COAST MACHINERY MARSH MASTER 2015 Installation and operation manual

http://www.marshmaster.com
MARSH MASTER
OPERATING & MAINTENANCE MANUAL
COAST MACHINERY, LLC
10012 UMBEHAGEN LANE
BATON ROUGE, LA 70817
225.753.1323
Rev. 7/14/2015

FOREWORD
Your Marsh Master machine is designed to give you years of dependable service. We
designed the machine to be as simple, reliable, and easy to operate and maintain as possible-
marsh and swamp service require it.
To keep the Marsh Master operating efficiently, familiarize yourself with the contents of
this manual. It contains instructions for the safe operation, use, and servicing of the machine.
The descriptions and specifications contained in this manual are subject to change.
Coast Machinery, LLC reserves the right to modify specifications or design, and to upgrade its
equipment at any time as part of a continuing process of refinement.
Thank you for the confidence you have placed in the Marsh Master. Care for it properly,
and it will give you many years of dependable service.

MANUFACTURERS LIMITED WARRANTY
MACHINE WARRANTY (Includes Engine and Hydraulics)
Coast Machinery, LLC warrants to the original purchaser, for a period of one (1) full year
from date of delivery, that goods manufactured by Coast Machinery, LLC will be free from
defects of workmanship and materials, provided such goods are operated and maintained in
accordance with Coast Machinery, LLC’s written manuals or other instructions. No warranty is
made with respect to items supplied by Coast Machinery, LLC on special order of purchaser.
Coast Machinery, LLC’s sole obligation is to repair or replace, at Coast Machinery, LLC’s option,
parts that do not conform to this warranty.
LABOR WARRANTY
For one (1) full year from date of delivery, Coast Machinery, LLC, at its option, will repair,
pay for outside service, or pay the customer straight time for the particular warranted repairs.
REPAIR PARTS
Repair parts supplied by Coast Machinery, LLC are warranted for a period of ninety (90)
days from installation. Coast Machinery, LLC’s sole obligation is limited to the replacement of
the warranted part with no obligation to provide labor in installing such part.
ALL ABOVE WARRANTIES DO NOT COVER THE FOLLOWING:
Maintenance items, adjustments, or required maintenance as per written manuals
or other instruction.
Transportation cost of machine for necessary repairs.
Repairs required as a result of failure due to normal wear, accidents, misuse, abuse,
negligence, or improperly installed repair parts.
Products altered or modified in a manner not authorized by Coast Machinery, LLC in
writing.
Provision of substitute equipment or service during periods of malfunctions or non-
use.
This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other stated or implied warranties and of all other
obligations and liabilities on the part of Coast Machinery, LLC, including liabilities for direct,
indirect, immediate, special or consequential damages arising out of the failure of any machine
or part of it to operate properly, including the cost of expense of providing substitute
equipment or service during periods of malfunctions or non-use.
NOTE: This warranty cannot be expanded, changed, or modified by any
representative of Coast Machinery, LLC without written approval from the President
of Coast Machinery, LLC.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The following symbol is used throughout this
manual as indicated to warn of hazards or
unsafe practices that could result in severe
personal injury or death.
Machine emits toxic gases. Severe respiratory damage
or asphyxiation can result. Provide adequate
ventilation. Consult with your regulatory agency for
exposure limits. Keep engine properly tuned.
Machine can emit excessive noise. Consult with your
regulatory agency for exposure limits. Hearing loss can
result. Wear hearing protection.
Hot engine coolant. Scalding can result. Do not open
radiator cap or service cooling system until radiator
and engine is cool to the touch.
Machine is unstable on jack. Use jack on machine in
designated locations ONLY. Block machine up with
jack stands.
Leaking hydraulic fluid under pressure can penetrate
skin. Severe infection or death can result. Never use
your hands to locate a leak. Use cardboard to locate
leak.
Battery acid causes severe burns. Avoid contact.
Wash immediately, and get medical attention if
contact occurs.
Keep away from fan.
WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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SAFETY
The Marsh Master is an amphibious track vehicle designed for wetland terrain. It should not be
used in rocky, hard terrain. It is a powerful machine that should be operated and maintained with
respect and caution. Misuse or carelessness can result in serious personal injury, damage to the
machine, or both. Safety precautions must be observed at all times.
This section outlines basic safety procedures that apply to operation, maintenance, and machine
adjustment.
OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS
Inexperienced personnel should not operate the Marsh Master. It is important that qualified
personnel study and understand this manual before attempting to operate the machine. Particular
attention should be given to the “Controls” section.
GENERAL SAFETY
Prior to operating the machine, become fully familiar with the controls and the function of
each.
Turn the engine off when making any adjustments on the tracks, control linkages, or hydraulic
components.
Do not operate the machine from any position other than the front seats.
Make periodic checks for hydraulic or fuel leaks.
Make sure all passengers are seated before putting the machine in motion.
Do not overfill fuel tanks. Leave an air space of at least 2” at the top of the tank for expansion.
Remove portable fuel tanks from the machine when replenishing fuel supply.
If any fuel is spilled in the buggy, clean up immediately. Spilled fuel could potentially migrate
into the pontoons, creating an explosive atmosphere.
Keep hands and feet clear of the tracks while under way.
Avoid extreme grades 35maximum angle when ascending or descending and 25maximum
angle on a side hill.
Extra caution should be used when maneuvering in congested areas.

Do not start or stop the machine abruptly. Bring the machine to a smooth stop by moving the
control levers slowly.
Extra caution should be taken when loading or unloading the Marsh Master from the trailer or
when operating on steep, slick surfaces such as slimy boat ramps. On steep, hard surfaces, the
machine may lose traction and slide.
Use extra caution when climbing onto or walking on slick muddy tracks.
Do not operate the machine in poorly ventilated areas. Never run the machine in a closed
building.
DO NOT ENCLOSE THE CAB OR ADD SEAT BELTS.
oThe Marsh Master is an amphibious machine. For
this reason, we strongly advise customers to not
modify the cab by adding hard doors or seat belts.
oIf the machine were to capsize, an enclosed cab
with hard doors or seat belts could cause the
operator or passenger to become trapped.
oIf enclosing a cab, we recommend using a vinyl cab
enclosure that can easily be exited.
LEAVE VINYL DOORS OPEN WHEN ENTERING,
EXITING, OR OPERATING OVER WATER.
WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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LOAD CAPACITY
Marsh Master load limits can vary depending on model, components and special options.
Therefore, each Marsh Master is equipped with a metal data plate on the driver’s side console panel
that has the load capacity stamped on it for that particular unit. The machine also has metal tags on the
upper square tubing of the cab above the driver’s head and in the rear cargo area. It is imperative to
stay within the confines of these load limits. The picture below demonstrates where the metal data
plate is located on the Marsh Master.
Maximum load capacity stated on the data plate is for a standard base machine with a full capacity
of diesel and hydraulic oil, but with no options, attachments, or personnel aboard. Any additional
weight added to the base machine must be subtracted from the limit.
IT IS THE OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY TO STAY
WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE LOAD LIMIT STATED
ABOVE.
If there are any questions regarding load limits, contact Coast
Machinery, LLC.
LOAD DISTRIBUTION
On all Marsh Masters, the total weight of personnel and cargo should be evenly distributed so that
the buggy is as well-balanced as possible. Loads should be kept as low as possible to keep the center of
gravity of the machine low and reduce the possibility of roll over.
Do not carry heavy objects (over 100 pounds) on the overhead rack.
WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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The decks are intended to be used as a walking platform or a seating surface (See Operations
section for instructions on rear passenger seating). Never transport materials on the rear decks or
allow rear passengers to stand on the decks while the machine is in motion.
In a situation when a large amount of material must be transported to the jobsite, we recommend
using a large John boat hull, airboat hull, barge-type skid or multiple machines. Trailers can be used in
some situations if the area allows.
WHEN THE MACHINE IS BEING USED TO TRANSPORT
PERSONNEL IN THE REAR BED AREA, ANY REAR
ATTACHMENTS SUCH AS THE ANCHOR MASTER,
BACKHOE, CUTTER, SPRAY RIG, ETC. SHOULD BE
REMOVED.
THE OPERATOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT
THE LOAD IS DISTRIBUTED PROPERLY FOR THE SAFE
OPERATION.
WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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TEST PROCEDURE
PRIOR TO WELDING, CUTTING OR DRILLING PONTOON
POTENTIAL HAZARD: Marsh Master pontoons are sealed chambers, and the possibility for an
explosive mixture to be present exists. This mixture can be caused by a generation of methane
gas or a fuel such as gasoline or diesel fuel entering the pontoon through a crack.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE PONTOON BE CHECKED
FOR EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE PRIOR TO WELDING,
CUTTING, OR DRILLING THE PONTOONS!!!!
STEP 1: Remove the drain plug from the pontoon. It is located between the #7 and #8 outside bogey wheels.
A small amount of water (<1 gallon) may drain from the pontoon. It is normal for a small amount of
water to form due to condensation in the pontoons.
STEP 2: Using an ATX612 Multi-Gas Monitor or equal, insert the gas pick up tube at least 6 inches into the
drain opening in the pontoon. Avoid getting any water into the pickup tube as water can damage the
instrument.
Note: The Gas Monitor instrument must be “bump” tested before each use. It must also be calibrated
monthly. The person using the instrument must be trained in the use of the instrument. If there is
any question concerning the instrument, contact the instrument manufacturer or
Hagemeyer/Vallen, our local supplier, at 225-673-5670.
STEP 3: Turn the instrument on and take a reading. The instrument will alarm at 10 % LEL (lower explosion
limit). If you get an alarm or a reading above 2 percent LEL, go to Step 4. If you get a reading of 0 or
1, the pontoon is safe to weld, cut, or drill. Keep the instrument running at all times when welding.
THE HEAT FROM WELDING CAN GENERATE GAS
FUMES. STOP WELDING IMMEDIATELY IF YOU GET AN
ALARM, AND GO TO STEP 4.
STEP 4: Purge the pontoon with air as follows. Insert an air hose into the pontoon through the drain opening.
Slowly bleed air into the pontoon allowing the pontoon to purge. After 1 hour of purging, test again.
If you get a reading above 2 percent LEL, try purging another hour and test again. If you cannot get a
low enough reading by purging this way, proceed to Step 5.
STEP 5: Remove the tracks and top slides from the machine. Removing the top slides will give you 16 bolt
hole openings in the top of the pontoon to bleed through. Connect an air hose with a regulator and
shut-off valve to the drain port of the pontoon. Slowly bleed air into the pontoon so that it comes
out of the top bolt holes. Make sure the pressure in the pontoon does not exceed 2 psi. Purge for
several hours, and then retest LEL. Purge as necessary to obtain a reading of 0 to 1 LEL. When you
obtain a safe reading of less than 1 percent LEL, the pontoon is safe for welding, drilling, or cutting.
Be sure to keep the instrument connected and running when welding.
WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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OPERATION
Your Marsh Master is specifically designed for wetland terrain. It is not intended for use on hard
terrains such as upland clay, gumbo mud, rock, cement, ice, frozen ground, or gravel. The suspension
system is rigid and depends upon soft terrain for cushion. Rock and gravel can severely damage the
wheels, sprockets, and other track components and should be avoided.
Your Marsh Master can be used in swamp terrain and will crawl over stumps and logs. However,
prudent operation in swamp terrain is required. When operating in this type of environment, travel
slowly and lighten your load if possible.
Your Marsh Master will perform best where it is very soft and wet. Water helps the Marsh Master
perform. When running in water about 15 inches deep, the machine will operate at its best. It is
almost floating, but still getting traction. In this condition, there is very little load on the undercarriage.
Don’t be afraid of deep water; the Marsh Master is very stable in the fully amphibious mode, and is
designed to seamlessly transition from land to water. Water also keeps the tracks running clean and
prevents mud from clogging the tracks.
The Marsh Master will not operate in sticky, heavy, clay soils. This type of mud builds up on top the
pontoon, and will eventually clog the tracks and lift them up off of the pontoons. If the track raises
high enough off of the pontoon, it can scrape the side of the body and cause serious damage. The best
solution is to find water or pour water on top of the tracks, and slowly work the machine until the
packed mud begins to loosen and work out. This buildup can also occur with snow and ice.
The Marsh Master is not an ATV- it is a marsh buggy. Experience and good judgment are required
to know what terrains the machine is capable of handling.
ENTERING & EXITING THE BUGGY
Always use three points of contact when
entering or exiting the machine.

OPERATOR AND PASSENGER SEATING
All operators and passengers must be seated before operating the machine. The standing position
can contribute to a loss of balance of the operator and/or passengers if they are not adequately
prepared for the machine’s movement. Also, the standing position raises the center of gravity,
reducing the stability of the machine.
The operator is responsible for assuring that he and all passengers are seated before operating the
vehicle.
DO NOT STAND WHILE THE MACHINE IS IN MOTION.
STANDING UP WHILE THE MACHINE IS IN OPERATION
CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A LOSS OF BALANCE, OR AN
UNSTABLE MACHINE.
TRACK CONTROL LEVERS
The left lever controls the left track and the right lever controls the right track. The drive system is
in neutral when the levers are in the detent position.
To make the machine move forward, slowly move both levers forward. The farther the levers are
advanced, the faster the machine travels. With the levers all the way forward you are essentially in
high gear. If conditions are such that the engine begins to lug, gear down by simply pulling back on the
levers. Maximum pulling power is with the control levers slightly forward.
To reverse the machine, pull the levers back from the neutral position.
To turn the machine, simply advance one lever more than the other.
WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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ALWAYS MOVE THE LEVERS SLOWLY.NEVER JERK
THEM FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE OR REVERSE TO
FORWARD. DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE OR INJURY TO
THE OPERATOR OR PASSENGERS COULD OCCUR.
Control Lever Lockout
THROTTLE
The throttle controls the engine speed. Normal operating speed ranges between 1800 to 2200
RPM. When running a cutter, 1800-2000 RPM is the recommended range.
WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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INSTRUMENT PANEL
ENGINE HOUR METER
The engine hour meter records the number of hours the machine has been operated. This
information is useful in determining when to service the machine. It is located on the tachometer.
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge registers the engine oil pressure. Normal engine oil pressure ranges
from 50 psi at idle to 100 psi at full throttle. The engine is equipped with a low oil pressure shut down
switch to prevent engine damage due to lack of oil or loss of pressure due to extreme operating angles.
VOLTAGE GAUGE
The voltage gauge shows the condition of the charging system. Normal condition is 12 to 14 volts.
Less than 12 volts indicates a discharging condition.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE
The engine coolant temperature gauge registers the engine’s coolant temperature. Normal engine
coolant temperature ranges 180-220F. Temperature above 220F indicates an overheating engine,
and at 230F a warning light will come on. Overheating may arise due to low coolant level, clogged
radiator, a loose engine belt, malfunctioning cooling fans, or other engine malfunctions. If overheating
occurs, shut the engine down, and determine the cause. Do not continue to operate an overheated
engine. Serious damage could occur.
ENGINE TACHOMETER
Tachometer registers RPM of engine.
HYDRAULIC FLUID TEMPERATURE GAUGE
Hydraulic fluid temperature gauge indicates temperature of hydraulic fluid. Normal range is 110F
- 180F. A warning light will come on if temperature reaches 195F. Shut the machine down and check
1) the hydraulic fluid level 2) obstruction of the hydraulic oil cooler inlet screen or oil cooler fins and 3)
make sure the cooling fan(s) is operating properly.
NOTE: At no time should the machine be operated above 180F continuously, or at 220F
intermittently.

FUEL GAUGE
Fuel level indicator. It is important to keep clean fuel in system and never allow fuel system to run
dry. Allowing a diesel to run dry will require priming the engine. See engine section for instructions on
priming and bleeding the injection system.

PROCEDURE FOR STARTING DIESEL
Pull throttle lever all the way back.
Turn key to on position. Glow plug, oil pressure, and battery lights will illuminate.
When glow plug light goes off (about 7 seconds on cold start), push override button down,
and turn the key to the start position. When engine is warm, or on warm days, the glow
plug light may not come on. Engine is ready to start immediately.
Release key to on position when engine starts.
Release override button when oil pressure light goes off (approx. 5 seconds after engine
starts).
USE OF OVERRIDE SYSTEM
Marsh Master engines are equipped with a low oil pressure shutdown. When oil pressure drops
below 7.5 psi the engine will kill. If this occurs, the engine can be restarted by holding the auto
override button down. Continue to hold the override button down to keep the engine running. This
should be done only in emergency situations. Low oil pressure can be caused by low oil level, extreme
operating angle, or mechanical failure within the engine. Determine the cause before overriding the
shutdown. If the override must be used in an emergency situation, keep engine speeds as low as
possible and the run time as short as possible.
▲CAUTION▲:If the override system is used and no oil pressure exists, severe engine
damage can occur.

LOADING & UNLOADING THE BUGGY
Make sure that the tilt-pin has been removed from the trailer.

Always run the machine at idle when loading and unloading the machine.
The Marsh Master is equipped with a four point tie down system.
oAlways cross over the straps.
We recommend that you DO NOT use a trailer with steel ramps
oThere is very little friction between the aluminum cleats and the steel ramps.
oThis may cause the machine to slide.
oPlacing a strip of rubber between the tracks and the deck will help with this
problem.

PROCEDURES FOR
AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION
ENTERING WATER
Entering water must be performed with CAUTION.
The pontoons should always be checked prior to operating in water. See section for Pontoon
Maintenance in this manual.
The operator must select a suitable entry point that allows the machine to go straight down the
bank. Both tracks should enter the water at the same time. This allows both the left and right pontoon
to provide equal flotation. Avoid entering the water at an angle, which puts much of the load on only
one pontoon.
The load should be lightened before entering the water, and the machine should be operated at
slow speeds.
Avoid high banks with steep drop-offs, and select a suitable entry point with sloping banks.
NOTE: An approved flotation device must be available for everyone on board.

OPERATING IN WATER
Once in the water, the operator should continue to use extreme caution. Running the tracks will
propel the Marsh Master through the water. There is a natural tendency to run the tracks at a fast
speed to try and swim the machine faster. Running the tracks quickly will not make the machine swim
faster; it can actually make it move slower. Run the tracks at ¼ speed until the machine begins to move
forward. At this point, provided that the operator is confident that there are no underwater obstacles
beneath the surface in the buggy’s path, track travel speed can be increased to half speed.
Running the tracks to propel the machine presents a danger because there are often many unseen
objects below the surface of the water. When the machine encounters these objects, it tends to run up
on them. If only one track runs up on the object, then the machine will tilt at an angle. If the angle
becomes too great, or the momentum of the tilting motion becomes too great, the buggy can capsize.
For this reason, the operator should not continue over such an object, but slowly back off of it and find
a way around. If the operator is running the tracks too fast, this tilting action can happen quicker than
the operator ability to react, increasing the likelihood of capsizing the machine. Good judgment must
be used if encountering such a situation.
AVOID ANY SITUATION THAT TILTS THE MACHINE OR
PUTS MORE WEIGHT ON ONE PONTOON THAN THE
OTHER WHEN THE MACHINE IS FLOATING.
In situations where there are currents,
cross-winds, or long distance travel, we
recommend using a small outboard motor (4-40
hp) or our proprietary hydraulic Prop Drive
system. The Marsh Master has a 21” transom.
AVOID RAIN-SWOLLEN RIVERS, AND ANY RIVER WITH
ANYTHING OTHER THAN A SLOW MOVING CURRENT.
WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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EXITING WATER
Exiting from water must be performed with CAUTION.
The operator should select a suitable exit position where both tracks leave the water at the same
time, and the machine climbs straight up the bank.
The load should be lightened before climbing the bank, and the machine should be operated at
very slow speeds.
The operator should avoid exiting water by climbing up a steep bank. Though the machine may
have enough traction to pull itself out of the water, too steep of a bank will put the machine at an angle
that can drop the rear transom below the water level. At this point, the water can swamp the machine
and create a very dangerous situation.
The operator is responsible for assuring the proper positioning and operation of machine to ensure
safe operation when entering or exiting water.
SERIOUS INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE COULD OCCUR IF
THE MACHINE TURNS OVER WHEN ENTERING,
EXITING, OR OPERATING IN WATER. OVERLOADING,
IMPROPER LOAD DISTRIBUTION, WRONG ANGLE OF
ENTRY OR EXIT, A LEAKING PONTOON OR FAILURE TO
INSTALL DRAIN PLUGS COULD CAUSE THE MACHINE
TO TURN OVER.
EXCESSIVE OR UNEVEN LOADING CAN MAKE FOR AN
UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS SITUATION,
PARTICULARLY WHEN ENTERING, EXITING, OR
OPERATING IN WATER. SERIOUS INJURY OR LOSS OF
LIFE COULD OCCUR IF THE MACHINE IS LOADED
IMPROPERLY. HEAVY LOADS POSITIONED HIGH CAN
SIGNIFICANTLY RAISE THE CENTER OF GRAVITY AND
CAN CAUSE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. POSITION
AND SECURE LOADS AS CLOSE TO THE BOTTOM OF
THE BUGGY AS POSSIBLE.
WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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WARNING!
SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR!
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