2014 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault Owners Manual - Page 19
2014 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault Manual
Page 19 highlights
SAFETY Operator Safety Driving Downhill When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the snowmobile and reduce your speed to a minimum. Apply just enough throttle to keep the clutch engaged, allowing the engine's compression to help slow the snowmobile and keep it from rolling freely downhill. WARNING! When driving on long downhill stretches, pump the brakes. Riding the brakes may cause the brake system to overheat, which may result in brake failure. Excessive or repetitive use of the brakes for high speed stops will also cause an overheated brake system. This condition may lead to a sudden loss of brakes and/or fire and may result in serious injury or death. Driving in Hilly Terrain WARNING! Climbing a hill or crossing the face of a slope may result in loss of balance and snowmobile rollover, causing serious injury or death. Use caution and good judgement when driving in hilly terrain. Use extra caution when operating in hilly terrain. If climbing a hill is unavoidable, keep your weight low and forward. If you must cross the face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the snowmobile to maintain proper balance and avoid possible roll-over. Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill. Be prepared to react to obstacles, sharp drops or other people or vehicles that may be on the other side of the hill. If you're unable to continue up a hill, turn the snowmobile downhill before it loses momentum. If this isn't possible, spin the track just enough to dig in to prevent it from rolling back down the hill. Stop the engine and set the parking brake (if equipped). Keeping away from the downhill side of the snowmobile, pull the rear of the snowmobile around and point the front end and skis downhill. Remount the snowmobile, restart the engine, release the parking brake, and descend the hill carefully. 17