or any other vehicle. Do not attempt to drive

over terrain that is questionable.

• Use common sense at all times when driving your vehicle.

IMPORTANT

Operate this vehicle with safety constantly in mind. Off-road vehicles face unpredictable and often hazardous terrain condi-

tions. It is ultimately the operator’s responsibility to handle the vehicle safely within its limitations and to decide when and

where to travel.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION ...................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................. 1

1.3 WIND CHILL FACTOR............................................................................................................................... 1

1.4 MODEL IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.4.1 Centaur Vehicle Capacity................................................................................................................ 3

1.5 IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION OF CONTROLS............................................................................. 3

1.6 CE MARKED CENTAURS.......................................................................................................................... 3

1.7 INFORMATION LABELS ........................................................................................................................... 4

2.0 GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION

2.1 NEW VEHICLE “BREAK-IN” PROCEDURE .......................................................................................... 5

2.2 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ...................................................................................................................... 5

2.3 CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO ............................................................................................... 5

2.4 FUELING THE VEHICLE .......................................................................................................................... 5

Centaur 950 and 954 - Gasoline ................................................................................................................... 6

Centaur 950DT - Diesel ............................................................................................................................... 6

2.5 VENTED FUEL SYSTEM .......................................................................................................................... 6

3.0 OPERATING 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

4.4.1 Turning The Vehicle While Backing Up....................................................................................... 10

5.0 DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS

5.1 REMOTE AREA USE ................................................................................................................................11

5.2 ANGLE OF OPERATION ..........................................................................................................................11

5.3 UPHILL OPERATION ...............................................................................................................................11

5.4 DOWNHILL OPERATION ........................................................................................................................11

5.5 SIDE SLOPE OPERATION ........................................................................................................................11

5.6 WATER CROSSING - GENERAL ............................................................................................................ 12

5.6.1 Entering the Water ....................................................................................................................... 13

5.6.2 Driving Procedures in Water ........................................................................................................ 13

5.6.3 Driving Out of Water ................................................................................................................... 13

III

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

5.7 WINTER OPERATION ............................................................................................................................. 13

5.7.1 Use on Ice Covered Bodies of Water............................................................................................ 13

6.0 OIL, FILTER AND LUBRICATION INFORMATION

6.1 ENGINE OIL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................. 14

6.1.1 Checking the Engine Oil Level .................................................................................................... 14

6.1.2 Recommended Engine Oil ........................................................................................................... 14

6.1.3 Changing Engine Oil .................................................................................................................... 14

Draining the Engine Oil ................................................................................................ 14

Relling the Engine ....................................................................................................... 15

6.2 TRANSMISSION OIL INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 15

6.2.1 Checking the Transmission Oil Level .......................................................................................... 15

6.2.2 Changing the Transmission Oil .................................................................................................... 15

Relling the Transmission ............................................................................................. 15

6.3 FILTER INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 15

6.3.1 Air Filter ...................................................................................................................................... 15

6.3.2 Fuel Filter...................................................................................................................................... 16

950.................................................................................................................................. 16

950DT and 954DT.......................................................................................................... 16

To replace fuel lter element.......................................................................................... 16

6.3.3 Engine Oil Filter .......................................................................................................................... 16

6.3.4 Transmission 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 SYSTEM FUSES ............................................................................................... 19

7.1.4 SPARK PLUGS (GAS ENGINE) ................................................................................................ 19

7.2 DRIVE SYSTEM & TIRES ....................................................................................................................... 19

7.2.1 DRIVE BELT ............................................................................................................................... 19

To Remove the Drive Belt ............................................................................................. 19

To Install the Drive Belt ................................................................................................. 19

7.2.2 CLUTCH MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................... 20

Clutch Inspection............................................................................................................ 20

7.2.3 DRIVE CHAINS ......................................................................................................................... 20

To Remove the Drive Chains ......................................................................................... 20

To Install the Drive Chains............................................................................................. 20

7.2.4 TO REPLACE A SLIDER BLOCK ............................................................................................. 21

7.2.5 TIRE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT ....................................................................................... 21

7.3 MECHANICAL PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE ............................................................................... 22

7.3.1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................................... 22

7.3.2 BRAKE CALIPER ADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................ 22

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

To adjust the brake caliper.............................................................................................. 22

7.3.3 BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT ................................................................................................. 22

7.3.4 BRAKE CABLE ADJUSTMENT................................................................................................ 23

To adjust the brake cable ................................................................................................ 23

7.4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE ............................................................................................................................... 23

7.4.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................... 23

7.4.2 BRAKE FLUID LEVEL ............................................................................................................. 23

7.4.3 CHANGING BRAKE FLUID ............................................................................................ 24

7.4.4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE PAD INSPECTION....................................................................... 24

Brake Pad Inspection Procedure ......................................................................................... 24

To replace the brake pads .................................................................................................... 24

7.4.5 ENGINE COOLING & EXHAUST SYSTEM ................................................................... 24

7.5 STEERING SYSTEM ................................................................................................................................. 25

7.5.1 STEERING CENTERING ADJUSTMENT ....................................................................... 25

7.5.2 STEERING WHEEL & LOCK ADJUSTMENT ................................................................ 25

7.5.3 HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT ............................................................ 26

7.6 SHIFTING SYSTEM.................................................................................................................................... 26

7.6.1 SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT ......................................................................................... 26

7.6.2 THROTTLE CABLE ADJUSTMENT ................................................................................ 26

7.7 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................... 27

8.0 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 SEASON TRACK KIT (Part No. 849-150)......................................................................................... 35

11.3.1 Track Installation .......................................................................................................................... 35

11.3.2 Operating Precautions................................................................................................................... 36

11.4 WINTER TRACK KIT (Part No.849-160)................................................................................................... 37

11.4.1 Installing the Axle Extension........................................................................................................ 37

11.4.2 Track Installation .......................................................................................................................... 37

11.4.3 Removal of Tracks........................................................................................................................ 38

11.4.4 Operating Precautions................................................................................................................... 38

11.5 ICE CLEAT KIT (Part No. 848-130)............................................................................................................ 38

11.6 WINCH KIT (Part No. 849-114) .................................................................................................................. 39

11.6.1 Rules For Safe Operation.............................................................................................................. 39

11.6.2 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Winch .................................................................................. 40

11.7 RECEIVER WINCH KIT (Part No. 849-123).............................................................................................. 41

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

11.8 BILGE PUMP KIT (Part No. 849-146) ........................................................................................................ 41

11.9 SNOW PLOW KIT (Part No. 657-106)........................................................................................................ 41

11.9.1 Operating Guidelines .................................................................................................................... 41

11.10 UTILITY TRAILER (Part No. 695-80BL)................................................................................................... 41

11.10.1 Operating Precautions................................................................................................................... 42

11.11 CAB HEATER (Part No. 848-110)............................................................................................................... 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 MODIFICATION ......................................................................................................................... 44

DRIVER CLUTCH REMOVAL TOOL 658-17 ....................................................................................................... 44

SECTION 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION

While the Centaur has been designed with a one piece poly-

ethylene sealed lower body, the vehicle is not intended to be

used as an amphibious vehicle. Floating the Centaur across

lakes, streams and ponds could cause the vehicle to take on

water with the possibility of capsizing the vehicle, causing

injury or drowning to the operator and passenger. Ontario

Drive & Gear does not recommend oating the Centaur across

any bodies of water.

1.2 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

Maintenance procedures described in this manual can be car-

ried out by the operator. These procedures include:

1. checking uid levels

2. changing the engine and transmission oil

3. cleaning and replacing lters

4. preventative maintenance

5. inspections, adjustments, repairs and trouble- shooting

If you perform your own maintenance, carefully follow the

lubrication and preventative maintenance schedule (Section

7.7). A Centaur Service Manual on CD-ROM or in print, is

available from your Centaur dealer.

Contact your CENTAUR dealer for a list of the services they

offer to users of the CENTAUR.

The trouble-shooting chart (Section 8) contains information

for locating and correcting mechanical problems. In many

cases, potential problems can be identied 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-

ing information for the engine. Refer to the engine manufac-

turer’s manual (supplied with each CENTAUR) for important

warranty, service and operating information.

If the engine requires servicing, take the vehicle to an author-

ized engine service outlet.

1.3 WIND CHILL FACTOR

Why does it feel much colder outdoors on a windy day than

when there’s no wind, especially in winter? The cooling ef-

fect of the wind makes it feel like it’s colder than it really is.

This combined effect of wind and low temperature is known

as the “wind chill factor”.

Centaur operators should be aware of the wind chill factor.

Dress warmly and make sure exposed skin is protected. Pay

particular attention that young passengers are properly dressed

with their hands and faces well protected.

1.4 MODEL IDENTIFICATION

The vehicle identication plate is fastened to the upper frame

to the right of the passenger’s knee. The model and serial

numbers are stamped into it.

SECTION 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

Carefully observe the maximum load capacity for your vehicle on land as listed in the following:

Model CENTAUR-G

Engine Make DM 954 G (Gasoline)

Briggs & Stratton Daihatsu

Type Naturally aspirated gasoline, in-line

3 cylinder, 4 cycle, liquid cooled

Displacement 952 cc (58 cu. in.)

Horsepower 34 @ governed 3800 rpm

Torque 55 ft. lbs. @ 2200 rpm.

Electrical 12 volt, 60 amp alternator, 600 CCA

battery, dash mounted manual choke

CENTAUR-DT

DM 950 DT (Turbo Diesel)

Briggs & Stratton Daihatsu

Turbo Diesel, in-line 3 Cylinder, 4 cycle, liquid cooled

952 cc (58 cu. in.)

31 @ governed 3800 rpm

55 ft. lbs. @ 2400 rpm.

12 volt, 60 amp alternator, 960 CCA battery, dash

mounted glow-plug-on and water-in fuel indicators

Engine Option 34 hp @ governed 3800 rpm 34 hp @ governed 3800 rpm

Torque 55 ft./lbs. @ 2200 rpm 58 ft./lbs. @ 2400 rpm

Brakes Foot pedal operated hydraulic disc brakes with hand operated mechanical parking brake.

Steering Skid steered via SAUER DANFOSS 15 Series Transmission

Driver Controls Conventional automotive type steering wheel, brake pedal and foot throttle; dash mounted key oper-

ated ignition/starter switch, high/low beam headlamp switch, tachometer/hourmeter, fuel level and

coolant temperature gauges; warning lights for low oil pressure and low electrical charge rate.

Clutch & Transmission Continuously variable belt driven torque converter (CVT). High and low range forward, neutral

and reverse transmission controlled by a conventional shift pattern range selector.

Final Drive System RC80 roller chains 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 Capacity 1500 lbs/680 kg on land

Towing Capacity* 2000 lbs/907 kg of drawbar pull.

Seating Capacity Front bench seat for two persons

Fuel Capacity 12.6 U.S. gal./48 litres providing approx. 10 hours of operation

Speed** 28 mph/45 km/h on land

Shipping Weight 2200 lb/1000 kg

Tires Goodyear Rawhide III AT25 x 11.50 - 9 NHS

Vehicle Weight 2520 lbs /1143 kg with Multi-Purpose Tracks – 2720 lbs /1234 kg with Snow Tracks

Max Total Vehicle Weight 3600 lbs/1633 kg. Includes everything: vehicle, accessories, operator, fuel, etc.

Ground Pressure Tires: Zero Penetration 5 PSI/ 34 kPa

Multi-purpose Tracks: Zero Penetration 1.5 PSI/ 10 kPa Laden: 2.2 PSI/ 15 kPa

3” of Penetration 1.0 PSI/ 6.8 kPa Laden: 1.4 PSI/ 9.5 kPa

Snow Tracks: Zero Penetration 0.7 PSI/ 4.8 kPa Laden: 1.0 PSI/ 6.8 kPa

3” of Penetration 0.6 PSI/ 4.1 kPa Laden: 0.9 PSI/ 6.1 kPa

Ground Clearance 8"/200 mm to centre of lower body

Operating Conditions All weather, all terrain, -40oF to +104oF (-40oC to + 40oC)

Transport Truck, trailer or helicopter lift

* Towing capacity is approximate and depends on type of surface, load on vehicle as well as incline.

** All speeds are approximate and depend on conditions.

Design and specications subject to change without notice. Options may not be exactly as shown. Please visit us at www.Centaur8x8.ca and www.odg.com for

updated information.