2013 Polaris BRUTUS Owners Manual - Page 9

SAFETY Operator Safety WARNING! Serious injury or death can result if you do not follow these instructions and procedures, which are outlined in further detail within your owner's manual. • Read this manual and all labels carefully. Follow the operating procedures described. • Never allow anyone under age 16 to operate this vehicle and never allow anyone without a valid driver's license to operate this vehicle. • Do not carry passengers until you have at least two hours of driving experience with this vehicle. • No person under the age of 12 may ride as a passenger in this vehicle. Any passenger must be able to comfortably reach the floor and hand holds. • The driver and all passengers must wear eye protection and seat belt at all times. All riders should also wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy over-the-ankle boots. • Always keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. • Always keep both hands on the steering wheel and both feet on the floorboards of the vehicle during operation. • Never permit a guest to operate this vehicle unless the guest has read this manual and all product labels. • To reduce tipover risk, be especially careful when encountering obstacles and slopes and when braking on hills or during turns. • This vehicle is for off road use only. Never operate on public roads. Always avoid paved surfaces. • Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this vehicle. • Never operate at excessive speeds. Always travel at a speed proper for the terrain, visibility and operating conditions, and your experience. • Never attempt jumps or other stunts. • Always inspect the vehicle before each use to make sure it's in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection procedures described in this manual. • Always travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Be alert to changing terrain. • Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain. • Always follow proper procedures for turning. Practice turning at slow speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds. Never turn at excessive speeds. • Always have this vehicle checked by an authorized POLARIS dealer if it has been involved in an accident. • Never operate this vehicle on hills too steep for the vehicle or for your abilities. Practice on smaller hills before attempting larger hills. • Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in the BRUTUS owner's manual. Check the terrain carefully before attempting to climb a hill. Never climb hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Never move the travel control pedal suddenly, make sudden changes of direction or make sudden gear changes. Never go over the top of a hill at high speed. • Always follow the proper procedures outlined in this manual for traveling downhill and for braking on hills. Check the terrain carefully before descending a hill. Never travel downhill at high speed. Avoid going downhill at an angle, which would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to one side. Travel straight down the hill where possible. • Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Never attempt to operate over large obstacles such as rocks or fallen trees. Always follow the proper procedures outlined in the BRUTUS owner's manual when operating over obstacles. • Always be careful of skidding or sliding. On slippery surfaces such as ice, travel slowly and exercise caution to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control. • Never operate your vehicle in fast-flowing water or in water deeper than that specified in the BRUTUS owner's manual. Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after leaving water. If necessary, apply them lightly several times to let friction dry out the pads. • Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind your vehicle when operating in reverse. When it's safe to proceed in reverse, move slowly. Avoid turning at sharp angles in reverse. • Always use the proper size and type of tires specified in this manual. Always maintain proper tire pressure as specified on safety labels. • Never modify this vehicle through improper installation or use of accessories. • Never exceed the stated load capacity for this vehicle. Cargo should be properly distributed and securely attached. Reduce speed and follow the instructions in this manual for hauling cargo, with attachments installed or pulling a trailer. Allow a greater distance for braking. Keep the attachment arm low (if equipped) and slow down when turning. • Check that the attachment is securely fastened to the machine. • Check for underground lines before operating attachment (if applicable). • Disengage PTO (if equipped), put the gear selector lever in PARK, stop the engine and make sure all rotating components are stopped before exiting utility vehicle. • Always stop the engine before refueling. Remove flammable material containers from the box before filling them with fuel. Make sure the refueling area is well ventilated and free of any source of flame or sparks. Fuel is extremely flammable. See your BRUTUS owner's manual for fuel safety warnings. • Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is not in use to prevent unauthorized use or accidental starting. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY, call POLARIS at 1-800-342-3764. 8