Land Rover Defender 02my Owners Handbook 2nd Edition Rover

							Ancillary Equipment
80
A nc illa ry  Equipm en tWINCHES
A number of different winches, suited to jobs 
ranging from vehicle recovery to haulage, can 
be fitted to your Defender. For further 
information on the types of winch available and 
their various uses, contact your Land Rover 
dealer.
As winch operation will vary considerably on 
different winch units, it is essential that the 
manufacturer’s operating instructions are 
understood and followed carefully.
Winch safety
WARNING
If used incorrectly, winches can be extremely 
dangerous.
ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s operating 
instructions carefully.
NEVER stand near, or astride a winching 
cable whilst it is under tension.
ALWAYS wear protective gloves when 
handling winch cables.
In addition:
•DO NOT attempt to continue winching if the 
winch has stalled due to overloading.
•Inspect the winch and cable regularly - 
ALWAYS have worn or damaged parts 
replaced immediately.
•Only use recommended replacement parts 
of the same specification as the original 
equipment - failure to do so may not only 
damage the winch, but may cause serious 
personal injury.After winching
Whilst wearing thick, protective gloves, clean 
and lubricate the cable with a recommended 
cable lubricant. For further information, consult 
your Land Rover dealer.
WARNING
NEVER allow a cable to kink, coil or overlap 
on the winch spool.
NOTE: If a capstan winch is used, ensure the 
rope is cleaned and dried before stowing. 
						

							Ancillary Equipment
81
POWER TAKE-OFF DRIVES
Your Defender is capable of providing a static 
or mobile power source, which can be used to 
power generators, compressors, pumps and 
other ancillary equipment, mounted on or 
under the vehicle, by means of shaft, belt or 
hydraulic drive. This is possible by having a 
power take-off drive unit fitted to the transfer 
gearbox. This provides the basic drive for 
several variations of power take-off layouts.
The power take-off capability is an integral part 
of the vehicle design and has been tried and 
tested under the most rigorous and demanding 
conditions across the world. Land Rover 
dealers provide a full range of power take-off 
drive units and accessories, designed and built 
for the Defender.
For static operation, select neutral in the 
transfer gearbox to disconnect the drive to the 
road wheels - it is then possible to operate the 
power take-off independently. The forward 
gears and hand throttle
* can now be used to 
control the operating speed. To prevent the 
transmission from being overloaded, it is 
recommended that the highest gear possible 
should be used.
The lower gears can be used when lower 
operating speeds are required, but they should 
only be used for light workloads and for short 
periods of time.
If power tale-off is being used while the vehicle 
is moving, it will operate at a speed in direct 
proportion to the road speed of the vehicle and 
to the selected transfer gear ratio.
For more information on the use of power 
take-off drives and equipment, consult your 
Land Rover dealer.
HAND THROTTLE*
The hand throttle is for use in conjunction with 
power take-off equipment (winches, pumps for 
example), when a relatively constant engine 
speed is required.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to use the hand throttle when 
the vehicle is being driven.
Operating the hand throttle:
1.Select ‘N’ (neutral) in the transfer gearbox.
2.Pull the hand throttle control out until the 
desired engine speed is achieved.
3.Twist the control clockwise to lock the 
throttle in position.
The accelerator pedal can be used to 
temporarily override the hand throttle (to 
increase engine speed). Once the accelerator is 
released, the engine speed will return to the 
level set by the hand throttle.
To turn the hand throttle off, twist the control 
fully in (to the closed position).
Ensure the hand throttle is fully closed before 
driving. 
						

							82 
						

							Off-road Driving
Off-road Driving
BEFORE YOU DRIVE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
AFTER DRIVING OFF-ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  88
SERVICING REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  88
Driving Techniques
DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY SAND  . . .  89
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  89
DRIVING ON ROUGH TRACKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  89
CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  90
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
TRAVERSING A SLOPE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
NEGOTIATING A ‘V’ SHAPED GULLY . . . . . . . . . .  92
DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS  . . . . . . .  92
CROSSING A RIDGE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  92
CROSSING A DITCH  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  93
WADING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  93 
						

							84 
						

							Off-road Driving
85
Off-road Driv ing
Of f-ro ad D rivingBEFORE YOU DRIVE
Before venturing off-road, it is absolutely         
essential that inexperienced drivers become 
fully familiar with the vehicles controls, in 
particular the transfer gearbox, and also study 
the off-road driving techniques described on 
this and the following pages.
WARNING
Off-road driving can be hazardous!
•DO NOT take unnecessary risks and be 
prepared for emergencies at all times.
•Familiarise yourself with the 
recommended driving techniques in order 
to minimise risks to yourself, your vehicle 
AND your passengers.
BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES
These basic driving techniques are an 
introduction to the art of off-road driving and do 
not necessarily provide the information needed 
to successfully cope with every single off-road 
situation.
We strongly recommend that owners who 
intend to drive off-road frequently, should seek 
as much additional information and practical 
experience as possible.
Before driving off-road it is important that you 
check the condition of the wheels and tyres and 
that the tyre pressures are correct. Worn or 
incorrectly inflated tyres will adversely affect 
the performance, stability and safety of the 
vehicle.
Gear selection
Correct gear selection is possibly the single 
most important factor for safe and successful 
off-road driving. While only experience will tell 
you which is the correct gear for any section of 
ground, the following basic rules apply:
•NEVER change gear or operate the clutch 
while negotiating difficult terrain - the drag 
on the wheels may cause the vehicle to stop 
when the clutch is depressed and restarting 
may be difficult.
•Generally, and especially where slippery or 
soft ground conditions prevail, the higher 
the gear you select the better.
•When descending very steep slopes always 
select first gear in LOW range.
Inexperienced drivers are advised to stop the 
vehicle (on firm ground) and carefully consider 
which gear will be most appropriate for each 
manoeuvre before continuing.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
•Always wear a seat belt for personal 
protection in all off-road driving 
situations.
•DO NOT drive if the fuel level is low - 
undulating ground and steep inclines 
could cause fuel starvation to the 
engine. 
						

							Off-road Driving
86
Slipping the clutch
Use of excessive clutch slip to prevent the 
engine stalling will result in premature clutch 
wear. Always select a gear low enough to 
enable the vehicle to proceed without needing 
to slip the clutch.
DO NOT drive with your foot resting on the 
clutch pedal; driving across uneven terrain 
could cause you to inadvertently depress the 
clutch, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle.
Transfer gears
High range gears should be used whenever 
possible - only change to low range when 
ground conditions become very difficult. The 
diff lock should be engaged whenever there is a 
risk of losing wheel grip, and disengaged as 
soon as firm, level, non-slippery ground is 
reached.
Braking
As far as possible, vehicle speed should be 
controlled through correct gear selection. 
Application of the brake pedal should be kept to 
a minimum. Unless ABS is fitted, any braking 
on wet, muddy or loose surfaces is likely to 
cause one or more wheels to lock - the resultant 
slide could prove dangerous.
NOTE: If the correct gear has been selected, 
braking will be largely unnecessary.
Use of engine for braking
Before descending steep slopes, stop the 
vehicle at least its length before the descent, 
engage LOW range and then select first or 
second gear, depending on the severity of the 
incline.
While descending the slope it should be 
remembered that the engine will provide 
sufficient braking effort to control the rate of 
descent, and that the brakes should not be 
applied.Accelerating
Use the accelerator with care - any sudden 
surge of power may induce wheel spin and, 
therefore, invoke unnecessary operation of 
traction control
*, or in extreme conditions 
could lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
Steering
WARNING
DO NOT hold the steering wheel with your 
thumbs inside the rim - a sudden ‘Kick’ of the 
wheel as the vehicle negotiates a rut or 
boulder could seriously injure them. ALWAYS 
grip the wheel on the outside of the rim (as 
shown) when traversing uneven ground.
Survey the ground before driving
Before negotiating difficult terrain, it is wise to 
carry out a preliminary survey on foot. This will 
minimise the risk of your vehicle getting into 
difficulty through a previously unnoticed 
hazard.
H3659 
						

							Off-road Driving
87
Ground clearance
Dont forget to allow for ground clearance 
beneath the chassis, axles and under the front 
and rear bumpers. Note that the axle 
differentials are situated BELOW the chassis 
and are positioned slightly to the right of the 
centre of the vehicle. Note also that there are 
other parts of the vehicle which may come into 
contact with the ground - take care not to 
ground the vehicle.
Ground clearance is particularly important at 
the bottom of steep slopes, or where wheel ruts 
are unusually deep and where sudden changes 
in the slope of the ground are experienced.
On soft ground the axle differentials will clear 
their own path in all but the most difficult 
conditions. However, on frozen, rocky or hard 
ground, hard contact between the differentials 
and the ground will generally result in the 
vehicle coming to a sudden stop.
ALWAYS attempt to avoid obstacles that may 
foul the chassis or axle differentials.Loss of traction
If the vehicle is immobilised due to loss of 
wheel grip, the following hints could be of 
value:
•Avoid prolonged wheel spin; this will only 
make matters worse.
•Remove obstacles rather than forcing the 
vehicle to cross them.
•Clear clogged tyre treads.
•Reverse as far as possible, then attempt an 
increased speed approach - additional 
momentum may overcome the obstacle.
•Brushwood, sacking or any similar material 
placed in front of the tyres may improve tyre 
grip. 
						

							Off-road Driving
88
AFTER DRIVING OFF-ROAD
SERVICING REQUIREMENTS
Vehicles operated in arduous conditions, 
particularly on dusty, muddy or wet terrain, and 
vehicles undergoing frequent or deep wading 
conditions will require more frequent servicing. 
See ‘OWNER MAINTENANCE’, page 98 and 
contact a Land Rover dealer for advice.
After wading in salt water or driving on sandy 
beaches, use a hose to wash the underbody 
components and any exposed body panels with 
fresh water. This will help to protect the 
vehicles cosmetic appearance.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Before rejoining the public highway, or 
driving at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h), 
consideration should be given to the 
following:
•Wheels and tyres must be cleaned of 
mud and inspected for damage.
•If wheels and tyres are not cleaned 
properly, damage to the wheels, tyres, 
braking system and suspension 
components could occur.
•Brake discs and callipers should be 
examined and any stones or grit that 
may affect braking efficiency removed. 
						

							Driving Techniques
89
Driv in g Te ch nique sDRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY 
SAND
The ideal technique for driving on soft surfaces 
(dry sand for example), requires the vehicle to 
be kept moving at all times - soft sand causes 
excessive drag on the wheels resulting in a 
rapid loss of motion once driving momentum is 
lost. For this reason, gear changing should be 
avoided.
Engage the diff lock, select the highest suitable 
gear and REMAIN in that gear until a firm 
surface is reached. It is generally advisable to 
use LOW range gears, as they will enable you to 
accelerate through worsening conditions 
without the risk of being unable to restart.
Disengage the diff lock as soon as firm ground 
is reached.
Stopping the vehicle on soft ground, in sand 
or on an incline
If you do stop the vehicle, remember:
Starting on an incline or in soft ground or sand 
may be difficult. Always park on a firm level 
area, or with the vehicle facing downhill.
On vehicles not fitted with traction control, to 
avoid wheel spin, select second or third gear 
and use the MINIMUM throttle necessary to get 
the vehicle moving.
If forward motion is lost, avoid excessive use of 
the throttle - this will cause wheel spin and tend 
to dig the vehicle into the sand. Clear sand from 
around the tyres and ensure that the chassis 
and axles are not bearing on the sand before 
again attempting to move.
If the wheels have sunk, use an air bag lifting 
device or high lift jack to raise the vehicle, and 
then build up sand under the wheels so that the 
vehicle is again on level ground. If a restart is 
still not possible, place sand mats or ladders 
beneath the wheels.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass) 
•With the diff lock engaged, select the 
highest gear possible. 
•Drive away using the MINIMUM throttle 
possible.
•Drive slowly at all times, keeping braking to 
a minimum and avoiding violent 
movements of the steering wheel.
•Disengage the diff lock as soon as a 
non-slippery surface is reached.
DRIVING ON ROUGH TRACKS
Although rough tracks can sometimes be 
negotiated in normal drive, it is advisable to 
lock the differential if excessive suspension 
movement is likely to induce wheel spin.
On very rough tracks, engage LOW range to 
enable a steady, low speed to be maintained 
without the constant use of the brake and clutch 
pedals.
Always disengage the diff lock when smooth, 
firm ground is reached.