Mick's Blog

My thoughts, findings and rants.

  • About
  • Blog
  • Archives
  • ONCOURSE 4×4

Connect

  • E-mail
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Disclaimer

The words and opinions expressed here are my own, and do not, in any way, represent the views of my employer (OnCourse).
You are here: Home / Archives for off-road driving

Releasing Axle Wind-Up

Published February 2, 2023 By Mick Farmer

Axle windup is the build-up of drivetrain tension when cornering with 4wd engaged (part-time) or centre diff locked (full-time). Possibly damaging. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation Tagged With: off-road driving

Managing Available Traction

Published July 31, 2019 By Mick Farmer

Driving Low Range - Example

Wheel printing and the ability to identify when to drive as slow as possible but as fast as necessary. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation, Snapshots Tagged With: 4wd, off-road driving

Low Traction Road Surface

Published February 11, 2019 By Mick Farmer

Unsealed roads, particularly when dry, need to be treated as a low traction surface. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Snapshots Tagged With: Low Traction, off-road driving

Has Your 4wd’s Approach Angle Been Compromised?

Published July 31, 2017 By Mick Farmer

Bull bar - For Aesthetic Purpose Only

Whenever you fit something to a 4wd vehicle, there will be a trade off. Understanding this compromise is essential to managing not only your off road capability but also for driving defensively. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: Equipment, off-road driving

My Thoughts on Using Synthetic Shackles

Published October 27, 2016 By Mick Farmer

using-synthetic-rope-shackles

Recently purchased some synthetic shackles (Gator-Jaw) from Bubba Rope in the States. I had gotten one of their kinetic energy ropes through someone that was leaving Uganda and was very impressed. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: 4wd, Equipment, Gator-Jaw, off-road driving

Why I Don’t Like Roof Racks

Published March 10, 2016 By Mick Farmer

Loading Roof Racks

I don't like roof racks and don't have them fitted to any of our vehicles. Reasons for this dislike are many but the main one is safety. Roof racks encourage loading fairly heavy stuff on the top of vehicles. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: Equipment, off-road driving, roof rack

Why You Should Care Which Handbrake System Your 4wd Has

Published June 30, 2015 By Mick Farmer

interior landrover defender 110

There are two common types of handbrake systems fitted to 4wd vehicles: A handbrake which works on the rear brake shoes. A transmission brake that is fitted to the rear output of the transfer box. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation Tagged With: Mechanical, off-road driving

Raised Air Intakes – Are They Really Necessary?

Published April 9, 2015 By Mick Farmer

Raised Air Intake - 110 Defender

It's hot, it's dusty and it's dry - so why should you consider fitting a raised air intake? … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: Mechanical, off-road driving, raised air intake, recovery gear

Failed Hill Climb Recovery – 200 Series Land Cruiser

Published November 10, 2014 By Mick Farmer

At OnCourse, we teach a failed hill climb recovery technique that requires the driver to do a "key start" (this only relates to manual / stick shift vehicles).  Over the years of instruction this technique is the only one we have confidence in. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Vehicles Tagged With: 4wd, failed hill start, off-road driving, toyota landcruiser

Preventing a 4wd Rollover on an Unsealed Road

Published June 8, 2006 By Mick Farmer

4wd Rollover - Landcruiser

A recent event has prompted me to revisit this subject. Fortunately, all involved were not seriously hurt but so easily could have been. Therefore, I believe it is important to address why this type of MVC occurs frequently and to seemingly "experienced" national drivers, the "old Africa hands" and newcomers alike? … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Driving Tagged With: driving, off-road driving

Mud Glorious Mud: The Basics of Driving Through Mud

Published April 11, 2005 By Mick Farmer

Driving Though Mud

Although soil conditions may change from heavy clay to the renowned "black cotton", dealing with mud is approached in much the same way. The only difference really is how your tyres will clog up. Driving through shallow mud (2" deep or less) The ideal situation is to have the full weight of the vehicle pushing your tyres through the mud and attempting to grip onto the firm ground underneath. To do this you have to have your tyres at the correct pressure. If the pressure is too low then you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Driving Tagged With: off-road driving

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Recent Posts

  • Releasing Axle Wind-Up
  • Example of Tyre Delamination and Tread Separation
  • Avoid Fitting HF Aerial Like This
  • Under Pressure – Armoured Vehicle Tyres
  • Still got split rims on your 70 Series Landcruiser?
  • Managing Available Traction

Recent Tags

4wd 4wd operation armoured vehicles awareness levels buttons and switches checklist co2 convoy driver training driving Equipment facility fleet free wheeling hubs gallery Gator-Jaw ground-anchor hazards headlights HF Radio high-lift jack land-anchor Low Traction Mechanical modifications off-road driving OnCourse Pressure Pro questions raised air intake recovery gear review road safety roof rack safety gear seatbelts security shock absorbers snapshot speed bumps target fixation toyota landcruiser tyres winch winch-anchor

Find It Here

OnCourse Links

  • About OnCourse
  • 4×4 Courses
  • Contact