2013 Polaris BRUTUS Owners Manual - Page 11

SAFETY Failure to Inspect Before Operating Failure to inspect and verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before operating increases the risk of an accident. Always inspect your BRUTUS and attachment before each use to make sure it's in safe operating condition. Always follow all inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the owner's manual. Exposure to Exhaust Engine exhaust fumes are poisonous and can cause loss of consciousness or death in a short time. Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area. The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Operate this vehicle only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Operating a Damaged Vehicle Operating a damaged vehicle or attachment can result in an accident. After any overturn or accident, have a qualified service dealer inspect the entire machine for possible damage, including (but not limited to) brakes, throttle and steering systems. Operating at Excessive Speeds Turning Improperly Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds increases the operator's risk of losing control. Always operate at a speed that's appropriate for the terrain, the visibility and operating conditions, your skills and your passengers' skills. Turning improperly could cause loss of traction, loss of control, accident or overturn. Always follow proper procedures for turning. Never turn abruptly or at sharp angles. Never turn at high speeds. Practice turning at slow speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds. Operating on Public Roads Operating this vehicle on public streets, roads or highways could result in a collision with another vehicle. Never operate this vehicle on any public street, road or highway, including dirt and gravel roads. In some areas it's unlawful to operate this vehicle on public streets, roads and highways. Jumps and Stunts Attempting wheelies, jumps and other stunts increases the risk of an accident or overturn. Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts. Avoid exhibition driving. Operating in Unfamiliar Terrain Failure to use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain could result in an accident or overturn. Unfamiliar terrain may contain hidden rocks, bumps, or holes that could cause loss of control or overturn. Travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert to changing terrain conditions. Operating on Slippery Terrain Failure to use extra caution when operating on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain could cause loss of traction, loss of control, accident or overturn. Do not operate on excessively slippery surfaces. Always reduce speed and use additional caution when operating on slippery surfaces. Improper Hill Climbing Climbing hills improperly can cause loss of control or vehicle overturn. Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in the BRUTUS owner's manual. Stalling While Climbing a Hill Stalling or rolling backwards while climbing a hill could cause an overturn. Always maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill. If all forward speed is lost: • Apply the brakes. • Place the transmission in reverse and slowly allow the vehicle to roll straight downhill while applying light brake pressure to control speed. If you begin rolling downhill: • Never apply engine power. • Apply the brakes gradually until the vehicle is fully stopped. • Place the transmission in reverse and slowly allow the vehicle to roll straight downhill while applying light brake pressure to control speed. Improper Tire Maintenance Operating this vehicle with improper tires or with improper or uneven tire pressure could cause loss of control or accident. Always use the size and type of tires specified for your vehicle. Always maintain proper tire pressure as described in the owner's manual and on safety labels. Operating on Frozen Bodies of Water Severe injury or death can result if the vehicle and/or the operator fall through the ice. Never operate the vehicle on a frozen body of water unless you have first verified that the ice is sufficiently thick to support the weight and moving force of the vehicle, you and your passengers, and your cargo, together with any other vehicles in your party. Always check with local authorities and residents to confirm ice conditions and thickness over your entire route. Vehicle operators assume all risk associated with ice conditions on frozen bodies of water. Unauthorized Use of the Vehicle Hot Exhaust Systems Leaving the keys in the ignition can lead to unauthorized use of the vehicle, which could result in an accident or overturn. Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is not in use. Exhaust system components are very hot during and after use of the vehicle. Hot components can cause burns and fire. Do not touch hot exhaust system components. Always keep combustible materials away from the exhaust system. Use caution when traveling through tall grass, especially dry grass. 10