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Paul Wightman

Paul Wightman

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Below is the list of CONFIRMED guests as they have emailed me with their vehicle reg. number.

Tomorrow I expect to recieve confirmation from the Horsham club guys so if your keen better let me know soon!

Tom Alder

Peter King

Mike Burgess KLRC

Adrian Catchpole

Dave Napper KLRC

David Cordell KLRC

Bill Rixon

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bathtub

bathtub

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Bathtub, tyre rule 6 NST applies, sorry!

What the Fcuk is 6 NST or have you just jumped on the sad person I'm not that keen on band wagon too you know as well as me that my vehicle will do less damage than Simex on a 3 tonne lump of Iron.

As it happens the tub will be in the garage having its new engine then ready for Muddy Truckers but come on ! :angry:

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Paul Wightman

Paul Wightman

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Bathtub, tyre rule 6 NST applies, sorry!

What the Fcuk is 6 NST or have you just jumped on the sad person I'm not that keen on band wagon too you know as well as me that my vehicle will do less damage than Simex on a 3 tonne lump of Iron.

As it happens the tub will be in the garage having its new engine then ready for Muddy Truckers but come on ! :angry:

Pete, rule 6, No Silly Tyres, don't you know nuffink!

Your post, "Me please", wot motor you bringing?

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Paul Wightman

Paul Wightman

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Tom Alder

Peter King

Mike Burgess KLRC

Adrian Catchpole

Dave Napper KLRC

David Cordell KLRC

Bill Rixon

Adrian Turner

Richard Weatherly

Steve Gurney

Dave Connaway

Nick Watts

Chris Iron

Pete Silvester

Nark Catchpole

Ian Saltmarsh KLRC

Nigel Pithers

Graham Hirst

Simon Rafferty

Lee Longhurst

Waiting for Ripley,s reg

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bathtub

bathtub

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reasonable standards !!!!!{by whos rating}

DO you mean by that the pattern or Size as i have coming a set of 42" IROKS will they be O.K .

Also do you agree then that Simex dont grip as much as proper Mud tyres then by that comment because everone else always says Simex are the ultimate if not then it must be the size.

What about 39" BFGS or Super Groung Hawks which are like big S.A.T.S :o

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Paul Wightman

Paul Wightman

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reasonable standards !!!!!{by whos rating}

DO you mean by that the pattern or Size as i have coming a set of 42" IROKS will they be O.K .

Also do you agree then that Simex dont grip as much as proper Mud tyres then by that comment because everone else always says Simex are the ultimate if not then it must be the size.

What about 39" BFGS or Super Groung Hawks which are like big S.A.T.S :o

Pete, I shall ask once more, do you want to come to Rusper?

You posted earlier "Me please".

You are invited regardless of the tyre you wish to use.

When discussing tyre choice or indeed whether a tyre should be permitted there are many points to consider other than just the actual tyre.

Vehicles and the protection of the environment are often deemed to be in direct opposition. This opposition is normally levelled at emissions but sometimes in other ways. The use of vehicles in environmentally sensitive areas is often the cause of concern - this is to some degree unjustified. It will depend on the type of vehicle and its suitability to the particular conditions as to just how much `damage' it will or may cause.

The ground pressure (the weight that the vehicle or even person or animal imposes upon the surface), if high, is probably the major cause of damage. Traction, or more importantly the loss of it, is also very important. A vehicle travelling easily across ground without wheel slip and or sinkage is not likely to cause damage. As soon as wheel slip occurs or the wheels create ruts due to high ground pressure or a combination of both, then lasting damage can occur. Worse still if the vehicle becomes stuck. High ground pressure that is not necessarily obvious can cause compaction beneath the surface which can interfere with plant root development and drainage. Multiple passes along a particular route of vehicles, people or animals can create major problems. Cross country routes, tracks, footpaths can soon become compacted, worn, rutted and even impassable. A specialist vehicle with low ground pressure - perhaps the same or lower than that of a human foot, can travel over very soft and difficult terrain with minimal disturbance. It may be better able to vary its route than more conventional vehicles so reducing the development of tracks and the problems associated to multiple passes.

There are a number of specialist vehicles as well as modifications available to more conventional vehicles that offer low ground pressure. However it does not stop there. The ability of the vehicle to traverse the terrain - often difficult - in safety and without becoming stuck or getting wheel slip is also very important. A stuck vehicle can create quite a mess particularly during recovery which may involve a much heavier recovery vehicle. A vehicle with all wheel drive has a much better chance than one that has not. Four wheel drive vehicles (even some of six and eight wheels) are generally high ground pressure and ultimately have limited ability. Many of the specialist vehicles operate on tracks which do offer low ground pressure but tracks are not always very kind to the ground surface particularly when turning by 'skid steer' as the majority must. Many of the multiwheeled low ground pressure vehicles that can be used either as tracked or wheeled vehicles are also skid steer. The act of steering causes the vehicle to break traction. This not only introduces a sideways skid to a greater or lesser degree but often promotes wheel spin on the other set of wheels. If the vehicle is loaded which it probably is, there will be greater resistance to turning and therefore more effort required to achieve a turn so increasing the opportunity to cause surface damage, especially on soft surfaces. Also compounding this problem is if the vehicle is asked to tow a load - normally a trailer. The trailer must also be on low ground pressure tyres. If towed by a skid steer vehicle, be it on tracks or wheels, the trailer will have a tendency to oppose the turn, especially if it is heavy or on an up hill climb. This again promotes a loss of traction.

The Supacat 6x6 answers most if not all of these problems. It has genuine low ground pressure using six high floatation, wide section tyres, run at very low inflation pressures. In general ground pressure is assessed by adding the internal tyre pressure and the tyre carcase `pressure' together. In the case of the Supacat the tyre carcase pressure is about 1 psi. The operating pressures are variable according to the conditions but would normally range between 3 and 8 psi. A human has a ground pressure of around 5 psi. The drive system of the Supacat offers a true 6x6. It is a `full time' six wheel drive with all three wheels on each side of the vehicle mechanically connected so that no one wheel can `spin out'. A single differential divides the drive to each side but this too is controllable by independent brakes so that any tendency for the wheels on one side of the vehicle to spin can be prevented. This can be done in opposition to the direction of steering - something that is impossible on a skid steer only vehicle. This gives the Supacat an excellent tractive performance and very precise and accurate control over what the wheels are doing.

The steering system is unique. Of the six wheels, the front four steer conventionally (Ackerman), the centre pair steering 50% of that of the front pair so reducing to a minimum any scuffing of tyres or the surface of the ground. The conventional steering is backed up by the independent brake steer system. This can be used to steer the vehicle if required, to increase the vehicle's manoeuvrability over and above or in conjunction with the conventional steering as well as to control traction. This steering system allows the Supacat to be quite at home on hard surfaces - not the case with skid steer only vehicles. On very soft marginal surfaces again the Ackerman system has the advantage. By not having to break traction and so possibly the surface to steer, the Supacat has a much better chance to preserve the integrity of the surface and therefore its ability to support the vehicle and provide traction to propel it along.

The Supacat has a substantial load carrying capacity and with well designed trailers can tow an equal load or more. The dual steering system making the Supacat a very able towing vehicle.

For exceptional situations - normally deep snow or extremely boggy conditions the Supacat can be fitted with tracks. This will of course introduce some of the operating problems previously discussed and so in general the wheels would normally be used if at all possible. However the Supacat can be fitted with a `half' track system. This offers benefits of both systems. Tracks are fitted around the middle and rear wheels leaving the front wheels free to steer the vehicle. The brakes may be used to back up the conventional steering as if it were on wheels only. This system offers most of the benefits of tracks while retaining the advantages of conventional steering for on and off road operations.

The need to access and work on environmentally sensitive areas is ever increasing - so is the desire to preserve them. This may be to repair mountain footpaths worn away by thousands of walkers, it may be to repair or construct power or pipe lines, to reach and operate on the shoreline for coastal defence or to clear pollution, it may be for leisure, forestry or agriculture, or for rescue work. Perhaps to patrol high security installations or carry out search and rescue operations. The MOD operate ranges which are often remote and environmentally sensitive - Supacats have been operating on these for many years and in some cases are the only vehicles allowed on the area. The needs may be principally environmental or economic - reinstating damaged ground can be expensive. Helicopters which are sometimes the only option are very expensive and weather critical. The area of operations does not necessarily have to be a remote moorland or high mountain to justify the need for a machine that can work with minimal ground damage. The electricity supply industry for example has to access agricultural and other managed land where damage to crops and the ground itself is unacceptable. This can either severely limit the times when work can be carried out or introduce high costs of reinstatement having caused damage to the work site and access route - which may not be acceptable to land owners and environmentalists.

Whatever the end use the Supacat 6x6 offers a practical solution to mobility. The conditions may be difficult or not so difficult and may or may not be environmentally sensitive. The Supacat is capable of carrying and or towing a very substantial load of personnel, goods or equipment, even when the going is particularly tough. It is able to work on poor ground conditions that would normally be unacceptable for a vehicle to operate on.

The Supacat offers an answer to an ever increasing problem - that of an acceptable means of useable mobility in environmentally sensitive situations.

As many of you will know, the Langdale Quest activity operates within 10,000 acres of prime forest owned & managed by Forest Enterprise. The main aims of the activity are as follows:

• Provide a managed & maintained environment for people to enjoy 4x4 off-road driving.

• Develop the activity into a Tourist Attraction, increasing trade to local service providers, such as Hotels, restaurants, Petrol Stations & related Tourist Attractions.

• Help to take the pressure away from the use of Green Lanes for off-road driving.

• Diversify the use of a forest area into a profitable business in a manner that is acceptable to local residents and avoids damage to the local environment.

The activity has been running now for nearly 10 years. During this time the Langdale Quest has evolved into a unique business of which we are extremely proud. There has been a steady growth in 4x4 ownership here in the UK and over the years the site has been continuously improved in all aspects in order to provide for the increase in trade.

Maintenance procedures have been refined to create an environmentally sustainable activity able to cater for a growing number of customers.

To maintain the quality of the Quest experience and of the local environment requires an immense amount of work. For example every year we review the off-road driving routes within the forest.

In order to maintain our high standards, the first step is to survey the off-road tracks & plot on a map where any remedial work is required. Preventative maintenance is a major part of our overall maintenance programme.

Helpers in the Maze In the long term this helps reduce the overall workload & drastically cuts down on the number of vehicles getting stuck along the routes, which in turn helps our instructors too! We can also carry this out at times when the site is either closed or very quite.

Obviously, we don't want to make the tracks too easy to drive as this wouldn't be much fun. It's a fine balance between keeping them passable yet still challenging & exciting to drive.

Most of the repairs involve management of water run-off. When an off-road vehicle passes over soft ground, ruts are left & if the track crosses the side of a hill for example, the rainwater will tend to follow the course of the rut. This has a dramatic effect on the track. If unmanaged, the water will quickly erode the track creating deep gullies. The silt from the erosion can also cause problems if it finds its way into streams & rivers.

In order to prevent this we build small ridges across the track using a hard material such as stone. The water is then diverted off the track into an area of trees where it is filtered & cleaned. It can then safely enter the drainage channels along the roadsides of the forest & make its way to the nearest stream.

Other sections of rutted track may require to be 'graded'. This involves the use of our Mercedes Unimog fitted with a special grading blade on the front. Ruts develop along a track when soil is picked up by the tread on the vehicles tyres, small amounts fall off the wheel as it rotates and then land on either side of the rut. The overall effect is that the ruts get deeper & the ground either side of the rut gets higher.

The action of the blade on the ground is to scrape the earth back into the ruts where it originally came from. This method of repair works well if the ground is relatively dry & our Unimog can cover over 500 meters of track in an hour! In areas that are always wet we use stone to help reinforce the surface of the track. If the terrain is really waterlogged, particularly in the winter months, the work needs to be carried out by hand in order to avoid destroying the track with the heavy machinery.

Sometimes it is better not to use a section of the track in the following year rather that attempt to repair it - vegetation grows quickly in Langdale Forest & this helps to re-enforce the tracks surface.

Throughout the process we liaise closely with staff at the Forestry Commission who advise us on environmental guidelines, how we should repair the track and the materials we should use.

Each year we have to re-route parts of the Quest in Langdale as some areas of the forest undergo major timber harvesting. With an average of 1,500 tons of timber leaving Langdale each week, we need to work closely with both the contractors & the Forestry Commission in order to ensure all goes to plan!!Sometimes this can be accomplished with temporary diversions but if the extraction area is large we omit that area of the forest from any routes for the season.The long-term sustainability of the Langdale Quest relies heavily on our ability to minimise the impact of the activity within the forest. It is imperative that repair work is carried out before any damage to areas becomes a threat to the environment. We have built up a strong working relationship with the Forestry Commission to achieve this.

Registered Charity No. 1096429

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CENTRE

STONELEIGH PARK,

WARWICKSHIRE CV8 2LG

Tel: 024 7669 6553

Fax: 024 7669 6128

Email: information@nptc.org.uk

Level 2

CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE

IN

OFF ROAD DRIVING

ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE

© NPTC 2005

NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Off Road Driving

Information for Candidates and Assessors

Introduction

The scheme will be administered by NPTC.

NPTC will:

• Publish -Scheme regulations

-Assessment schedule

-Assessment material

• Approve centres to co-ordinate and administer the scheme

• Set standards for the training of Verifiers and Assessors

• Recruit, train and deploy Verifiers

• Manage verification

• Issue certificates to successful Candidates

The Certificate of Competence

Certificates of competence will be awarded to Candidates who achieve the required level of competence in the Units to which their

Certificate relates.

Instruction

Attendance at a course of instruction is not a pre-requisite for an application for an assessment but potential Candidates are strongly

advised to ensure that they are up to the standards that will be expected of them when they are assessed.

NPTC does not hold a register of instructors; however instruction will normally be available from recognised training providers and/or

centres of further or higher education active in the areas covered by this certificate. Further information on training may be obtained

from the centre.

Access to Assessment

Assessment Centres will be responsible for arranging assessment on behalf of a Candidate. Assessment may only be

carried out by an Assessor approved by NPTC for that scheme. Under no circumstances can either instructors involved in

the preparation of candidates, or the candidates work place supervisors, or anyone else who might have a vested interest in

the outcome, carry out the assessment.

The minimum age limit for Candidates taking certificates of competence is 16 years. There is no upper age limit.

Assessment

Assessment is a process by which it is confirmed that the Candidate is competent in the Units within the award to which the

assessment relates. It is a process of collecting evidence about his/her capabilities and judging whether that evidence is sufficient to

attribute competence.

The candidate must be registered through an NPTC approved Assessment Centre for this qualification prior to assessment.

The result of the assessment will be recorded on the assessment report form.

The schedule of assessment contains the criteria relating to:

• Observation of practical performance

• Assessment of knowledge and understanding

Performance Evaluation

The result of each assessment activity is evaluated against the following criteria:

4 = Meets or exceeds the assessment criteria by displaying a level of practical performance and/or underpinning knowledge, with

no ‘minor’ or ‘critical’ faults. (Competent).

3 = Meets the requirements of the assessment criteria for both the practical performance and the underpinning knowledge, with

some ‘minor’ faults but no ‘critical’ faults. (Competent).

2 = Does not fully satisfy the requirements of the assessment criteria, being unable to perform the practical task satisfactorily or

being deficient in underpinning knowledge leading to the recording of minor faults. (Not yet competent).

1 = Does not satisfy the requirements of the assessment criteria, being unable to perform the practical task satisfactorily or safely

or being deficient in underpinning knowledge leading to the recording of a critical fault. (Not yet competent).

A list of registered Assessment Centres is available from NPTC. (www.nptc.org.uk)

Verification

Verification is a process of monitoring assessment; it is an essential check to confirm that the assessment procedures are being

carried out in the way that NPTC has laid down. The overall aim of verification is to establish a system of quality assurance that is

acceptable in terms of both credibility and cost effectiveness.

Approved Assessors will be subject to a regular visit by the verifier at a time when assessments are being undertaken.

A selection of assessment reports completed by the assessor will be evaluated by an NPTC approved verifier.

Compliance with the verification requirements is a pre-requisite for Assessors remaining on NPTC’s list of approved assessors.

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Complaints and Appeals

NPTC and its Assessment Centres have a formal Complaints and Appeals procedure. In the event of a any dissatisfaction with the

arrangements and conditions of assessment, the candidate should first contact the Assessment Centre through whom the

assessment was arranged and submit the complaint in writing.

For further information on NPTC's Equal Opportunities Policy and Complaints and Appeals Procedures, please refer to

www.nptc.org.uk

This assessment covers the use of "off-Road" vehicles or 4x4's. These are normal road going cars and commercial vehicles with four

wheel drive, higher ground clearance and other added traction aids to enable the vehicle to be driven effectively on rugged terrain

and where traction may be lost. The assessment will be taken place off the public highway on a pre-determined course that presents

the candidate with typical obstacles encountered when driving off road.

Learning Outcomes

The candidate will be able to:

• State legal and safety requirements relating to the use of off road vehicles

• Carry out appropriate pre-start checks on the vehicle

• Take appropriate action arising from checks

• Explain additional considerations that need to be made when towing a trailer

• Prepare for work

• Select and wear appropriate PPE as required

• Start the vehicle and manoeuvre it safely on rough terrain including slopes.

• Attach a trailer to the vehicle

• Manoeuvre vehicle on a variety of terrain whilst towing, including reversing around a corner

• Operate a vehicle mounted winch to remove an obstacle and self rescue a "bogged" vehicle

• State the required underpinning knowledge that supports the operations

Guidance Notes for Candidates and Assessors

The assessment is divided into two compulsory units and two optional units:

Unit 1 Pre-Use Safety – Off Road Vehicles (Compulsory)

Unit 2 Drive Vehicle in Off Road Conditions (Compulsory)

Unit 3 Driving whilst towing a trailer (Optional)

Unit 4 Use of Vehicle Winches (Optional)

The Qualification will be endorsed either:

A) "Including Trailers" (Candidates must achieve all assessment activities in Units 1, 2 and 3)

And / Or

B) "Including Winching" (Candidates must achieve all assessment activities in Units 1, 2, and 4)

Site Requirements

The assessment must take place on an off road driving track/course that has been approved by NPTC or the assessor. The track

must present obstacles that whilst requiring off road driving knowledge to negotiate, are comfortably within the capabilities of the

vehicle being used for the assessment. To complete all assessment activities the course must include a slope for the vehicle to drive

up and down, which is a minimum of five vehicle lengths and of sufficient gradient to be able to effectively simulate the vehicle failing

a climb. There should also be a suitable run-off area in case of failed recovery. The track must also have a minimum of three of the

following:

Deep soft sand; slippery surface; deep water; a slope to drive across; ridges; ditches/’v’ gully. The definition of a suitable ditch or gully

is one that the vehicle would have to enter diagonally (one wheel at a time) in order to across it.

Candidate Pre-requisites

Candidates coming forward for this assessment must hold a valid UK driving licence. This must be shown to the assessor.

Safe Practice:

Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when required.

The vehicle and any other equipment used must be operated in such a way that the Candidate, Assessor, other persons or

equipment are not endangered.

Failure to operate safely and comply with these requirements will result in the Candidate not meeting the required standard.

Validation of Equipment:

A Manufacturer’s instruction book or other drivers’ manual should be available.

All equipment being used for this assessment must comply with the relevant requirements of the Provision and Use of Work

Equipment Regulations (PUWER) & LOLER (1998).

Vehicles must comply with Department of Transport and Road Traffic Acts where relevant.

Any appropriate Four Wheel Drive Motor Vehicle (e.g. Land Rover/Jeep etc.) with accompanying trailer (appropriate to the work

situation of the candidate) and fitted winch (if required) complying with legal requirements is acceptable for the assessment, provided

it is suitably equipped for all assessment activities to be carried out.

The assessor must be satisfied that the vehicle is in a road worthy condition and legal to use. This will normally require

evidence of MOT and insurance certificates (either the original or confirmation from the employer/vehicle owner). However,

in situations where the vehicle is not intended for use on the public highway or other exemptions apply, the assessor will

use their discretion as to the suitability of the vehicle.

Additional Information: May be sought from the relevant manufacturers/drivers manuals or any other appropriate training or safety

publication.

© NPTC 2005 3

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Unit 1 Pre Start Safety – Off Road Vehicles

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Demonstrate knowledge of legal and safety

requirements relating to the use of off road

vehicles in respect of:

Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment must be specific to:

- Site

- Task

- Machine

Risk Assessment must contain:

- Identified hazards

- Evaluated risk

- Control measures to be implemented

- Emergency procedures

- Risk Assessment must be communicated to operator

The use of the vehicle on a public highway or

other areas to which the public has access

The vehicle must:

- Be in a road worthy condition (MOT certificate where appropriate)

- Have a current road fund licence (vehicle excise duty)

- Have a minimum of third party insurance cover (to conform to Road

Traffic Act requirements)

- Be driven by someone who holds a suitable, valid drivers licence

- Warning signs should be erected if appropriate

Safety of vehicle load off-road - Observe vehicle loading limits

- Ensure items are secured and not liable to fall or hit the driver whilst

moving

- Seek to maintain low centre of gravity with heavy loads

Environmental considerations - Follow Country Codes

- Observe vehicle restrictions on rights of way and owner permission on

private land

- Awareness of possible site restrictions due to SSSI’s, archaeological

sites etc.

- Avoid wheel spin and other damage to the ground

- Avoid fuel/oil leaks into water courses (COSHH)

- Appropriate safe site for washing down vehicle

2. Carry out daily pre-use checks and maintenance

to the vehicle

- Check vehicle and carry out pre-start maintenance in accordance with

manufacturer’s handbook

- Observe relevant safety and cleanliness precautions

- Check to ensure safety of operator and vehicle:

• Wheel nuts secure

• Tyres (measure pressure plus visual check of tread and walls

for condition)

• Stop control

• Correct function of all lights and direction indicators

• Function of seatbelts

- Ensure:

• Fuel level is adequate

• Oil levels are correct

• Coolant level is correct

- Frequency of checks undertaken

- Report findings as appropriate

- Act on findings where appropriate

Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of

correct fluid levels

- If the vehicle is likely to be operating on steep slopes, the fluid could

be drained to one end of the engine and thereby starve other areas

3. Identify and state the function of the vehicle

controls and instruments

- All controls identified and function explained in accordance with the

manufacturer’s handbook/operators manual.

- Function and significance of the information displayed on all

instruments and warning lights identified by the manufacturers

manual/operators handbook

- Appropriate time to use traction aids fitted and dangers of incorrect

use

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Assessment Activities Assessment Criteria

4. Carry out final safety checks to be made before

starting the vehicle

- Check controls to ensure it is safe to start (according to manufacturers

manual)

- Check feet and pedals are free from mud

Start engine - Engine started using appropriate technique for conditions

- Cold and warm start procedure according to manufacturers handbook

/operators manual

5. Check that brakes operate

- Drive vehicle short distance and stop to ensure brakes operate

effectively

- Check parking brake and stop engine

Demonstrate knowledge of parking on slopes - Park across the slope

- Turn wheels up hill

- Apply hand brake

- Leave vehicle in gear

- Chock wheels

6. Demonstrate knowledge of safe wheel changing

procedures

- Chocking

- Jacking points

- Soft surfaces

- Level ground

- Hand brake

- In gear

- Appropriate type of jack

© NPTC 2005 5

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Unit 2 Drive Vehicle in Off Road Conditions

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Check site to be driven and assess the risks that

are:

- Site specific

- Vehicle specific

- Weather specific

- Environmental

- Identify hazards

- Select suitable control measures

- Identify instructions and route plan correctly (as appropriate)

- State possible risks when driving the vehicle off road

2. Demonstrate knowledge of driving up and down

slopes:

Selecting route

- Gradient

- Surface/vegetation

- Obstructions

- Weather conditions

Driving technique

Recovery Techniques:

- Highest gear possible without stalling for ascending

- Lowest gear possible when descending

- Suitable use of brakes

- Avoid wheel spin when ascending

Down a slope

- Accelerate to avoid sliding

- “Cadence braking”

Up a slope

- Apply brakes/stall vehicle

- Select reverse gear

- Release clutch

- Check position of front wheels

- Start engine in gear

- Check behind

- Descend slope with feet off pedals

- If lack of traction select reverse without stopping

3. Drive vehicle round a designated course as

outlined by the assessor

- Assess conditions and safest route

- Select gear, 4 wheel drive, and/or differential lock as appropriate

- Follow correct route (as identified)

- Demonstrate safe control of the vehicle:

• Up and down a slope

• Across a slope

• Across other obstacles as required by assessor (outlined in

- Demonstrate procedures to follow when:

• Grip is lost

• Vehicle stalls

- Demonstrate a failed hill climb recovery

4. Describe (and demonstrate if required by the

assessor) the techniques for driving across ridges

or humps

- Vehicle at correct angle to obstacle to ensure maximum traction

- Maintain low speed to avoid excessive bounce

5. Describe (and demonstrate if required y the

assessor) the techniques for driving across

ditches

- Cross ditch diagonally to allow one wheel at a time to enter ditch

- Maintain low speed to avoid excessive bounce

6. Describe (and demonstrate if required by the

assessor) techniques for driving across slopes

- Avoid if possible

- Use existing tracks if available

- Avoid obstacles

- Steer down hill if traction is lost or vehicle becomes unstable

- Maintain low centre of gravity

7. Describe (and demonstrate if required by the

assessor) techniques for driving on slippery

surfaces (e.g. snow, ice, wet grass, mud etc)

- As high a gear as possible

- Minimum throttle to avoid wheel spin

- Avoid sudden, harsh use of controls

- Use of traction aids

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Unit 2 Drive Vehicle in Off Road Conditions (continued)

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

8. Describe (and demonstrate if required by the

assessor) the techniques for driving through deep

water

- Assess depth and bed before entering the water

- Maintain sufficient speed to create bow wave where appropriate

- Observe maximum recommended wading depth of vehicle

- Use of wading plugs/”snorkels”

- Check brakes after exiting water

- Do not stop engine

9. Demonstrate knowledge of driving in soft, dry

sand

- Lower tyre pressures

- Avoid wheel spin

- Avoid sharp turns

- If unable to continue, reverse back along existing tracks

- Keep momentum

10. Describe and demonstrate driving techniques for

recovering a failed hill climb

- Demonstrate procedures to follow when:

• Grip is lost

• Vehicle stalls

- Demonstrate a failed hill climb recovery

11. Demonstrate knowledge of vehicle Recovery

techniques

- Use of vehicle winch

- High lifting jack or air bag

- Tow with another vehicle

- Place appropriate traction aid under wheel

- Rock the vehicle using forward or reverse gears

12. Prepare vehicle for return to on road driving

conditions.

- Return vehicle to normal drive

- Remove mud/debris on designated site

- Check tyres for damage (including inside walls) inflate to road

pressure if required

- Check that brakes operate

- Clean, check and reset if necessary:

• windows

• mirrors

• lights

• registration plate

- Vehicle returned to normal drive to reduce wear and improve road

handling and eliminate “transmission wind up” risk

- Vehicle checked for damage that could endanger the vehicle at road

speeds

- Mud and debris removed to prevent soiling of roads and causing

hazard to other road users

- Windows/lights/mirrors cleaned to maintain visibility and safety of

vehicle

© NPTC 2005 7

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Unit 3 Driving whilst towing a trailer (Optional)

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Check trailer is safe to use and appropriate for

the task

- Conduct visual inspection of trailer to ensure structural integrity and

serviceability

- Observe manufacturer’s and legal limits for towing capacity

2. Hitch vehicle to a trailer and connect electrics - Reverse vehicle and line up with trailer

- Connect trailer to vehicle safely and securely

- Connect trailer electrical system to vehicle

- Check that correct function of trailer

• Lights

• Brake warning lights

• Indicator lights

• Brakes

- Attach safety wire/chain securely to vehicle hitch

- Ensure load distributed evenly

- Ensure that trailer hand brake is released

3. Drive vehicle and trailer around identified route - Ensure smooth take off

- Engage correct gears and select speed as appropriate to ground

conditions

- Ensure that care is taken at corners

- Manoeuvre vehicle and trailer safely

- Ensure that care is taken when braking

4. Reverse around a right angle corner and into a

confined space

- Engage correct gears and select speed as appropriate to ground

conditions

- Manoeuvre vehicle and trailer safely around course to include a right

angle corner and into a confined space

- Ensure that care is taken when reversing with auto reverse brakes

5. Park trailer and uncouple - Engage trailer parking, brake securely

- Disconnect trailer from vehicle hitch

- Disconnect electric supply cable from vehicle socket and store

correctly

- Remove safety wire/chain

© NPTC 2005 8

\\nptcsrv001\company\DOCUMENTS\Off Road Driving (AORD03 CoC)\Off Road Driving Assessment Schedule Oct05.doc

Unit 4 – Use of Vehicle Winches (Optional)

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Demonstrate knowledge of safety considerations

when operating a vehicle mounted winch

- Maximum line pull/Breaking load/winch duty cycle

- Winch overload protection devices

- Winch components in suitable condition

- Compatibility of winch components and load

- Check for underground services

- Suitability of anchor points

- Use of ground anchors

- Winch free from obstruction

- No-one must enter the triangle made by the winch cable when offset

pulling

- Suitable PPE required (heavy duty gloves)

- The cable should not be touched or crossed when under tension

- Minimum of two people present for winching

2. Identify the components Pete, you’re a exerciseer! and controls of the winch - Identify motor type (electric/hydraulic/PTO driven)

- Shackles

- Cable

- Fairleads

- Manual crank facility

- Interior isolation switch

- Winch operation controls

- Trunk protector (if using a tree as anchor point)

- Snatch/pulley block

- Other accessories

3. Prepare to use the winch to move an obstacle - Check winch is safe to use

- Estimate load and assess compatibility

- Establish effective communication/hand signals

- Appropriate positioning and distance of vehicle in relation to obstacle

- Unwind appropriate/optimum length of cable

- Attach to obstacle

- Use of snatch/pulley block

- Use of trunk protector if applicable

- Use of anchor points

- Secure vehicle

- Choice of winching method

• Direct pull

• Offset pull

• Compound pull

• One-to-one or two-to-one?

4. Move obstacle using vehicle mounted winch

- Appropriate PPE

- Check for underground services

- Load moved

- Safety of operator

- Hands kept clear of winch components when spooling

- Do not touch or cross cable when in tension

- Obstacle left in safe position, secured/chocked if necessary

- Correct re-spooling of cable

5. Prepare to use the winch to conduct self rescue

of a “bogged” vehicle

- Establish effective communication/hand signals

- Find suitable anchor point

- Attach cable to anchor

- Use trunk protector if required

6. Rescue the vehicle - Vehicle recovered from “bogging”

- Safety of operator observed at all times

- Hands kept clear of winch components when spooling

- Do not touch cable when in tension

- Avoidance of "snatching"

- Correct re-spooling of cable

© NPTC 2005 9

\\nptcsrv001\company\DOCUMENTS\Off Road Driving (AORD03 CoC)\Off Road Driving Assessment Schedule Oct05.doc

As I said, it's not just the size of the rubber you use!

Edited by Paul Wightman
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bathtub

bathtub

Posted
Posted

Shame u should of been a politician .

U did answer my question but you didnt answer!!! especially in your own words.

Again do you not think my tub would cross the same ground & cause less damage than yours & most other vehicles !!!!

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Paul Wightman

Paul Wightman

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Shame u should of been a politician .

U did answer my question but you didnt answer!!! especially in your own words.

Again do you not think my tub would cross the same ground & cause less damage than yours & most other vehicles !!!!

OK I will answer but I won't!

I do not think your vehicle would cross the same ground & cause less damage than mine & most other vehicles because you have no throttle control, just an on/off button!

Your gripe is with some of the major competition organisers who are trying (be it right or wrong) to minimise damage to sites be limiting tyre size. Some are attempting to stop ‘cheque book’ vehicles and keep the amateur status of events.

Just in case you missed the point.......... I was joking! Beavis-02-june.gif

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